Candidate for
Board Member; La Honda-Pescadero Unified School District

I moved to the South Coast in 1990, the same year I was lucky enough to marry Paula Womack. We've since had two little boys. They are now just starting out at La Honda Elementary. I also have two grown children, one a graduate of UCSB and one currently attending UCLA.

I'm a California native, and went from kindergarten to college in our public schools. In 1975 I enlisted in the Air Force to get training in computers. By the time I ended my 4-year term, as a sergeant, I had acquired a great grounding in electronic technology, a B.S. in Computer Science, and---most valuable of all---the realization that everybody I met had something to teach me if only I would shut up and listen.

At various times I have been a consulting programmer, M.I.S. director, part-time college professor, and Chief Scientist of a (now defunct) Internet security company. I'm especially proud of my two terms as chair of F.I.R.S.T., the international association of computer security teams: working with talented volunteers from around the world I was able to reorganize that group, set new goals, and put its finances in order.

I've published quite a bit in my field. I've also lectured on risk assessment and information security at the AAAS's working group on nuclear non-proliferation, three national labs, and the Pentagon; addressed the FCC on the future of free speech; and testified before Congress.

This year, while spending most of my time as a stay-at-home Dad, I took time out quarterly to participate in a "think tank" project at one of the national labs. We put our heads together to anticipate scientific and technological innovations over the next 50 years and suggest changes in security strategies to some of our nation's leaders.

I have also been quite active of late at La Honda Elementary. "Fun" activities: reading story books to the pre-school, coaching T-ball, and teaching last year's kindergarteners how to take apart a computer. "Not-so-fun": pulling weeds, digging post holes, patching asphalt, and pitching in to help keep Melba Rhodes as our principal.

All these experiences--successes and disappointments, lessons in teamwork, analysis, listening and leadership--have helped prepare me to serve on the school board. I ask for your vote, and promise to pay attention as the next round of lessons begins.