"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."
- Winston Churchill
Vision
I love Stillwater. I love its beauty, history, charm, and the people. I also love and appreciate the extraordinary sense of community, but only some are represented at the table, and only some of the stories are told. I work in the basic human services nonprofit sector here in the St. Croix Valley and am the chair of the city's Human Rights Commission, which, coupled with my own personal intersect of growing up Latino, has made me distinctly aware that not every citizen is always represented or heard. There has never been a person of color on the Council and that becomes apparent when you listen to the discussions and see some of the actions the Council has taken. I know that inclusiveness and equity can be a forgotten part of the conversation. I want to be part of raising our community to its highest ideals for everyone.
​
Government should be an extraordinary place where we discuss brilliant ideas, are curious, inspire, and make sure all are heard and represented, where no one gets left behind.​​
My top priorities are:
-
To ensure that every citizen's voice is heard and represented at the table.
-
A thorough, timely and transparent response to the clean water issue facing our community.
-
Affordable housing solutions in unison with greater transportation resources.
-
To continue to evolve as a community without losing our history, charm, beauty, open spaces, and watershed quality.
-
A synergistic partnership with local businesses to address societal challenges and at the same time have a vibrant and diverse economy.​
About
I live in Stillwater with my wife, Jackie, and our daughter, Sophia. I also have two older daughters, Lindsey and Whitney.
I love and appreciate living in Stillwater and doing my part to give back to the community. Public service is an integral part of my ethos. I have over 40 years of experience in the Nonprofit and public service sectors. I have worked for organizations supporting children, education, the environment, human rights, National Parks, and the arts. I have served on many nonprofit boards, been an executive director for a resource conservation district and a community arts theater group.
I am currently chair of the Human Rights Commission for the City of Stillwater, a certified DEI facilitator, member of the United Way of Washington County East DEI Task Force, a volunteer park ranger for the National Park Service, board chair for the St. Croix Valley Opera, committee member for Union Art Alley, and an ambassador for the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce.
I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Prior to turning to nonprofit work full-time, I was an Environmental/Space Simulation Engineer. My greatest joys are my family, time spent in nature, and baseball.
