I’m an entrepreneur and a businessman. I opened the first retail computer store in New York City in 1980, selling Apple IIs to the New York Times, Newsweek, and others. After selling the business, I was a typography director for large advertising agency with major accounts such as Mercedes-Benz. Moving to California, I started a boutique ad agency serving the Apple computer peripheral market in the Bay Area. When Apple’s market share dropped dramatically, we closed business and I went into auto sales. At the same time I began taking classes in web design, and then became a corporate trainer serving companies such as EDS and GM.
After my wife and I became empty nesters, we moved to Coeur d’Alene to be closer to her family, who have been here since Idaho was a territory. I was a business developer for a local company, and also became involved with the chamber of commerce, and the CDA Economic Development Committee.
On retiring, I began to attend city council meetings and other government meetings, and local political club meetings. Before running for mayor last year, I had no prior political experience, but have always read about, watched and studied politics and public policy. My broad range of experience and interest in many areas, my study skills and ability to quickly absorb information, and my decision making skills give me the foundation to be successful as a state legislator.
Moreover, I am passionate in my desire to prevent Idaho from becoming another overtaxed, crime-ridden and lawless state. I will stand against policies that conflict with our traditional Idaho values. As a two-time political refugee, I have seen this scenario played out before, and I pledge to do everything in my power to not let it happen here.