You deserve to know about your candidates for public office. This page describes the background and qualifications that I bring to this office, and answers frequently asked questions.

I teach Economics part-time at Washington State University and other area colleges. Working with students to find ways to make complex economic concepts understandable, interesting, and relevant to our everyday lives is both challenging and fulfilling. The study of economics needs to be practical as well as theoretical- it should improve our ability to make informed choices and good decisions, and add to our overall quality of life.

My primary research and professional interest has been modeling the impact of environmental and economic policies. After graduating from Notre Dame with a Ph.D. in Economics, I wrote a book about the causes and consequences of financial crises and recessions, and proposed some strategies for addressing these problems.

Currently I'm working on a study of the cost to the U.S. economy of complying with the Kyoto Protocol. My research shows that reducing carbon emissions will actually result in net benefits to the economy, from gains in productivity and efficiency and the introduction of energy-saving technologies.

In my previous career as Senior Economist for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, my job was to evaluate the impact of energy and environmental policies. My projects included comparing various strategies for reductions of pollutants and greenhouse gases at power plants, and measuring energy efficiency and environmental performance.

After moving to Vancouver, I took a year off to volunteer with the Washington Reading Corps, and tutored kids in reading and math. The town I served in was struggling with unemployment and aging infrastructure, so I worked with community leaders to develop an Economic Development Plan to boost economic growth and business opportunities.

As Director of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development in western Oregon, I worked with churches to take a collection each year and then distribute grants to projects that helped end poverty. It was incredibly rewarding to work in partnership with hard working people to develop local solutions to poverty, unemployment, and homelessness in their communities.

Now I serve on the board of directors for several community-based nonprofits, including the Southwest Washington Community Land Trust, whose mission is to build homes that will be permanently affordable for generations to come. As a Sustainability Consultant with the Northwest Cooperative Development Center, I provide technical assistance to community-based nonprofits providing affordable housing, community-supported agriculture, and renewable energy. With the Oregon chapter of JubileeUSA, I advocate for debt relief of the world’s poorest nations so they can focus on economic development and ending poverty.

For three years I worked with villages in Africa to build wells and small dams for water supply and irrigation with Mennonite Central Committee. After fighting an uphill battle against the devastating effects of climate change, I resolved to do all I could to reduce carbon emissions at the source, here at home. My attic now has 20” of insulation and I've converted to solar heat and hot water in my home, which is nearly carbon-neutral. It is listed in the American Solar Energy Society's national directory of solar homes.

My faith is central to my life. I belong to Ascension Church in Portland and St. Joseph's Church in Vancouver. I couldn't survive long without the peace and quiet of the outdoors, so I climb, ski, and kayak with the Mazamas Climbing Club, Loo-Wit Sierra Club, Washington Trails Association, Oregon Kayak and Canoe Club, and Willamette Kayak and Canoe Club.

I also volunteer a lot of my time helping the community. You may have heard about Project Homeless Connect at Hudson's Bay High School- a one-day event hosted by community leaders and nonprofits that provided hospitality, housing, and services in a convenient one-stop model directly to people struggling with homelessness. Over 300 people showed up to volunteer their time and greet people living at the margins in our community.

There was an overwhelming feeling of hope, solidarity, and community among people there, and everyone was greeted with warmth, respect, and dignity. I went home to a nice house, a good meal, and a warm bed wishing that I could do more, but also reassured that our community was doing everything possible to address real needs.

Our city is a model of community service and responsibility- we were first in the state to come up with a plan to end homelessness. It would be a privilege to represent you and work to implement this level of commitment and community service statewide.

Thank you for all you do!

Family

Here's my son Daniel at his high school graduation. He's now a Senior studying business management at Appalachian State University, and he interns at Taylor Made Farm, where he prepares thoroughbred yearlings for auction. We've had many memorable adventures climbing, skiing, and paddling. Danny has a way of welcoming and connecting with all kinds of people, and he's shown me how to respect and appreciate people from all walks of life.