University of Oklahoma, Undergraduate and law, 1979-1987
University of Puget Sound Law school, 1987-1988
Organizations
Olympia Unitarian Universalist
Karate black belt
Volunteer Experience
Tumwater Planning Commission-1990s
Pro Tem Court Commissioner-10 years
Thurston County Volunteer Legal Services, Aug 1994 – Present
Volunteer Legal Counsel, The Olympia Free Clinic, 2015 – Present
VP and President, Board of Trustees, 2004 – 2008; Olympia Unitarian Universalist,
Professional Experience
Ascher and Denton-Family law attorney
Questionnaire Responses
Finance and accounting: For 30+ years, I’ve helped many people make decisions about all of their financial matters.
The Port is not a business. It is government. The Port’s mission is to improve the economy of Thurston County. I do not measure success in reaching this goal by viewing profit/loss statements of parts of the Port’s operations.
Property tax increases: It is desirable to minimize tax increases and am well aware that this history is very frustrating for many folks. I think it can change and want to be part of finding ways for that to happen.
Economic development: The Port is the only governmental entity whose primary purpose is to support Thurston County’s economic development. This development needs to occur hand in hand with environmentally responsible stewardship of the Port’s assets to stimulate good-paying (more than just living wage) jobs.
Homelessness: The city and county governments are on the front lines of helping our neighbors who do not have homes. The Port works closely with all other local governments, including Tribal governments, to help with this crisis.
Port Commission Issues: I believe that our community needs more education about the Port. Better understanding and cooperation with the Port’s economic development mission will reduce friction and improve our local economy.
Deschutes dam removal: The issue of dredging expenses and environmental impact in our part of Puget Sound is enormous and very much involves the Port. It seems unreasonable to me that the entire cost of a dam-removal-caused massive additional dump of sediment into the Sound should be borne only by the entities who currently operate in those waters.
Destination Waterfront: The living shoreline with a walking path is my favorite part of Destination Waterfront.
Climate change: The Port is in a unique position to educate the public about global warming and its impact on our precious waterfront. I’d like to see the Port take leadership on this issue as I see it as having a solid relationship to the economic welfare of our very water-centric community.
Port real estate: I would love to see the Port find tenants for our Port’s land where high-wage employment and ecologically responsible building practices would benefit our economy and our environment at the same time.
Capital projects: Some projects of the Port involve a narrow subset of our population, like boat owners. This is unavoidable. Overall, Port activities must move toward goals that are best for Thurston County’s people as a whole.