Three Attributes

1.

A councilman must be able to learn, process information, and make decisions.


I have demonstrated my ability to do this throughout my career as a business owner, police supervisor and Carlsbad City Councilman.

In my business career, my partners chose me to be a managing partner of a multi-million dollar real estate partnership that owns and manages residential and commercial properties in Los Angeles and Riverside. Prior to attending the police academy in 1979, I owned and operated a successful electronics business in Escondido.

I have worked as an officer for the Carlsbad Police Department for 21 years, including as a supervisor for Community Oriented Policing for four years. I received the American Legion Heroism award for my work on the Border Crime Task Force and was recognized as the 2006 "Supervisor of the Year."

I earned my Associate of Arts Degree in general education from MiraCosta College, my Bachelor's Degree in Personnel Management and my Master's Degree in Organizational Management, both from the University of Phoenix. I was an instructor for the University of Phoenix; certified to teach critical thinking and managerial ethics. I am certified by the Josephson Institute of Ethics.
2.

A city councilman must have time to serve the community.


I retired from the Carlsbad Police Department to dedicate myself to the duties required of a Carlsbad City Councilman. This has allowed me the time to volunteer and interact with community.
3.

A councilman must have the knowledge, ability and desire to serve the city.


As police supervisor, I gained comprehensive knowledge of city government as well as the needs of our community. I served on the city committees reviewing the budget, General Plan, and long-term planning. These opportunities gave me a unique perspective into the workings of the City of Carlsbad.

I was a member of the Board of Directors of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad, serving from 1999 to 2007. My wife, Dawn, still serves on the board. In 2004 and 2009, Dawn and I received the Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad's "Champion of Children" recognition, and in 2005 I received the Boys & Girls Clubs' "National Service to Youth" award.

I continue to participate in fund-raising activities for the YMCA, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad, Angels Depot, Special Olympics and Animal Rescue Agencies.

I have lived in Carlsbad for more than two decades. My wife works in Carlsbad; my daughter attended Carlsbad schools from preschool through graduation from Carlsbad High in 2007; my parents and sister and her family live here.

I am president of the Blackburn Foundation, a non-profit organization, that assists youth and community groups. To-date, we have donated more than one million dollars and we continue to support their efforts.