Candidate, Alaska State Senate, 2008

Assembly Person, Anchorage Assembly Council, 2000-2004

President, Abbott Loop Community Council, 1999-2000

Board Member, Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, 2003-2004

Board Member, Anchorage Visitor and Convention Bureau, 2002-2003

Realtor, Keller-Williams Realty, 2008-present

Assistant Manager, Executive Management Services, 2007-present

Realtor, Prudential Jack White Vista Real Estate, 1992-2007

Teacher, Mat-Su School District, 1991-1992

Substitute School Teacher, Anchorage School District, 1987-1991

Laborer, ITT Antarctic Services, 1987-1988

Editor-Publisher, Blue Water Paddler, Alaska Kayak Journal, 1984-1987

Geologist, United States Geological Survey, 1981-1984

Geologist, R&M Consultants, 1981

4th Mountain Division, United States Army, 1973-1976

Founder/Organizer, Adventurers MeetUp (outdoor adventure networking), 2007-present

President, Community Associations Institute, 2007-2008

President, Vice President, Board Member, Knik Canoers and Kayakers, 1992-2002

Board Member, Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage, 1994-1997

President, Mountaineering Club of Alaska, 1984-1985

Father's Occupation:

Fire fighter, San Diego, CA Retired captain.

Favorite Author:

Nick Jans writes about life in Bush Alaska. We worked together in the Kobuk River valley in the early 1980's.

Favorite Vacation Spot:

Mountains and rivers of remote Alaska.

Hobbies or Special Talents:

River rafting, canoeing and sea kayaking. Skiing and snowshoeing. I enjoy all Alaska outdoor activities and support all of my fellow Alaskans getting outdoors to see and use our unique environment.

Pets (include names):

Two dogs: Chili and Caesar

Priority Issues:

Restore the public's faith in elected officials; return leadership, hard work and integrity to the way Alaskans view their elected representatives.

Reason for Seeking Public Office:

I have devoted my life to public service and betterment of the community in which I live. We need a senator who will serve those the community he is elected to represent, not the special interests that have invaded the Alaska Legislature, as witnessed by convictions of numerous Legislators and the July endictment of the Senator currently elected in this district. It is time for a change in the Legislature, a time to elect new representation. My broad-based community background below will show how I have lived community service but not been a "career" politician like my opponent who has served in elected office for 16-unbroken years.

In high school I started a soccer team: the next year the San Diego County schools adopted soccer as a recognized sport. From 1973-76, Viet Nam-era I served in the U.S. Army 4th Division. I trained troops in mountain travel and performed helicopter-based mountain rescue missions. I was injured during service and have lived with a "service connected disability". I have served on the board of many outdoor organizations in Alaska, taught hundreds of people water safety and mountain travel safety skills. I founded and published a local-based outdoor recreation magazine in the 1980's. I have started many outdoor activities that continue to this day -- the first sea kayaking symposiums in the mid- 1980's, a unique river rafting and dancing event held for 9 years now on the Matanuska River, a canoe safety and fun day that I began and has been continued by REI on Goose Lake each summer. In 2007 I started the Adventurers MeetUp (www.adventurers.meetup.com/109); this is a 550 member web-based outdoor recreation group that encourages Alaskans and visitors to get out, together, to enjoy our outdoor environment. The group promotes safety, education, and community service as well as helping encourage individuals to develop and maintain healthy fitness levels.

I have served in elected positions as president of my community council (Abbott Loop Community Council) and as the Assembly member for "mid-town" Anchorage from 2000-2004. I won election to the Assembly two times and was defeated in my bid for reelection by Dan Coffey in 2004.

Spouse's Occupation:

My wife Mary Hertert is the founder and owner of Color Creek Fiber Art. Her business has introduced 1000's of Anchorage and Alaska residents to art and creative opportunities over the past 12 years. In September 2008 she will be re-opening her studio to the public for personal and group creative opportunities. She has taught art and creativity, encouraged the art work of others, shared art with cancer patients, birthday parties, and many other venues that has enriched our community.