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1. Please tell us about yourself and your background.
My public service began in the Navy where I served for 10.5 years in the Submarine Service. After I received an honorable discharge, I began a successful computer-consulting career. I have worked for companies that include Tennessee Valley Authority, Southern Bell, Pennsylvania Power and Light, EDS, Pacific Bell, SBC, Primitive Logic, Safeway, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and many other Bay Area companies. I founded my own company, Hudson Business Networks, in 2001 in Suisun City. As a small business owner, I became increasingly involved with my community. I served on several boards, commissions, and nonprofit organizations. I eventually ran successfully run for Suisun City Council in 2006.
2. Why do you believe you are qualified to hold this office?
I am heavily involved with my community. As a small business owner, I see the challenges that business faces every day, serving customers, paying taxes, and making payroll. I am active in the Waterfront District BID and the Suisun Business Group. As the Chairman of the Fairfield Suisun Community Action Council, I see how policy affects seniors and the disabled. As a veteran, I have a good understanding of military issues, which has served me well considering the importance of Travis Air Force Base. I am involved with many regional and state groups to tackle larger issues: League of California Cities, The Fairfield Suisun Sewer District, Association of Bay Area Governments, Solano Transportation Authority, Travis Regional Armed Forces Committee, and many others.
3. Please tell us your general views about the role of government.
The role of government is to provide common services that communities need and cannot easily provide for themselves such as common defense, infrastructure, public safety, etc. The government must provide those services in cost effective manner. It is a primary duty of government to protect individual rights and freedoms.The problem with most government is that it seeks to grow in scope. As government grows, it becomes less cost effective and more intrusive. The challenge is to maintain the right level of government.
4. What ethical standards do you believe an elected representative should be held to?
My standardsDo unto others as you would have done unto you. Be fast to forgive and slow to judge. Withhold judgment until you know the facts; always think and speak well of others. Serve only one master, there is no such thing as a free lunch. Anything that is free is often more expensive than you can afford. The few conflicts of interest you have the better you will be able to serve. Remember you represent people; their opinions matter, your opinion may not. It is a job and requires the same commitment and craftsmanship that any other career requires, that means provide good value. A workman is worth his wage. Good work costs money. Cutting corners often cuts quality. Be careful spending money, it is other peoples money. Always ask good questions, do your homework, be prepared. Good fences make good neighbors; you need to have boundaries and limits. Think before you speak. People may not remember what you said, but they will certainly repeat it. Remember to thank people. Remember that perception of ethical conduct is not the same as ethical conduct.
5. What do you see as the biggest challenges facing your community and what will be your highest priorities if elected?
Suisun Citys biggest challenge is to provide greater economic opportunities to our community. Our residents need jobs. We need to develop our business community. This will help our budget, help the employment rate, and provide greater choices for residents.Other challenges including: Suisun City has a low crime rate (10% reduction in crime), but you can always do better. We have infrastructure needs that we are currently working (MTCs Most Improved Streets Award), but we still have many streets to fix. My priorities are: Public safety Infrastructure maintenance Economic development
6. How will your ideas be implemented? Where will the money come from?
Economic development will be a combination of marketing opportunities, small business development, make it easier to start a business in Suisun City, and work with the redevelopment agency.Market available properties and demographics to attract new business and industry. Work to build our existing small business community through training, joint marketing, and collaborating with SBDC. Make it easier to start a new business Use the redevelopment agency to make build the infrastructure to help businesses be successful. Suisun City has a balanced budget with no furloughs, no layoffs, and no reductions in service. If we can simply keep the State from stealing our redevelopment funds, we should be able to afford all of these programs.
7. More than anything else, what do you think is the most compelling reason why people should vote for you?
Suisun City has a balanced budget with no furloughs, no layoffs, and no reductions in service. We even have a small surplus! Crime in Suisun City has fallen 10% We have brought new businesses to Suisun City: a new hotel, new restaurants, new stores, and new businesses We have a new public library that was the result of a great partnership with Solano County, the school district, and Suisun City. The Salvation Army will be opening in March helping to keep the community fit! We have paved more roads in the last three years than have been paved in the previous 8 years.
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