Q: What's your best tip about lobbying?
A: The key to effective lobbying and communication is to build a base of “on the ground” support for a particular measure or idea. Elected officials at any level are constantly concerned with two things. First, what do people back in the district think about the issue; and secondly, how will my position on this issue impact the politics (re-election). No matter what you try to do in the communications realm, develop your message and your effort as if it were a political campaign - not in a partisan sense, but in a strategic sense.
Q: Describe a project you are particularly proud of completing.
A: Without a doubt, the project that I am most proud of is the passage of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003. This was the first substantive forest management legislative package that has passed Congress in over 30 years. It was a massive and aggressive grassroots project where everyone involved stayed on message. To sit in the gallery of the U.S. House and listen to 15 members describe the merits of passage, and to hear all of them stay on message was incredibly satisfying. In addition, the fact that the bill passed with strong bi-partisan support proves that a well-designed plan with the right messages and strict discipline does indeed improve the chances of ultimate success.
Q: What do you like best about your job?
A: The best thing about my job is the freedom I have to work on a variety of issues. My primary interest lies with natural resources, but I also love the opportunity we have to manage and direct major ballot measure campaigns. I’m a “message guy” who enjoys crafting and perfecting messages that move public support. Too many people in this industry like to do things that make them and their clients feel good. I want to win. Passing or defeating a piece of legislation, or winning or defeating a ballot measure, is like hitting that perfect drive 275 yards right down the middle of the fairway!
Q: What is it really like to be a Pac/West team member?
A: Being part of the Pac/West team is like “managed chaos” and we all love it that way. Our team is comprised of professionals who understand and can thrive in chaotic situations and know how to win.
Q: Where do you go when you need an information fix?
A: I tend to go to the Web when I need information. My regular visits are to Foxnew.com, CNN.com, ESPN.com (I love sports!). As a drummer in a rock band, I also hit Craigslist.com to see if there is any new or used equipment that I MUST buy!
Q: What sports do/did you play?
A: I played lots of sports growing up. I started playing football and baseball back in Oklahoma when I was just five years old. In college, I played football at an NAIA division one school. Today, it’s primarily golf…which next to music, is my passion. I’m also an avid climber having reached the summit of six, 14,000 ft. peaks and dozens of other lesser ones. Climbing always brings me back to reality by helping me to remember what an insignificant blip I am on the “big screen”.
Q: How often do you cut your hair?
A: As you can see in my photo, the cutting of hair is a different process for me than others in the firm. It’s called a sharp razor and shaving cream every other day. I like my head to “glisten” in the sunlight…or under the lights on stage when my band is playing a gig. My heroes remain Yul Brenner and Telly Savallis. Bald is beautiful!
Q: What is something that you should throw away, but haven’t. Explain.
A: I know I should throw away my laundry bag from the 1974 Barry Switzer Football Camp at the University of Oklahoma. I’m a Sooner fan through and through! The bag is tattered and worn…but I just can’t seem to get rid of it.
Q: What are the advantages/disadvantages of your height?
A: I’m between 6 ft and 6 ft 1 inches. Not that tall! But it’s the height combined with the width…not to mention that people always tell me I look like the wrestler, Stone Cold Steve Austin…that helps keep me out of jams. I look mean enough to scare most people off who would otherwise want to rumble in a bar. But those who know me know that I’m really a softy!
Q: Who is the most famous person you’ve ever met?
A: I’ve had the honor of meeting several United States Presidents, including both Presidents Bush, Reagan, Ford and Nixon.
Q: What kinds of movies do you like and why?
A: I like both action movies and what I call “epic” films. By action, I mean Raiders of the Lost Ark, etc. But I also love films like Titanic and Dances with Wolves. I’m also a huge sucker for mafia movies like Goodfellas and Godfather. And who can resist the original Lampoon’s Vacation and Animal House?
Q: Have you ever sung in public? What happened?
A: I sing in public a lot! My band plays every Friday and Saturday night to crowds as small as 30 and as big as 500. I also like to go out to karaoke bars, like Boones Junction in Wilsonville, and throw down on a variety of songs.
Q: What do you like to do when you are not at work?
A: When I’m not working, I enjoy playing with my band, Coverup. We’re all really good friends and just enjoy playing music together. I’m also quite at home on a golf course in Phoenix. Playing golf among the palm trees and cactus – that’s heaven on earth!
Q: If you could live anywhere in the world for a year, where would it be and why?
A: I’d like to live in Nepal to see what it’s like to hike and play in the Himalaya’s. I’d like to hike up to base camp and cook breakfast for the climbers to hear their stories. Keep in mind…base camp is 17,000 ft! I’m fascinated with the Tibetan culture’s history and beliefs.
