Platform
Get to know Lee and his vision for Douglas County. He is approachable, will listen to your concerns and work for the future of our great county.
Questionnaire during the last campaign with recent updates from Lee marked in red:
What are the three major issues facing Douglas County and how to expect in four years
to make it so they are not major issues when your tenure is through?
LB UPDATES: These were from 2010 and they are listed here to show progress. 1/13/13
I think we all agree we need jobs and that will help turn the county revenue situation around, but also involved in this process is to look at what the pain points for business are and what the county has done to help or to stifle businesses across the county.
Another focal point in our county should be promoting education. While Douglas County has a good education system, we are in a state that is consistently ranked near the bottom. The state budget doesn't have the funds to help us in the next few years and in order to attract and retain businesses and employees I would like to see the county make a deeper investment in education. Let’s look at public private partnerships with education to make our county a flagship county for education not just in the state of Nevada, but beyond her borders. We may not be able to change the rank of our state, but by making Douglas an even better stronger school system we can do what’s best for our county and influence the state.
I also list Government as a key issue. When the legislature reconvenes in February they must cut 50% of the state budget and I see that a significant portion of this will fall to the county in both revenue taken and services passed down to fulfill. We need leadership that knows and understands the issues and knows how to deal with the legislature and has experience in doing so. I have that experience.
What have you done to help Douglas County be a better community?
I have spent my time in Douglas County giving back to the community as both a volunteer and participating with many non-profit organizations. Prior to my work as an engineer and working with GE, I was spent years working as a youth minister and teacher to high school students and I have always been very involved in working with communities. I believe that you lead from your head, but you run for office because of your heart. In order to be an effective public servant you must care as well as lead and that is the make-up of who I am. I am involved in many aspects of the valley, both in the non-profit sector and in the business sector by being on the Board of Directors for the Business Council. I work closely with the Nevada Commission on Economic Development and am also engaged in the Renewable Energy Task Force for the state. All of this experience can be leveraged in the county in providing expertise in business and leadership for our county.
I serve the community out of respect for its legacy and expectations for the future. I not only serve on several boards, this is my passion, this is who I am and this is who I will be as your county commissioner.
Why should voters vote for you over someone else?
I am a problem solver, collaborator, leader, volunteer, and I know how to get things done. In the past two years the world has changed, we can’t do things the same way we have done them. It will take someone who knows how to work with others, is a team player and can work to get measured results. We need a leader that understands where we need to go and also has a respect for the legacy of this great county. I feel I am that person.
Being employed by a global energy leader, I have experiences locally, nationally and internationally. And my career as an engineer and businessman, has given me tremendous fortitude, understanding of local and global problems. All of my professional experience will translate directly to the job I am running for.
Consolidation of water agencies is stalled, yet ratepayers are faced with higher bills. What are your thoughts on this issue?
There are 3 parts to this answer: Accepting inadequate water systems from developers, allowing the water consultant to come back with only one option and the increased rates for water in certain districts.
There are two reasons to merge water systems: Emergency fire flows and potable water.
Some county ratepayers may be asked to pay more for water than in property taxes. When you do this to people on fixed incomes in these economic times, I find to be unacceptable. We must find a better resolution to this issue.
When I see that the county paid $140,000 for a consultant and allowed only one option to be returned, I have to look at the county for being the responsible party. As in any business, when you pay a consultant you let them know what you want for that return. You will get what you agreed to and in our case – it was only one option, which was not a good option. I would have asked for at least 6 options from the consultant.
LB UPDATE: In the spring of 2012 we consolidated the water systems. While campaigning I was against consolidation in the way it was presented. However, after looking at the data and in conjunction with county staff I realized that this approach was the right thing to do. We were able to lower water rates for everyone on the county water system in a time when everyone across the country was raising rates. 1/12/13
What form of recreation do you participate in? What improvements to recreation would you strive to make throughout Douglas County?
Equestrian, Skiing, Boating, Hiking, Swimming, Fishing, Camping, Art and Concerts
We need to continue to build our location as a recreation destination and work in combination with other agencies to market what we have to offer. This also means a continued investment in roads and trails, upon which to travel.
