Candidate for
Council Member; City of Orinda

As a resident of Orinda for over two decades, I thoroughly appreciate the opportunities, character, and kindness that define our community. My wife Maryett, three children (all graduates of our remarkable schools), and I have benefitted greatly from living here, and now I would like to help Orinda by applying my financial background on the City Council.

In my 37-year financial career, as well as my work in the community, I have a track record of collaboration, transparency, and building consensus. I am responsive, generous with my time, and love working with people, even those I don't necessarily agree with. My positions are not set in stone, and I am always open to being convinced of something if you can prove your case.

There are three issues I am currently focused on:

1. While our city has shown some financial and budgetary prudence, we need someone on the City Council with a substantial financial background who can help ensure this continues for the long-term. My background will help us examine and possibly remedy the escalating cost of services, as well as find ways to fund the renovation and long-term maintenance of the road system.

2. The city needs to address the public safety concerns a number of citizens are raising. I have a track record of transparency and responsiveness, and can ensure that new ideas such as license plate readers (which track cars involved in crimes and alert police when they enter Orinda) are considered and well-vetted.

3. We need transparency and collaboration in developing a long-range planning vision for Orinda, especially in the commercial downtown. While not everyone will agree on the final result, it is important that we try to reach a consensus that our city can be proud of for the future. And while I don't believe that we would be best served by an arbitrary height limit for new developments, I think we need to do everything possible to preserve the character that made us all choose to live in Orinda in the first place.

Please don't hesitate to contact me with any questions or comments, and I look forward to working with you to help our community!