About Me
Let me tell you a little about myself;
- Been an Erie resident since the 1970s
- Served in the US Military as a medic
- Served in Public Safety roles both in a paid position and as a volunteer
- Emergency Medical Services instructor for Butler County Community College
- Still volunteer with the Erie County Hazardous Materials Team and the PA Urban Search And Rescue Company # 4.
Along with my wife Jessica, we enjoy many of Erie County's outdoor activities regularly, and we are avid motorcycle enthusiasts riding as much as we can. We also enjoy local sports teams such as the Erie Otters, which we are season ticket holders, and the Erie Seawolves when we can.
With the certification as a Paramedic and Firefighter under my belt, I decided to continue my education through the schools Erie County has to offer. As of today, I am still in pursuit of completing this journey and understand the wealth Erie County has to offer in higher education.
Focusing on Homeland Security and Public Health Preparedness through educational experiences provided an awareness that few people would have in Erie County Executive's job, especially now that we are going through the Global Pandemic.
Objectives
Public Safety is one of the highest priorities for Erie County the following are my objectives;
With the implementation of the new radio communication system there are issues I have experienced first hand that need addressed quickly.
· Lack of range inside many buildings during emergencys this prevents any communications even with the preson standing next to you or outside the fire.
· Lack of coverage outside in low line areas East County, West County and South County/ Corry areas of the county
· Radios just droping program channels after over air updates.
Within the Erie County Department of Public Safety we need to create a culture that will cause people to want to stay on and build their career giving stability to this unit.
The Volunteer Fire Departments within Erie County to some extent have some deficiencies that are controlled by outside forces; budgetary shortfalls and staffing are two that come to mind. As Erie County Executive I will work to find and assist the Fire Department in achieving stability.
Coming through 2020 it has been devastating to all businesses within Erie County in some fashion however, none were impacted as hard as our small and neighborhood businesses. As Erie County Executive I will put special attention to meeting the needs of long overlooked small neighborhood businesses to provide a solid recovery plan and prepare them for any future issues that may arise. We need to bring generational employment businesses into Erie. We need businesses that will remain in Erie County for the long term and invest in our region. For too long, Erie County has been losing major generational businesses that families counted on from parents and their children and grandchildren working for the same company creating promising careers and family stability. Focusing on our current small and neighborhood businesses will show others seeking new venues that Erie County is committed to keeping them vibrant and growing. With a committed partnership, everybody grows and develops. Veterans Health and Homelessness are other passions that are on my target list. I will be working to address the issues that have arisen when seeking services currently available at our Veterans Medical Center and the lack of information on what to do when the clinic is not open at the VA Medical Center in Erie. No Veteran who has served for our country should be homeless. It is because of those who have served that America is the land of opportunity.
My involvement
Community Organizations I am a member of;
Emergency Medical Management Cooperative
West (EMMCO West) Regional Medical Advisory Committee
National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians
National Society of Leadership and Success
American Legion 773
InterView Erie Podcast
Interview Erie Podcast Link
Interview Erie Podcast Link
Interview Erie Podcast Link
Interview Erie Podcast Link
Interview Erie Podcast Link
Looking to the future
Thank You Everyone who voted for me!
Although we did not win this time it was a humbling experience!
Looking at the numbers and knowing that I spent the least out of any candidate, I am very happy. Total I spent $746.00. So it can be done without spending thousands as the other candidates. I will be continuing on a course in politics for a while. We are looking at the various options and how my background in public safety and emergency & risk management will be best suited. Stay tuned for future announcements.