Whatcom County Charter Review Commissioner, 2025

Able to work across party lines, as in my collaboration with Republican County Council Member Kathy Kershner on the County Charter amendment banning holding two elected offices at once, adopted with 84% support.

Whatcom County Democrats Chair, 2019-2024

Organized campaign teams that flipped the County Executive, Prosecutor, Sheriff, all three state legislative seats in the 42nd LD, the Public Utility District, the Conservation District, and the Whatcom County Charter Review Commission into the Democratic column. 

Depts. of Justice (1994-2003) and Homeland Security (2003-2014)

Twenty years’ federal government service spanning three administrations (Clinton, Bush, Obama) as an appointed expert on human rights. 

City Council Member, Sanibel, Florida (1996-2000)

First openly gay elected official in Southwest Florida, where I persuaded a Republican-majority city council to expand Below Market Rate Housing, purchase environmentally sensitive lands, and adopt a model Dark Skies Ordinance. 

Public Policy Professional

With graduate degrees in political science and public policy from Princeton University, served as senior fellow of the World Policy Institute, NY (1984-2009). Widely published. Expert witness at congressional hearings.

Fluent in Spanish from my work in Mexico and Central America on human rights and electoral reform

I applaud the city’s recent efforts for language inclusion and look forward to participating as a multilingual council member.