Elected Experience: Whatcom County Council, 2015, Charter Review Commission, 2014.

Other Professional Experience: Professor, Western Washington University, teaching state and local government for 25 years; Washington State University Thomas Foley Institute for Public Service, senior fellow; Washington State Council of Faculty Representatives; Elected President of the Pacific Northwest Political Science Association, 2013. 

Education: California State University Sacramento, B.A. Economics and Government, 1986; University of California, Riverside, Ph.D. Political Science with an emphasis on land use and economic development, 1991.

Community Service: Columbia Neighborhood Association Board; Representative, Whatcom County Citizen Elections Advisory Commission; Past Board Member and chair, Whatcom Chapter Washington Conservation Voters. 

Statement: Since being elected as your county councilmember, I am proud we moved Whatcom County past coal – we enacted a moratorium barring a coal terminal at Cherry Point. I’ve also led the charge against Donald Trump. Our region spent over $300,000 on security for his Lynden rally; I cosponsored a bi-partisan bill to request reimbursement.

For two decades I worked outside of government to promote healthy communities. Over the next four years, I will continue to plan for 21st century jobs, build on progress we have made protecting drinking water in Lake Whatcom, and champion thriving farms, our great park system and livable neighborhoods. You can count on me to be careful with your tax dollars. I support a safe new jail - smaller and smarter than what is proposed. I’ll work so it includes treatment for the mentally ill and diversion from jail so we spend less of your money while making our community safer. I look forward to talking with you and hearing your hopes, concerns and ideas. Endorsed by Whatcom Democrats, Bellingham / Whatcom County Firefighters, Sierra Club, Planned Parenthood Votes, Washington Conservation Voters, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, Mayors Kelli Linville, Tim Douglas, Rep. Kris Lytton, and many more.