One aspect of the county that I think is not being utilized to the fullest as far as tourism is the great equestrian trails we have. We are doing well in many areas, but we could do more in the area of trails and adding the current trails to the geo-tourism area sponsored by National Geographic. If you would like to be a contributor to this site I would encourage everyone to participate. http://www.sierranevadageotourism.org/index.php We are a part of the Tahoe Emigrant corridor. Click on the
Tahoe Emigrant Corridor section, you can enter in your own trails and make this a great guide for locals and tourists alike.
LB UDPATE: We have continued to increase our trail system across the county with new Genoa Trail System and approval along with grants for the new Stateline Bike Path system at the lake. 1/12/13
Business
We must support our local businesses and help to make them successful. At the same time, we must strategically bring businesses into our community to increase the county revenue and help to solve the economic issues we are facing as a county.
Customers create business > business creates jobs > jobs create customers
LB UPDATE: Over the years of 2011 and 2012 twenty two new companies moved to Douglas County. That leads the region in new jobs and we are not done. More announcements are on the horizon. (This number does not include retail.) 1/12/13
Families
Families move here for the great quality of life this county has to offer, but it’s a healthy local economy which keeps our families here. We must become proactive in promoting and retaining businesses in our area. When business thrives, families thrive, and when families thrive, our schools and community thrive.
LB UPDATE: Douglas County is a great place for families with an excellent school system and great recreation opportunities. The missing link, however, is good jobs that will keep families here and help them be successful. Economic Development is the key to keeping families here in Douglas County and in Nevada. 1/13/13
Seniors
As the median age continues to rise in our community, the need to take care of our seniors becomes even more critical. Promises have been made to build a community center and the next Board of Commissioners has the opportunity to make this promise a reality. We can do this together as a community and without placing a burden on the revenue of Douglas County. Get to know Lee and his vision for Douglas County. He is approachable, will listen to your concerns and work for the future of our great county.
LB UPDATE: In 2012 we made the decision to move forward with the Community Center. I am for a new center, but did not vote for the tax that was put into place to pay for maintenance. My goal is for this project to come in under budget and on time with savings to the tax payers. 1/12/13
Questionnaire during the last campaign with recent updates from Lee marked in red:
What are the three major issues facing Douglas County and how to expect in four years
to make it so they are not major issues when your tenure is through?
LB UPDATES: These were from 2010 and they are listed here to show progress. 1/13/13
I think we all agree we need jobs and that will help turn the county revenue situation around, but also involved in this process is to look at what the pain points for business are and what the county has done to help or to stifle businesses across the county.
Another focal point in our county should be promoting education. While Douglas County has a good education system, we are in a state that is consistently ranked near the bottom. The state budget doesn't have the funds to help us in the next few years and in order to attract and retain businesses and employees I would like to see the county make a deeper investment in education. Let’s look at public private partnerships with education to make our county a flagship county for education not just in the state of Nevada, but beyond her borders. We may not be able to change the rank of our state, but by making Douglas an even better stronger school system we can do what’s best for our county and influence the state.
I also list Government as a key issue. When the legislature reconvenes in February they must cut 50% of the state budget and I see that a significant portion of this will fall to the county in both revenue taken and services passed down to fulfill. We need leadership that knows and understands the issues and knows how to deal with the legislature and has experience in doing so. I have that experience.
What have you done to help Douglas County be a better community?
I have spent my time in Douglas County giving back to the community as both a volunteer and participating with many non-profit organizations. Prior to my work as an engineer and working with GE, I was spent years working as a youth minister and teacher to high school students and I have always been very involved in working with communities. I believe that you lead from your head, but you run for office because of your heart. In order to be an effective public servant you must care as well as lead and that is the make-up of who I am. I am involved in many aspects of the valley, both in the non-profit sector and in the business sector by being on the Board of Directors for the Business Council. I work closely with the Nevada Commission on Economic Development and am also engaged in the Renewable Energy Task Force for the state. All of this experience can be leveraged in the county in providing expertise in business and leadership for our county.
I serve the community out of respect for its legacy and expectations for the future. I not only serve on several boards, this is my passion, this is who I am and this is who I will be as your county commissioner.
