Q: What's your best tip about lobbying?
A: I learned years ago from a wise lobbyist that "over the long haul people have to like you if they are going to help you." So lasting relationships are critical whether it is a legislator, regulator, opinion leader or reporter. Plus you can’t forget that today’s solutions are the foundation on which tomorrow’s problems will be addressed. So a quick and easy fix may not be a solution after all.
Q: Describe a project you are particularly proud of completing.
A: I was personally involved in pitching the Healthy Forests Initiative concept to the Bush Administration, hired a top notched campaign firm and helped the Healthy Forests Restoration Act became law. This Act has transitioned much of the forests debate from jobs versus the environment to how we as a society will sustainably manage our forests for future generations. This effort has become the model upon which future natural resource conflicts will be played out.
Q: What do you like best about your job?
A: Being a problem solver and moving the ball forward. Every day brings new challenges and there is never a dull moment or I’m not paying attention to business.
Q: What is it really like to be a Pac/West team member?
A: We have a great mix of personalities, experiences, skills and passions that forms a unique synergy that is posed to deliver endless results to our clients.
Q: Where do you go when you need an information fix?
A: First thing in the morning, I read the local daily paper, from wherever I wake up. I scan the national and regional news and read the opinion page. Over the course of the day I keep on top of things via Google News and Google News Alerts.
Q: What sports do/did you play?
A: Into my early twenties I played soccer and cycled. After graduate school I built a muzzle loading rifle kit, competing around the Western United States in events from mountain man era reenactments to formal shooting matches. I also help coach football and lacrosse.
Q: How often do you cut your hair? Describe your worst haircut.
A: Every 4-5 weeks. Can you get a bad haircut at Supercuts?
Q: What are the advantages/disadvantages of your height?
A: I’m on the tall side of 5’ 4” so I’m always looking at the upside of things. Furthermore, I have less distance to fall than an average adult and most teenagers.
Q: What kinds of movies do you like and why?
A: Adventure sequels: James Bond; Indian Jones; National Treasure; Lord of the Rings; Pirates of the Caribbean; Mummy; and National Lampoon Vacation – because once is never enough.
Q: Have you ever sung in public? What happened?
A: It takes significant quantities of liquid courage, plus the song has to be either Suzie Q by Creedence Clearwater Revival or Rocky Raccoon by the Beatles. Needless to say -- it rarely happens and it’s never good.
Q: If you could only watch one TV show this fall, what would it be?
A: Anything but Sponge Bob Square Pants.
Q: What one item in the kitchen best describes you and your personality?
A: A set of professional chef knifes my grandfather gave me. Classic look, sturdy feel and always sharp.
Q: What cartoon character best describes you?
A: The original Underdog.
Q: What do you like to do when you are not at work?
A: Chisel away at my honey-do list, holler at kids, corral horses, chase the little white ball, inhale gun smoke, sleep under the stars, strap on a pair of boards and draw on a fine cigar.
Q: If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be and why?
A: Western Montana on a quarter section (160 acres) of trees, pasture, creek and log home - a place where the Mountain Man inside me can be rekindled.
Q: If you could eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
A: Extra hot and spicy Buffalo wings, side of blue cheese, with a Lipitor-Tums chaser because they all go down exceptionally well with cold beer.
Q: What's your favorite "crazy day" snack?
A: Jerky – especially from some sort of wild game.
