VOTE411 Voter Guide

My experience comes from showing up where the need is—day in and day out. I founded and led a nonprofit that helps people with vital transportation, with housing, and navigate systems that often feel impossible. I’ve served on local boards like the Bremerton Housing Authority, Salvation Army, and Kitsap Regional Library because I believe in being part of the solution, not just pointing out problems. I’ve worked in education, supported military families, and helped people through tough transitions. I’ve seen how decisions made in city hall affect folks on the ground, and I’ve spent years doing my part to close the gaps. I’m not running because I think I have all the answers—I’m running because I’ve been listening, learning, and working, and I want to keep doing that with more tools and a broader reach as Mayor.

My public service comes from walking alongside people who’ve been left out or overlooked. When someone needs a ride to treatment, when a senior can’t get to dialysis, or when a single parent’s facing eviction—I’ve been there. Not just to hand out resources, but to help navigate the systems that are supposed to support us. I’ve served on the Audit Committee and other boards where I’ve pushed for transparency and fairness. I’ve partnered with churches, organizations, and service providers to fill in the gaps. I’ve written grants, built programs, and helped connect people to what they need to get back on their feet. None of it is glamorous. Most of it is hard. But it’s been worth it every time someone is helped.” That’s the spirit I’ll bring to the Mayor’s office.

I decided to run because I see what’s happening in Bremerton—people getting pushed out, priced out, and left behind. I see a lot of decisions being made without the voices of those who are most impacted. I’ve been asked to run by several different groups, but I wanted to make sure it was for the right reasons. Now, I see the need more clearly than ever. Our systems are stretched, and too many people are falling through the cracks. I’m not running because I think I can do it alone. I’m running because I believe leadership should reflect the community it serves. I’ve worked hard to build trust with people in this city, and I want to carry their voices into city hall. I know what it’s like to struggle, to hustle, to help others when you barely have enough. That’s why I’m stepping up.

Simultaneously, housing—too many families are on the edge, and rents keep climbing. People who grew up here can’t afford to stay. Transportation—if you don’t have a car or can’t afford one, getting around is a challenge. It limits access to jobs, health care, and opportunity. Economic opportunity—our city invests in development, but not enough in people. Small businesses struggle, and our young people don’t see a future here. These issues overlap. If we want a city that works for everyone, we’ve got to stop treating these problems like they’re separate. We need a coordinated approach—one that listens, responds, and puts the community first. I’ve seen firsthand how these issues affect real people, and I know we can do better.

For housing, I’ll support policies that create truly affordable units—not just market-rate buildings with a few discounted apartments. I’ll push for tenant and landlord protections and support non-profit developers who prioritize people over profits. On transportation, I’ll work with Kitsap Transit and community providers to expand service where it’s needed most. That includes better coverage, weekend service, and more options for folks who don’t fit into the 9-to-5 schedule. On jobs and the local economy, I’ll focus on small businesses, apprenticeship programs, and youth training that actually lead to careers. I want to see city contracts go to local companies and workers. This isn’t about big promises—it’s about practical big swings that make life better for people right here. I’ll keep showing up, listening, and working with others to get it done.

Serving as City Council President and Councilmember has prepared me to lead on day one. I’ve built coalitions and advanced solutions on housing, public safety, and infrastructure. I serve on regional boards for transportation, economic development, and public safety, giving me a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities ahead. As a NASA mission director and PhD scientist, I led complex teams to deliver results under pressure—experience I now bring to public service. I hold certifications in project management and advanced city leadership, which help me bridge big-picture vision with operational detail. I’ve also served as a planning commissioner, nonprofit director, and community volunteer. I know Bremerton well—not just as a policymaker, but as a parent, partner, and neighbor—and I’m ready to lead with transparency, integrity, and a clear focus on building a safer, more inclusive, and more vibrant Bremerton for everyone.

I’ve served on the Bremerton City Council since being elected in 2021 and was elected Council President by my colleagues. I’ve chaired multiple committees, including Audit and Finance, and have represented Bremerton on regional boards focused on transportation, growth, emergency services, and economic development. I previously served as a Bremerton Planning Commissioner and currently serve as President and Director of the Kitsap History Museum. I co-founded the Alliance for Equitable Healthcare to expand access to care during the pandemic, and I’m a Leadership Kitsap “20 Under 40” honoree. In every role, I’ve focused on listening to the community and delivering results—whether it’s securing investments in housing, holding government accountable, or cleaning up downtown with local volunteers. My approach is rooted in transparency, data, and collaboration. As a longtime resident, I’m committed to serving Bremerton with integrity and building a stronger, more inclusive city for everyone.

