My life story has a lot to do with my decision to run for State Senate. I went to college at the University of Maryland when tuition was $350 a semester and students had free health care. I worked full time as a mechanic and was able to pay my own way through school. That’s no longer possible. My son will graduate from college next year with a mountain of debt, no health care, and uncertain prospects for getting a job. Our children deserve better than that.

After college I served as a volunteer for UNICEF and Mennonite Central Committee in Africa, where I built wells and dams for water supply and irrigation. The people there faced drought and starvation due to climate change. Most couldn’t survive, and had to leave land they had farmed for generations. They moved to shantytowns near the capital city, where jobs were scarce and living conditions were miserable. Many families had to split up, with one parent working in another country and sending money home.

My experience in Africa opened my eyes to the problem of poverty, and motivated me to search for answers. I received a full scholarship to study Economics at the University of Notre Dame, and earned my Doctorate after 7 years of study. My research was published as a book about the causes and consequences of financial crises and recessions.

As Senior Economist for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, I evaluated the impact of energy and environmental policies on member utilities. My projects included measuring energy efficiency and performance, and evaluating strategies to reduce power plant emissions.

I love the outdoors, so as soon as the opportunity came, I moved to Vancouver. I volunteered with the Washington Reading Corps and tutored students who were struggling with reading and math. The town I served in was experiencing high unemployment and poverty, so I worked with community leaders to develop an Economic Development Plan to boost local businesses and create jobs.

As Director of the Catholic Campaign for Human Development in western Oregon, I assisted churches with raising money and distributing grants to nonprofits that were addressing poverty, unemployment, and homelessness in their communities.

Currently I teach Economics part-time and work with several community nonprofits. The Southwest Washington Community Land Trust builds homes that will be permanently affordable for generations to come. The Northwest Cooperative Development Center provides technical assistance for affordable housing, community-supported agriculture, and renewable energy. JubileeUSA advocates for debt relief for the world’s poorest nations, so they can focus on promoting economic development and ending poverty.

My faith is central to my life. I am a member of St. Joseph's Church and Ascension Church in Portland. I’m committed to global solidarity and sustainability: my house has solar heat and hot water and is nearly carbon-neutral. It is listed in the American Solar Energy Society's national directory of solar homes.

I couldn't survive long without the peace and quiet of the outdoors. I'm an avid cyclist, mountain climber, and whitewater kayaker, and belong to the Mazamas Climbing Club, Sierra Club, Washington Trails Association, Oregon Kayak and Canoe Club, and Lower Columbia Canoe Club.

I enjoy volunteering with projects that help 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 for people experiencing homelessness.

Over 300 volunteers showed up to greet people living at the margins in our community. There was an overwhelming feeling of hope, solidarity, and community, 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 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 devise 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 an intern at Taylor Made Farm, where he prepares thoroughbred yearlings for auction. We've had many memorable adventures together climbing, skiing, and paddling. Danny has a way of welcoming and connecting with all kinds of people, and has been a model of how to respect and appreciate people from all walks of life.