Qualified for the November 3, 2026 Ballot
Forest Grove is my home. I’m running for City Council because I believe our community deserves leadership that listens, studies the numbers, asks difficult questions, and makes sure the decisions we make today actually benefit Forest Grove tomorrow.
Growth should make Forest Grove better — not simply bigger.
Why I'm Running
I grew up in Forest Grove, graduated from Forest Grove High School, and my wife Valentina and I continue to call Forest Grove home.
I work hard for my money, and I know Forest Grove families and businesses do too. Government should respect that. Before we spend taxpayer dollars, take on debt, provide major tax incentives, or make long-term commitments, residents deserve to know what we are spending, what we are receiving in return, who ultimately pays, and what the long-term consequences will be.
Priorities
Live within our means, examine alternatives, and demand measurable value for taxpayer dollars.
Read more →Welcome investment while making sure development strengthens Forest Grove and pays its fair share.
Read more →Support our officers while scrutinizing major capital costs and long-term taxpayer obligations.
Read more →Make Forest Grove a place where small and mid-sized businesses can start, operate, and grow.
Read more →Major decisions should be understandable without forcing residents to dig through government records.
Read more →When the City gives incentives, the public should receive a clear, measurable benefit in return.
See the Crane review →Candidate Q&A
The News-Times asked City Council candidates about experience, Forest Grove’s biggest issues, support for local businesses, federal immigration enforcement, and the $29.5 million police facility bond. I believe voters deserve clear answers, so I’ve posted my complete responses exactly as submitted.
01
I have spent most of my adult life in business, sales, and operations, including building and operating a local small business. That experience has taught me how to manage budgets, solve problems, negotiate, work with people from different backgrounds, and make difficult decisions with limited resources. I grew up in Forest Grove and graduated from Forest Grove High School, so I understand this community personally as well as from a business perspective. I am not a career politician. I would bring practical experience, accountability, common sense, and a willingness to ask hard questions before committing taxpayer dollars.
02
Responsible, controlled growth and earlier communication are paramount. Forest Grove has several large developments underway or proposed. We need to ask whether our schools, police, fire, roads, water, utilities, and other infrastructure are prepared for growth 5, 10, or 20 years from now. The data center showed me how important earlier community involvement is. Its approval is behind us, but infrastructure, utilities, compliance, and future impacts still require oversight. Growth is coming, but we must manage it responsibly instead of reacting afterward. Residents, businesses, schools, and community partners deserve a seat at the table. We are Stronger Together.
03
This issue is close to my heart. Our business left Forest Grove after our landlord proposed a 30% lease increase because we were “doing so well.” Small businesses cannot thrive when success simply creates unsustainable overhead. I believe Forest Grove should explore practical ways to encourage stable, predictable commercial leasing, streamline permitting and city processes, and strengthen its partnership with our Chamber of Commerce. The city, Chamber, property owners, and local businesses should work collaboratively to retain successful businesses, identify barriers to growth, and create an environment where new and existing businesses can invest, hire, and succeed.
04
Forest Grove should follow the law while keeping its primary focus on local public safety. I do not believe city resources should be used to create fear in the community or to interfere with lawful federal activity. Residents should be able to report crimes, cooperate with local police, and seek emergency assistance without hesitation. Immigration policy is primarily a federal responsibility. Our city government should focus its time, money, and attention on Forest Grove’s responsibilities — public safety, infrastructure, essential services, economic health, and community trust — rather than attempting to create its own immigration policy.
05
I believe our police department needs a new facility, and the City has spent years studying the need and working to reduce costs. At the same time, $29.5 million is a significant taxpayer commitment. Voters rejected the same bond amount in 2025, so I believe taxpayers deserve a clear explanation of what changed and exactly where the money will go. We all work hard for our money. Supporting our police and responsible spending are not competing priorities. We should provide officers what they need while demanding transparency, accountability, and maximum value for taxpayers.
Forest Grove’s Enterprise Zone agreement identifies approximately $275.26 million in qualified investment and a five-year property-tax exemption. Crane describes the completed Forest Grove campus as a 100+ MW development.
New information has answered or reduced several concerns I initially raised. Current project information shows air-based cooling, noise impacts were studied and mitigation was required, and Crane appears responsible for significant project-specific infrastructure. Other questions remain, especially the long-term financial return to Forest Grove, electric-system capacity, and the emissions controls and permitting for the project’s backup generators.
If new information changes the facts, I will update my position. If questions remain unanswered, I will keep asking them.
Read the Full Research & SourcesCommunity Supporters
I’m grateful for the local residents, families, and businesses who support my campaign and believe in a stronger future for Forest Grove.
A very special thank you to Andy with Miracle Sign Company for providing all of our campaign signs.
Andy has been fantastic to work with — professional, responsive, helpful, and genuinely great to work with. His support of our campaign has meant a lot, and the quality of the signs has been excellent.
If you need signs, banners, graphics, or other sign work, I highly recommend Andy and the team at Miracle Sign Company.
Thank you, Andy, for supporting our campaign and our community. Stronger Together.