Experience.
Chief of Staff to Supervisor Brooks Firestone
Santa Barbara County Planning Commissioner
Former Mayor of Solvang
Former Solvang City Councilmember
Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG)
Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD)
Santa Barbara County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO)
Solvang Planning Commission

Leadership.
Dave has been a leader in protecting local control of municipal revenues and local land use planning.  Dave traveled to Sacramento and successfully lobbied on behalf of Santa Barbara County to end the State’s practice of robbing local government revenues in order to balance State deficits. 

Environment. 
Dave has protected our environment and quality of life.  During Dave’s tenure on the APCD Board, Santa Barbara County experienced dramatic improvements in air quality from a status of “severe non-attainment” for the federal ozone health standard to “full compliance” with all federal air quality health standards. Dave approved the Clean Air Plans of 2002 and 2004 to protect and improve the air quality of Santa Barbara County. 

Fiscal Reponsibility.
While Dave was Mayor of Solvang, he was able to pass a balanced budget year after year, in spite of the state's deficit spending.  He worked closely with Supervisor Firestone on the County budget and has a thorough understanding of the complex process.

Public Safety.  
As Mayor of Solvang, Dave secured additional funds for fire and police protection in the Santa Ynez Valley.  He also served as an advisor on the County Sheriff’s special committee concerning jail overcrowding and public safety. 

Economy. 
Dave promoted economic stimulus to the county through his involvement in the Economic Development Association, and through his support of various Chambers of Commerce, and other business and labor organizations.

Agriculture.  
Dave defended our agricultural interests by serving as a liason and advisor to the Agricultural Advisory Commission, the Farm Bureau, the Cattleman’s Association, and the Grower-Shipper Vegetable Association. 

Volunteer. 
Dave is active in serving our community on the board of directors (and/or as a member) of various professional, charitable, and civic organizations: Community Action Commission, the Northern Santa Barbara County Bar Association, the Economic Development Association, Surf Riders Foundation, Santa Ynez Valley Bar Association, People Helping People, the Discovery Museum of Santa Maria, Boy Scouts of America, Santa Barbara County Habitat for Humanity, Viking Charities, Goleta and Solvang Chambers of Commerce, the Solvang Rotary Club, and the Goleta Elks Club.

Community Recreation. 
After a county survey conducted in 2003 exposed a desperate need for athletic fields, Dave actively supported the creation of facilities for youth and family athletic activities.  As a elected official, Dave supported and approved the design and construction of two community play grounds and athletic facilities completed in the Santa Ynez Valley in 2004 and 2007.  Dave also worked toward the return of professional cycling in the Santa Ynez Valley.  He encouraged the use of the City of Solvang and the Santa Ynez Valley for off-season practice by Lance Armstrong’s Discovery and Postal Service Teams, and personally assisted in various local cycling events. 

Regional Collaboration.
During Dave’s tenure on SBCAG, he was instrumental in securing the expansion of a commuter bus service to connect North and South County and local bus service between the Santa Ynez Valley communities.  He also argued in favor of and helped secure funding for the introduction of electric and alternative fuels for those buses.   Dave assisted in the formation of two community planning agencies and has a proven record of supporting local community plans that prevent urban sprawl and protect the rural character of our county.