Candidate for
Mayor; City of Oceanside

I was raised in Oceanside. My father was a Corpsman who saw service in 3 wars: WWII, Korea, and Viet Nam. My parents, Doc and Harriet Wood, instilled a committment to public service in me early on. After graduating from Oceanside High School and Mira Costa College I spent more than 31 years as an Oceanside Police Officer and Investigator. On my last evaluation as an officer, Chief Michael Poehlman included the following statement: "This officer has dedicated his life to serving others and along the way has distinguished himself as being an ambassador of good will and cooperation." I have worked with the FBI,the NCIS, and the Secret Service. I have been trusted to protect our Presidents.

My wife, Pam, and I have been married for 31 years and have 3 grown daughters.

In 2002 I was elected to the Oceanside City Council, winning election in every precinct in the City. After taking office I worked hard with both citizens and City Staff Members. I made frequent visits to neighborhoods throughout the City to hear--first hand--the concerns and problems of the citizens.

Making a difference for Oceanside has been my life's work. I am proud of my accomplishments.

When I ran for Mayor in 2004 I promised to improve public safety and economic development, and to restore trust in local government. I kept those promises.

Crime is at a 30 year low. Fire staffing has increased and now 2 paramedics respond to all medical calls making it possible for you to have more complicated medical care than if EMT's responded, as they did before I was elected mayor.

Retail space has increased by 262,140 square feet bringing more shopping opportunities for residents and providing sales tax to fund services. Industrial space has increased by 2,425,930 square feet providing jobs for residents and opporunities for our children to stay and work in Oceanside. Office space has increased by 371,165 square feet allowing more businesses to locate in our community.

Downtown revitalization has taken off. The Wyndham Resort is open for business and the SD Malkin hotel project at the pier has been approved by the City Council.

Traffic--though still needing improvement--has been a priority. A third lane has been added to both sides of Highway 78. Rancho Del Oro has been opened from Mesa to Oceanside Blvd. and the process for a new intersections at 78 and I-5. Old Grove has been opened to College and we have installed smart lights at major intersections. A new bridge has been built across Pacific Street to the Oceanside Harbor. And, the swale on College has been improved from Oceanside Blvd to Vista Way.

We have a new Senior Center under construction at El Corazon and there are 2 new Senior Transportation programs.

We have renovated Buddy Todd Park and built a new Mance Buchanon Park and a new Luiseno Park.

To ensure that our government is open I proposed and passed an ordinance requiring all Lobbyists to register and identify themselves and their clients whenever they appear before the City Council so that you will know who is trying to influence your elected representatives.

My life is one of service and I want to continue to serve my fellow citizens.