How many years have you lived in Maine?: 50 +

What experiences,  motivations, and leadership styles will make you an effective City Councilor?:
I am a Coast Guard licensed Captain, having spent a lifetime around the Portland waterfront. I operate a Tow Boat for BoatUS, rescuing people off the coast at all hours of the day and night.  I have filled in as pumpout boat operator for Friends of Casco Bay for part of two seasons.
I also spent five months as a FEMA disaster assistance employee down south, helping Katrina victims. Colby College graduate in American Studies.  Also studied at U.Maine and Blackfeet Community College in Montana. Led successful effort to close the Maine Yankee Nuclear Plant early, saving Mainers from a potential economic and environmental disaster.  Two years as neighborhood association Vice-President, and two years as President of Stroudwater Village Association.  Substitute teacher in South Portland Schools and at Longcreek Youth Development Center.  First Chair of the Thomas Jordan Trust in Cape Elizabeth, helping low income residents. Experienced Town Councilor, having served 4 years on Town council in Cape Elizabeth.  I was born in Portland, have many friends here, and enjoy helping people of all different backgrounds in their pursuit of happiness.  My leadership style is collaborative, yet I know that effective leaders need to have the courage take initiative.

If elected, what would your top three priorities be?  How do they affect Portlander's aged 18-35?:
1. Review taxes and spending- to maintain necessary services while keeping the cost of living here under control.  2. Protect the working waterfront with its economic and quality of life benefits. 3. Maintain law & order, specifically to support the Police in a no-tolerance of gang activity- to keep Portland a safe place to live.

Please share one positive change you have seen on City Council AND in Portland over the last year?:
The election of two City Councilors under the age of 30 provides an exciting and more balanced perspective.

Please share one frustrating change you have seen on City Council AND in Portland over the last year?:
Runaway budgets.

What competing responsibilities do you have: professionally and personally?:
I have to work for a living, but that also gives me a necessary and contemporary perspective. Personally, I need to spend time at home with my sweetheart,  who is my strongest ally and source of strength.

Are you a homeowner or a renter?: homeowner
Do you support reducing the parking requirements for new construction (Y/N)?: yes- for residential
Do you support increasing housing density to build more units (Y/N)?: yes
What are you thoughts and ideas about housing in Portland?:
It's too expensive.  I'd rather see more density in the city than urban sprawl.

What is your primary mode of transportation?  How can we improve transportation in Portland?:
I have an old Toyota. I'd like to increase bike lanes and the frequency of the bus schedule.  Offer incentives to those who carpool such as reduced parking rates in City-owned garages.  Become a leader in cleaner, more efficient, city-owned, public transportation and other fleet vehicles.

What economic development ideas would you bring to City Council?:
Foster and develop sustainable, environmentally friendly, locally owned businesses. Pursue grant funding and matching funds to develop sustainable energy technology.

How do you think the current Council has processed the Maine State Pier development?:
It has perhaps moved too quickly, without enough public input.

Do you think it is important to increase regional collaboration?  Why or why not?  If so, what would you do to collaborate more?:
It may be useful for smaller towns to collaborate on some services, but generally Portland should not spread resources.  There may, however, be opportunities for savings in bulk purchases of materials and energy.

What do you think of Portland's overall tax structure, and specifically, about current tax rates?:
Taxes are too high. If elected, I would consult with tax and financial experts who live here to identify where the system is not serving us, and change it where change would serve us better.

What do you think Portland should do to encourage the arts and the creative economy?:
The first steps would be to foster a safe and affordable place to live.

What role do you think neighborhoods, and neighborhood associations, should have in our city?:
The neighborhood associations are extremely valuable in identifying and quantifying the needs and wishes of large groups of our citizens.  By hosting and publicizing forums on critical issues, they enhance the discussion before issues reach the Council.

What specific steps do you think Portland can make to become a more sustainable city and to safeguard a healthy environment?:
Support sustainable environmental and business practices. Avoid negotiating away tax revenue to outside business interests. Support police efforts to discourage gang activity. Monitor noise pollution and traffic patterns. Support a working waterfront and a clean Casco Bay.