I am pleased to have another opportunity to serve the members of the Ranch. Tiffany and I have lots #56, 71 and 72. I feel like my first memories of life were at the ranch, wait my first memories were at the ranch. I also served on the board through the nineties and have a comprehensive knowledge of the program and property.

I have four main reasons to be involved at the ranch at this time; they are Chandler, Makenna, Cole and Landon. Family activities and enjoyment of the Ranch is my highest priority. I want my kids to enjoy the blessings my parents gave me. In order to do that I want to work on the long overdue maintenance of the ranch.

I like John's idea of "Less is more". Here is my idea of less and more: Less brush-more grass. Less dust-more shade. Less erosion-more wildlife. Less spending-more investing. Less criticism-more action.

At the ranch, money or the lack there of is always an issue. I abhor waste. Many times we try to save a few dollars up front and then pay for it ten times over in maintenance. Need to look long term. We need to do less, better. With planning and creativity we can stretch our resources.

Deer Springs is a great example of an ounce of preventing is worth a pound of cure. The majority of our ponds are dry. The pastures are gutted with erosion. The meadows are becoming overgrown with woody brush. All could have been prevented by better management and at less cost than it will now require bringing them back. My goal is to participate in an effort to bring them back and establish a system that will keep them in top shape.

A word on the past friction of members and the board. The ranch has suffered because we were afraid of doing the wrong thing, so we did nothing. If we are honest with each other, open minded and unified we can find solutions and overcome every challenge. It is exciting to have such a capable and committed people on the board. I appreciate all the hard work prior boards have put in. I've been there and know what a thankless job this is.

The stage is set for Deer Springs to come alive as we return to the script and back drop that many of us fondly remember and a cast of members like we've never had before. Maestro: cue the intro!