Education: University of Washington, JD Law; Excelsior College, BA Economics; University of Tennessee, Graduate Studies Economics

Occupation: Attorney, Small Business Owner, Devoted Parent, and Concerned Citizen

Statement: Let's Abolish the Unfair $72.0 Million Port Property Tax Levy!

This year, King County property owners are being taxed $72.0 Million to subsidize the Port of Seattle. Since 2002, this unfair property tax levy has more than doubled. Why should working families and senior citizens be drained, just to subsidize international shipping companies and privileged Port contractors?

Other major ports don't tax the people, but give money back to the people. Our biggest rivals, Los Angeles and Vancouver BC, give back over $100 million annually to support local governments. With over $5 billion in net assets, the Port of Seattle can also give back to help the people, and stop taking such an enormous subsidy.

Unfortunately, the Port of Seattle has failed to effectively manage its investments. With the cushion of a property tax subsidy, it simply hasn't been forced to do so. Most people know that the Port runs the airport, seaport, and cruise terminal, but it also manages four conference centers, six office and commercial developments, a system of nineteen parks, and a police department nearly as large as the entire City of Renton force. International trade and commercial aviation should be profitable, instead of senselessly wasting our tax dollars.

We need to trim and reform overbloated and inefficient Port management. The Port CEO makes $350,000 annually, over twice the Governor's salary! Hundreds of top executives have comfortable six-figure salaries. Controversial leases and contracts have been awarded with very little debate or public scrutiny. Year after year, the Port faces divisive scandals, illegal payouts, and disastrous performance audits. We need to reform our Port and make it financially accountable and self-supporting!

I am an ordinary citizen, small business owner, and a concerned and devoted parent. I would be honored to have your vote and support in this election.