ABOUT ME
WHERE I COME FROM
I was born in Kirksville and grew up on a dairy farm in Northeast Missouri. After graduating high school I joined the U. S. Navy and began what would be a 24 year career. After retirement from the Navy I moved to Columbia and began work at the University. I worked in multiple positions; Office Support Staff, Executive Staff Assistant, and Technical (Computer) Trainer. I left the University to complete a graduate degree. After completing my degree, I began work at Bass Pro Shops then moved over to American Outdoor Brands where I have worked for the last five years.
I live with my wife, a retired CPS school teacher, in Columbia. We have two adult children who also reside in Columbia.
In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, fishing and a good book.
The Issues
My primary issue is our safety. I want to see the Columbia Police Department, the Fire Department and the EMS fully staffed. This will lead to a community that people will want to live in, invest in and grow with.
As Columbia grows, our infrastructure needs to grow as well. Some of those improvements are already funded and planned such as completing the four laning of Forum all the way to Nifong. Let's get that finished. Other infrastructure that will be needed is to complete four laning of Nifong to Scott Blvd. The water treatment plant upgrade needs to be seen through to completion.
Columbia needs to be a business growth hub. We have been fortunate to have new companies formed here in Columbia such as Veterans United and Equipment Share. We need to encourage that type of growth to include retail businesses. MidwayUSA has moved outside the city limits, CVS abandoned their plans to put an establishment here and the Amazon Fulfillment Center is in Ashland.
Affordable housing is an issue that needs to be addressed as well. If we are to be a business growth hub, we will need to house the new employees. There are others in need of affordable housing as well.
The Opportunity Campus for the homeless will be an ongoing item. Current plans are for the Voluntary Action Center to operate it. What will be Columbia's ongoing commitment/obligation to it?
