My first involvement in politics was in Utah, where the State Health Department tried to mandate fluoridation of municipal water systems. Regardless of personal beliefs, most people felt that this was a matter of personal choice and should be decided on a local level. I had to become a “public officer of the state” (a Notary Public) in order to collect signatures on an initiative petition to place the issue on a statewide ballot. Mandatory fluoridation was defeated.
I became actively involved in the Republican party in Kootenai County when I was elected as a Precinct Committeeman in 2008. The Precinct Committeemen are the foot-soldiers of the party; they are responsible for encouraging residents to vote and to inform them of local issues. Two years later I was elected as Vice Chairman of the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee, a position that I still hold. I have driven and walked hundreds of miles, knocked on thousands of doors, and have been to most Republican State Biannual Meetings over the years. The Republican party has been active in promoting the principles of the State Republican Party Platform and promoting conservative candidates to run for local and state offices.
Although I am still active in a part time business, I have retired from a full time engineering career. I am running for office now that I have more time to utilize my training and influence at a higher level of public service. I know my district well and I will bring a fresh perspective to the Legislature. I believe in the long-standing Idaho tradition of sending citizen legislators to the Capitol to represent the citizens and not become members of a political elite class.