I’m running because after 8 years under the current mayor, Bremerton has seen rising housing costs, increased homelessness, and growing concerns about crime. I’ve served as City Council President and worked hard to move the city forward — but too often, we’ve had to push past dysfunction and a lack of urgency from the mayor’s office. I’m running to bring new leadership that actually listens, follows through, and delivers results. My experience as a NASA mission director and project manager taught me how to solve complex problems and lead teams through challenges — skills I now bring to city government. I’ve helped lead efforts on housing, public safety, downtown revitalization, and making government more accountable. I’m also a husband and father raising my family here. Bremerton has so much potential — but we can’t afford four more years of missed opportunities. I’m ready to lead with integrity, transparency, and a clear focus on building a better Bremerton for everyone.

Bremerton is facing a crisis of homelessness, rising housing costs, and public safety concerns. After eight years under the current mayor, the number of unhoused residents has nearly doubled. Housing prices have risen 50%, making our city unaffordable for so many, and crime has risen significantly while our police and fire departments are understaffed, resulting in growing community frustration. These are urgent challenges that demand real leadership.

The new navigation shelter is now in progress — led by our community’s expert service providers — and I helped ensure it received funding. I’ll stay hands-on to support its success and expand shelter and supportive housing options. On affordability, I’ve already worked on Council to pass new zoning that allows more homes in more places. As mayor, I’ll fix the city’s broken permitting system and ensure we have a range of housing — from options for young people just starting out to seniors on fixed incomes and working families who want to stay in Bremerton. For public safety, I’ll prioritize police and fire staffing and support merging our fire department with Central Kitsap to improve service and reduce costs. We need leadership that doesn’t just talk — but follows through.

I am uniquely qualified to serve as Mayor of Bremerton. No one has ever campaigned for this office with wider experience in Bremerton’s municipal government. Currently serving my second term as Mayor, I previously served two terms on the Bremerton City Council, including three years as Council President.

I have an educational background focused on matters that directly affect our city, and I have sought additional certificates to be the best mayor I can be. I have an MBA and have managed a 450 employee organization with a $250,000,000 annual budget for seven years. I have served our country in the US Navy and worked for the largest employer in Bremerton, Puget Sound Naval Shipyard. I am a lifelong resident of Bremerton and dedicate my life to its people, making sure Bremertonians’ concerns are heard and addressed on a daily basis. I have visited the homes of over 8,400 Bremertonians so far this campaign, listening to their hopes and concerns for our city.

Prior to being elected Mayor, I served eight years on the Bremerton City Council representing District 4. I was elected by my peers to be City Council President for three consecutive terms.

I am a current member of the Bremerton Kiwanis Club and Bremerton Rotary Club. I have also served as President or Board Member for the following local organizations: Kitsap Community Resources, Olympic College Capital Campaign Committee, and Salvation Army Advisory Board.

I am a lifelong resident of Bremerton, Navy veteran, and retiree from the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Engineering Department. I hold a MBA from Brandman University, BA from Chapman University, and Energy Policy Planning certificate from the University of Idaho, as well as Certificates of Municipal Leadership and Advanced Municipal Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities. I am an alumnus of Central Kitsap High School, Dewey Junior High School, and View Ridge Elementary School.

I ran for Mayor because of my dedication to the people of Bremerton and their needs and interests. The last seven years demonstrate all that we can accomplish when we work together. I hope to earn the vote of Bremertonians again and continue working towards these goals, leading our city into a prosperous future for all.

Bremerton is my heart and home. I was fortunate enough to be raised here and know the positive impact this city can have on its residents. We have made great strides in my first two terms toward making Bremerton the best place to live, work, learn, invest, and play. I want to continue on the progress we have made and continue giving everyone the opportunity to succeed. It is the honor of my life serving as your mayor and I hope to earn your vote again.

The top three issues facing Bremerton are affordable housing, combating homelessness, and increasing access and affordability of healthcare. I believe all Bremertonians should have access to affordable housing and local healthcare options. I've taken several steps to address these issues in the past seven years, and the work is ongoing: Developing and delivering to Council a low-barrier, walk-up shelter plan; Re-zoning property to develop a workforce housing project for PCHS medical technicians; Adding the first Behavioral Health Program Position to the Bremerton Police Department; Passing a comprehensive plan amendment allowing for more liberal use of temporary housing and supporting accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations, with pre-approved ADU designs for citizen use; Supporting, funding, and completing Pendleton Place, the first large permanent supportive housing complex for Kitsap County adults who are chronically homeless with severe mental illness.

Affordable Housing & Combating Homelessness - I will continue to support developing a substandard housing displacement program; funding the Bremerton Rental Assistance Program; funding the City’s Weatherization Program with Kitsap Community Resources; partnering with local housing nonprofits to create and develop affordable housing or shelters for low-income residents or people experiencing homelessness.

I am dedicated to keeping access to medical care and mental health support here in Bremerton. As Mayor, I fully support continuing to partner with St. Michael Medical Center/Virginia Mason and MultiCare to support healthcare capacity and access; implementing the City’s Behavioral Health Program and continuing to improve the Navigator Program; supporting Stand By Me; continuing the mobile healthcare clinic partnership with PCHS; and increasing access to local health care services, including obstetrics and pediatrics.