Why should voters vote for you over someone else?
I am a problem solver, collaborator, leader, volunteer, and I know how to get things done. In the past two years the world has changed, we can’t do things the same way we have done them. It will take someone who knows how to work with others, is a team player and can work to get measured results. We need a leader that understands where we need to go and also has a respect for the legacy of this great county. I feel I am that person.
Being employed by a global energy leader, I have experiences locally, nationally and internationally. And my career as an engineer and businessman, has given me tremendous fortitude, understanding of local and global problems. All of my professional experience will translate directly to the job I am running for.
Consolidation of water agencies is stalled, yet ratepayers are faced with higher bills. What are your thoughts on this issue?
There are 3 parts to this answer: Accepting inadequate water systems from developers, allowing the water consultant to come back with only one option and the increased rates for water in certain districts.
There are two reasons to merge water systems: Emergency fire flows and potable water.
Some county ratepayers may be asked to pay more for water than in property taxes. When you do this to people on fixed incomes in these economic times, I find to be unacceptable. We must find a better resolution to this issue.
When I see that the county paid $140,000 for a consultant and allowed only one option to be returned, I have to look at the county for being the responsible party. As in any business, when you pay a consultant you let them know what you want for that return. You will get what you agreed to and in our case – it was only one option, which was not a good option. I would have asked for at least 6 options from the consultant.
LB UPDATE: In the spring of 2012 we consolidated the water systems. While campaigning I was against consolidation in the way it was presented. However, after looking at the data and in conjunction with county staff I realized that this approach was the right thing to do. We were able to lower water rates for everyone on the county water system in a time when everyone across the country was raising rates. 1/12/13
What form of recreation do you participate in? What improvements to recreation would you strive to make throughout Douglas County?
Equestrian, Skiing, Boating, Hiking, Swimming, Fishing, Camping, Art and Concerts
We need to continue to build our location as a recreation destination and work in combination with other agencies to market what we have to offer. This also means a continued investment in roads and trails, upon which to travel.
One aspect of the county that I think is not being utilized to the fullest as far as tourism is the great equestrian trails we have. We are doing well in many areas, but we could do more in the area of trails and adding the current trails to the geo-tourism area sponsored by National Geographic. If you would like to be a contributor to this site I would encourage everyone to participate. http://www.sierranevadageotourism.org/index.php We are a part of the Tahoe Emigrant corridor. Click on the
Tahoe Emigrant Corridor section, you can enter in your own trails and make this a great guide for locals and tourists alike.
LB UDPATE: We have continued to increase our trail system across the county with new Genoa Trail System and approval along with grants for the new Stateline Bike Path system at the lake. 1/12/13
Business
We must support our local businesses and help to make them successful. At the same time, we must strategically bring businesses into our community to increase the county revenue and help to solve the economic issues we are facing as a county.
Customers create business > business creates jobs > jobs create customers
LB UPDATE: Over the years of 2011 and 2012 twenty two new companies moved to Douglas County. That leads the region in new jobs and we are not done. More announcements are on the horizon. (This number does not include retail.) 1/12/13
Families
Families move here for the great quality of life this county has to offer, but it’s a healthy local economy which keeps our families here. We must become proactive in promoting and retaining businesses in our area. When business thrives, families thrive, and when families thrive, our schools and community thrive.
LB UPDATE: Douglas County is a great place for families with an excellent school system and great recreation opportunities. The missing link, however, is good jobs that will keep families here and help them be successful. Economic Development is the key to keeping families here in Douglas County and in Nevada. 1/13/13
Seniors
As the median age continues to rise in our community, the need to take care of our seniors becomes even more critical. Promises have been made to build a community center and the next Board of Commissioners has the opportunity to make this promise a reality. We can do this together as a community and without placing a burden on the revenue of Douglas County. Get to know Lee and his vision for Douglas County. He is approachable, will listen to your concerns and work for the future of our great county.
LB UPDATE: In 2012 we made the decision to move forward with the Community Center. I am for a new center, but did not vote for the tax that was put into place to pay for maintenance. My goal is for this project to come in under budget and on time with savings to the tax payers. 1/12/13
