Hello, Sedona residents. I was given the opportunity to write an article that tells readers about my back­ground and stance on key issues. Several key issues were already addressed in my Q&A article, so they will not be repeated here. I was born and raised in Connecticut and after high school made my way to Georgia Tech in Atlanta. I was paying my way through school and after three years I decided to join the Marine Corps Reserves to help with tuition.

My boot camp experience was great and school wasn’t a key focus area for me at that time, so I decided to go active duty. My primary job in the Marine Corps was in the computer field. 

Some people might find it interesting that for two years I was a Parris Island drill instructor — yes one of those guys — and no it was not as bad as they show in the movies. I earned my Bachelor of Science in computer science while serving in the Marine Corps.

After my 10 years in the service I joined corporate America. I worked for Sprint for about three years as a capacity planner and then at DST Systems for 23 years serving various roles as I moved up in the orga­nization over my time there. Both of these firms were headquartered in the Kansas City area. While vice presi­dent of enterprise services at DST Systems I was directly responsible for an annual budget of $100M, $50M of annual capital investment and 120 people.

I also earned an execu­tive MBA degree from Rockhurst University during my time with DST Systems.

Over the course of my professional career I have completed numerous educa­tional courses and obtained significant on the job training in the areas of leadership, management, financial over­sight, collaboration, negotia­tion and communication.
After retiring from DST Systems my wife Kim and I moved to Sedona. I did a short assignment — six months — with a former DST executive and was Chief Operating Officer for a small software develop­ment firm that she started a few years earlier based out of Kansas.

During my time there I facilitated bringing software development jobs from India back to Kansas and imple­mented several key process improve­ments to enable that team to function more efficiently and professionally.

When I was done with that I applied for and received my Arizona K-12 Substitute Teaching Certificate and have substi­tuted at the Sedona Red Rock High School, Sedona Red Rock Junior High School and West Sedona School during this past school year.

I am active in our local Marine Corps League detachment supporting patriotic and veteran-related activities and I also do volunteer website and IT support for the Sedona Wish List team. I have also attended many Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council meetings since we moved here.

I am a registered inde­pendent. Since the start of my campaign, I have been committed to discussing city challenges and opportunities with all stakeholders. This includes our elected officials, city staff, residents, business owners and others in key leadership roles with orga­nizations important to some facet of our community.

It is in my character to understand all sides of an issue. As councilor, it would be my job to make fully informed decisions for the citizens of Sedona. Speaking with everyone I can gives me a more complete picture. In my experience, it also allows me to avoid, or at least mini­mize, the unintended conse­quences that can come when addressing complicated issues. You will see me at many events regardless of political or social theme as I would consider it my job to hear all the voices in our community.

Our city faces several challenges that require atten­tion: Transportation infra­structure, advertising anal­ysis, citizen engagement, sustainability and sense of community. Environmental stewardship is important to me. There are several people and organizations in Sedona willing to help me on that topic.

I am encouraged that despite some of the frustra­tions being shared with me by residents that almost 100 percent of them want to be part of the solution. As long as we are willing to participate in civil discourse and come together to get things done this will be a great place to live, work and play.

I am committed to doing the work and being a strong voice for the community. I am asking for your vote in the upcoming election.

For more detailed infor­mation on key issues you may go to my website Chisholm4Council.com.