2022 IB City Council Candidates Forum

Imperial Beach City Council Candidate Question #1:

This week is your introductory piece … your “elevator pitch” if you will … “Why did you decide to run for the Imperial Beach City Council, and what do you offer that sets you apart from the other candidates?”

I feel extremely fortunate to have been of service in my community since the early 1990s when I purchased my first home here in Imperial Beach. Through various Civic groups and faith-based charitable organizations, I have a long history of involvement and engagement with local community issues and needs – with only the well-being of my community as my goal.

I have a long-standing, personal civic commitment of engagement across many local issues and fully support our small town retaining its vibrant, classic and sustainable Southern California beach town atmosphere.

There are many important, on-going City matters that will require my hard work to move them towards a positive resolution. With the public’s support, I pledge to do my best to keep our wonderful beach community on track toward a greater future that all our children and grandchildren can enjoy and cherish. I love living in Imperial Beach - for the past 37+ years.
Significant Accomplishments that set me apart from my District 3 opponent:

1) A South Bay Resident since 1964 and Imperial Beach property owner since 1990. Civic Volunteer in multiple local groups over the years including Imperial Beach Little League, 
Paint IB (Kiwanis) and other local charitable groups (including, but not limited to; Imperial Beach Neighborhood Center, Kiwanis (Fishing Derby) and “Christmas in April” events and other various community organizations.

2) Retired with 30 years of Aerospace Project Engineering experience in 2019 from UTC (formerly Rohr, Inc.) – Problem solving critical (Aircraft) issues for a living.

3) Currently serving a 3-year appointed term on the US International Boundary & Water Commission (IBWC) Citizens Forum Board – San Diego Region (2020 – 2023) – appointment by US Commissioners Harkins and Giner under two different Federal administrations (Trump & Biden).

4) Served 4 years as the President of the local 501c3 Citizens for Coastal Conservancy (C4CC) – a grassroots, non-profit working along with the EPA and other local agencies on the TRV Comprehensive solution and transboundary sewage issues (March 2019 – March 2022).

5) Currently Serving on the California State Water Quality Control Board Bioaccumulation Monitoring Group – (2021 – 2023). Advocating for stronger (toxin concentration) testing protocols and adding additional fish species for testing in the impacted ocean zones of TRV sewage spills (since Winter of 2017).

6) Served on the City of Imperial Beach Design Review Board (DRB) – Citizens Planning Board appointed by former Imperial Beach Mayor Diane Rose.

7) Continues to support local civic events, activities and actively participates in City governance meetings and events – including Imperial Beach City Council meetings, Topical Workshops, SANDAG meetings, local SBUSD School Board meetings (as necessary) and “Coffee with the City Manager” as scheduled.

8) Recently received District 3 Endorsements from the Deputy Sheriff’s Association of San Diego County, the San Diego County Lincoln Club, and from City of Coronado Mayor Richard Bailey, and Former Congressman and Imperial Beach Mayor Brian Bilbray.

9) A Mar Vista High School graduate – Mariners Class of 1976. Hail the Green and Gold!!

Vol. 38, No. 40 - Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022