Candidate for
Governing Board Member; Carmel Unified School District

Softly Speak The Truth

There comes a time in one's life, when the many experiences and trials come together to form a world view that is ready to be offered to the community at large. In the case of myself and Linda, my wife of 21 years, having two older children come up through Carmel Unified School District, then finding ourselves with a nine year old who has many years left, has given me the incentive to bring my experience to bear for the good of the children in our community. It is for that reason that I have decided to seek election to the CUSD Board of Trustees.

It is my intention to be myself throughout the upcoming election season. My philosophy toward governance of our district is from a socially conservative point of view. I believe I possess the communication skills to address some of the more controversial issues with humility and fairness. My style is to softly speak the truth, rather than just inflame the discussion.

I have served the community in many fashions, most notably as a Boy Scouts of America Trained Adult Leader and Chaplain for Carmel Valley Troop 127. It was in this capacity that I organized and emceed a Community Candlelight Memorial after the tragic death of Trevor Principe, one of our scouts. This and other experiences have given me a sense of compassion for students in our community who struggle every day with various life circumstances.

I am a Carmel Valley native who attended Junipero Serra School and went on to graduate CHS Class of '74. I currently run our family plastering business, working the custom home market on the Peninsula. As for board work, I serve on the BOD of White Rock Club, above the Santa Lucia Preserve. As Club Secretary, I am involved in various land use issues. Most recently, through the LAFCO process, I've been part of the annexation of White Rock into the Carmel Valley Fire Protection District.

It's hard to gauge the will of the voters within CUSD boundaries. Many rely solely on the Herald's endorsements when it comes to choosing board candidates. This season, I would like to see where CUSD parents weigh in on their preferences. Therefore, I propose that a group like FOCUS commission a survey to be sent to CUSD families, with one survey per each student in the district. The results could be sorted by school or as a total, with the information to be made available to the electorate at large in a timely manner before the election.

I have the utmost respect for this process and look forward to an informative and lively campaign season.