With greater focus on economic growth, we’ve seen new business and industry in the basin. Better collaboration has led to improved public safety, and a desire to find solutions rather than dig into an isolationist mentality. We need to continue these efforts as they help diversify our economy, but we need to do so in a way that doesn’t abandon our heritage. In recent years we’ve also had our fair
share of challenges. Large wildfires have damaged too much of our landscape. This is made even more dangerous as ongoing drought conditions show no signs of letting up. As the County Emergency Manager, I have had a front row seat to these challenges and many others. The pandemic has affected far too many, but we’ve tried to maintain a sensible local control approach that has helped minimize the economic damage. While state government hasn’t always given us the latitude we've desired, I feel we’ve pushed back respectfully where there has been overreach. We need to continue to push back against government overreach whether it comes from Salem, Portland, or Washington DC. Experience matters. I have 25 years of private sector experience as a leader in the telecommunications industry. During that time, I led several organizations as an executive, a job creator, and a problem solver. I have shared that experience for 15 years as a volunteer with local schools, Fire and EMS agencies, and public safety organizations. In addition, I served four years on Klamath County’s Budget Committee; two of those years as the committee chair. I have served the last three years as Klamath County’s Emergency Manager and Public Information Officer for the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office. I have a solid track record of experience and working with people to find creative solutions to any challenges we face.
