Q: How many years have you served in public service?

“None — and I think that’s exactly what San Carlos needs right now. I’ve spent over two decades being held accountable for real budgets, real deadlines, and real results at companies like Oracle and SAIC. That’s a different kind of experience than politics, but it’s the experience this city needs: someone who knows how to manage money responsibly and get things done, not someone who’s spent their career learning how city hall works from the inside.”

Q: With zero public service experience, why should voters trust you with a city budget instead of someone who actually knows how city government works?

“Because knowing how city government works and holding it accountable are two different things. I’m not claiming to know every procedure on day one — I am claiming that I know how to read a budget, ask hard questions, and hold people accountable for results. That’s the skill San Carlos needs right now, and it’s the skill I’ve built over two decades.”

Q: Sounds like you just want to cut services that residents rely on.

“I want to be clear: cutting waste is not the same as cutting services. I’m talking about eliminating inefficiency, redundancy, and poor spending decisions — not cutting the things residents count on. If anything, cutting waste is what protects those services long-term, because it means we’re not forced to raise taxes or make painful cuts later.”

Q: Where do you stand on state housing mandates (RHNA) and how they affect San Carlos?

“I understand the state has set housing targets for every city, including San Carlos, and I know that’s frustrating for residents who feel decisions are being made in Sacramento instead of here. My approach is to comply with what the law requires while fighting to keep as much local control as possible over where and how that growth happens, so it fits our community instead of being dictated to us.” MTC/ABAG Bay Area Housing and Land Use Viewer

Q: How do you balance new development with preserving the city’s small-town character?

“I want development that’s thoughtful: the right scale, in the right places, with real investment in infrastructure and parking to match. I’m not anti-growth, I’m anti-growth-without-a-plan.”

Q: What’s your position on building height limits and density downtown?

“San Carlos can meet its state-mandated housing requirements and preserve the character of downtown. The right approach is targeted height increases, smart density near transit, and strong design rules that ensure growth enhances — not erodes — what people love about Laurel Street.”

Q: How would you address housing affordability for young families and seniors?

“The most effective way to improve affordability for both young families and seniors is to focus new housing near transit and services. Homes near Caltrain reduce transportation costs, improve walkability, and create a more vibrant community. I support targeted increases in density in these areas, paired with strong design rules, to create affordable homes without impacting established neighborhoods. I’d rather solve this with common sense than mandates.”

Q: If you’re committed to “no new taxes,” what specifically would you cut to balance the budget?

“No new taxes requires fiscal discipline. We cut waste first, demand accountability, and make sure every dollar is spent wisely before ever asking residents to pay more. Funding our infrastructure — roads, storm drains, and long-deferred maintenance — begins with spending smartly and managing the budget responsibly. When the City proves it can use existing resources efficiently, we protect residents from unnecessary tax increases.”

Q: Where do you stand on funding for police and fire services?

“Public safety is a core function of city government — it’s one of the first things a ‘no new taxes’ budget has to protect, not one of the things you look at cutting. I’ll make sure police and fire are fully resourced before anything else gets funded.”

Q: What’s your view on wildfire and emergency preparedness for San Carlos?

“Given what we’ve seen across California, this isn’t optional. I want to make sure San Carlos has real evacuation planning, defensible space enforcement where it applies, and coordination with county and regional emergency resources.”

Q: What’s your position on traffic safety and speeding in residential neighborhoods?

“This is the kind of issue that doesn’t get enough attention until something bad happens. I want to hear directly from neighborhoods about where the problem spots are and look at practical fixes — traffic calming, better signage, enforcement — rather than a one-size-fits-all citywide policy.”

Q: What would you do to support youth sports, libraries, or after-school programs?

“As a former athlete, this one’s personal to me. Youth sports and after-school programs keep kids engaged and give families real value for their tax dollars. I’d want to protect funding for these programs and look for ways to expand access, especially for families who might not otherwise be able to afford it.”

Q: How have you been involved in the community?

“I volunteer my time mentoring military veterans and college athletes as they transition into the business world — helping people navigate a big change is something I care about, on and off the field. Beyond that, I’m just a longtime San Carlos resident who loves this town and wants to see it thrive.”

Q: Who has endorsed you?

“I’m not backed by political insiders or long-standing public-service groups. My endorsement is my experience: more than twenty years in business, developing companies and practicing real fiscal discipline. I actually see my lack of political endorsements as a strength — it means I can bring common-sense decision-making, accountability, and a fresh perspective to the Council without being tied to past political commitments.”

Q: Are you aligned with any political party or local group/slate?

“City Council is nonpartisan, and I think it should stay that way — potholes and budgets aren’t Democrat or Republican issues. I’m running as an independent voice focused on San Carlos, not on behalf of any party or slate.”

Q: What would you do to revitalize San Carlos?

“San Carlos should update its formula-business restrictions. A mix of local shops and a few well-chosen national brands would increase foot traffic and strengthen downtown. Mom-and-pop stores benefit when more people come to Laurel Street. Also, I believe the City has not meaningfully included our downtown businesses in its decision-making. I’ve spoken with several owners, and they expressed real frustration that their input is not being heard. These are the people who keep our downtown vibrant, and their voices should be central to any planning effort. And I want a council that actually plans for the traffic impact of a project before approving it, not after residents are already stuck dealing with it.”

Q: What do you think about the Harrington Park makeover?

“I believe the Harrington Park makeover was a poor decision. Many residents describe the result as a ‘concrete jungle.’ I feel the City removed a charming, tree-filled park that fit the character of our village-like downtown. On top of that, the City paid roughly $2 million more than necessary, and awarded the project to a contractor whose federal legal history raises serious questions about whether it met the City’s responsible-bidder standard. This combination of design missteps, financial overreach, and contractor-vetting failures is exactly why we need stronger oversight and more community-aligned planning.” Read my questions to City Council →