The mission of this web site and blog is to present common sense ideas in regards to current and relevant political issues; with the goal of helping to end the gridlock in Congress.
Shortly after selling my business and retiring in 2013, I started thinking about running for Congress in 2014. I talked it over with my wife, Linda, during the summer of 2013. When the government shut down in October 2013, I decided to move forward and discuss the idea with the rest of my family and friends.
First, I discussed it with my six adult children and their spouses. Then I began talking with my closest friends about running to get their feedback and to ask for their support. In January 2014, I decided to make the plunge.
I ran as an Independent candidate and as a Centrist. The theme of the campaign was End the Gridlock. I made these decisions because I believe that the Congress and both parties are dysfunctional, and in need of a few Independent and Centrist members to help break the gridlock.
Washington State has a “top-two” primary system, so I had to finish second in the primary election to move in to the general election. Our strategy was to finish second by beating the Democrat and then run against the Republican incumbent. Unfortunately we finished third in a field of four (there was a second Republican in the race).
While disappointed, I have no regrets about running – it was a great experience. It was my first run for elected office. I learned a lot, met a lot of good people, and feel like I made a difference.
I am thinking about running again in 2016, but will not decide until sometime in 2015. I have decided to start this blog as a way of staying in touch with my supporters. It will also be good for meeting new supporters and sharing my beliefs and positions on a variety of issues.
I hope that you will subscribe to my weekly blog and share it with your friends. I also have a Facebook page and a Twitter page if you prefer to follow me that way.
Thanks to all of my supporters from the 2014 primary election, I sincerely appreciate all that you did to make it such a great experience. I welcome your feedback on my blogs and thoughts on me running again in 2016.
For those who don’t know much about me: I’m a father, grandfather, husband, political centrist, former business owner (29 years), educator, Seahawks fan, and die hard Zags fan.
I was born, in Moline, Illinois – part of community called the Quad Cities, located along the Mississippi River between Illinois and Iowa. The Quad cities are: Moline and Rock Island, Illinois; and Davenport and Bettendorf, Iowa.
I grew up near the Quad Cities in the small town of Silvis, Illinois. I Graduated from United Township High School in East Moline, Illinois; and St. Ambrose College in Davenport, Iowa.
After college, I moved to Los Angeles in 1977 and lived there for three years. While living in LA, I was a store manager for Radio Shack. In February 1980, Radio Shack transferred me to Spokane, Washington, to be the District Manager. While at Radio Shack, I learned a lot about personal computers.
Over a two week period in the fall of 1982, I decided to resign from Radio Shack, start a business, and marry a woman with three young children. At the time, many of my friends accused me of having more guts than brains. Fortunately, my wife Linda was very supportive.
I saw a need for computer training, so I started a computer training business – Interface Computer Services (possibly the dumbest name ever for a new business). A little over a year later, the business became a licensed vocational school and we changed the name to Interface Computer School.
As the school continued to grow, I decided to go to graduate school at Gonzaga University where I got a Masters Degree in Education in 1990, and earned the privilege to call myself a Zag.
In 2004 the school was approved to begin offering two-year associate degree programs, and we subsequently changed the name to Interface College.
In late 2011, I sold the business to one of my employees. I worked full-time through 2012, helping the new owner with the transition. I worked part-time the first six months of 2013, and retired in July.