When Mayor Bozeman resigned unexpectedly in the middle of campaigning for re-election, I was shocked. Bremerton has done some pretty cool things during Mayor Bozeman’s tenure. I haven’t agreed with everything. I would have liked to see a stronger emphasis on neighborhoods and families. However, I have liked the big steps forward.

With the encouragement of many people who care about our city, I have decided to run for Mayor of my town. For me … this is not political … it is personal. I grew up here. My kids have all gone from grade school through high school here. I love and care for my community and the many friends and family that live here with me.

For 40 years, we watched some areas of Bremerton suffer through years of stagnation and decline. But even as we've struggled during the hard times, a spirit of community and pride has remained. Many of us who grew up here have come back as teachers or community leaders. Many, like me, chose to return as business professionals.

With a business degree in organizational management, I moved to California to take a job as Operations Manager for a large corporation soon after Leslie and I got married. After a few years we returned to our home community. I worked in a financial services office in downtown Bremerton on 4th Street while Leslie and I started our family. In addition to raising our own kids here, we have been foster parents to 54 children in our local community.

Fifteen years ago, I moved from business into public service. In my role as director at several local non-profit agencies, I have worked tirelessly over the years to serve famillies and children in need. I am currently the Executive Director of Community for Youth, a program that places volunteer mentors with at risk teens. My experiences in both business and the non-profit field have been complementary. This dual perspective will guide every decision I make as mayor.

I have also been active in the political sector. In 2006 I worked extensively to draft legislation focused on child welfare system reform. Gaining partisan sponsorship, I successfully lobbied for its passage. As a skilled negotiator, I know what it takes to navigate our complex bureaucratic landscape to get the job done.

As a team, we must all work together. Bremerton does not benefit from petty political squabbling or posturing for personal gain. That's why I will work hard to keep our action committees focused and productive.

We have begun to see some very promising things starting to happen in our town. We're taking our first proud steps in rebuilding the downtown business core. We're working hard on revitalizing neighborhoods like Eastpark. But the work has only begun and we've got a long way to go. And that's why taking action by improving infrastructure, breathing new life into our neighborhoods and supporting small family-owned businesses is so important. Bremerton's future depends on it.

To achieve this vision, Bremerton needs someone like me - a business professional with collaborative leadership experience who is anything but "business as usual". I'm committed to a singular focus - what's best for Bremerton. I have the vision and dedication to help lead Bremerton into a proud future by building on its solid foundation. Working together we can create a better Bremerton.

Like I said before, for me … this is not political … it is a personal choice to serve the community that I grew up in, came back to and love. I ask for your vote and support.