Allow me to explain myself, though I shouldn’t have to. Never before have I felt the need to defend who I am, but given the current climate in Josephine County, it seems some clarification is in order. Rumors have a way of growing legs and sprinting through the community, often leaving truth in the dust. It’s time the residents of this county hear both sides of the story—my side and the one fueled by gossip.
Let me start by making one thing abundantly clear: I do not crave the spotlight. I dislike the limelight and prefer to keep a low profile. For well over a decade, I’ve lived without social media because I firmly believe it has become the bane of our existence. I don’t believe in titles or labels and haven’t put one on a business card in decades, aside for a humorous nod to my roots as a “Paperboy.” In my world, no one is better than anyone else; we are all equals, created the same.
So, why do I own a newspaper, and where did I come from? The answer lies in a lifelong passion for writing that began in childhood. I started journaling at a young age, and one of my first poems, “The Penny,” was published in a Wisconsin anthology in 1985. That moment sparked a deep love for expressing myself through the written word, a love that has guided my journey ever since. Over the years, my path has taken many turns. I joined the U.S. Marine Corps, served as an undercover narcotics officer in another state, and even worked as a personal bodyguard to former Vice President Dan Quayle. These roles shaped my character and honed my ability to uncover and protect the truth. In 1999, after serving as a bodyguard to the CEO of Virgo Publishing during a period of intense death threats, I pitched the idea for a Homeland Security magazine to the company. That project marked the start of my career in publishing—a field where I’ve since produced over 30 titles. Each step of my journey has been grounded in integrity and an unyielding commitment to truthful storytelling.
My former career required extensive training, including certifications in interview & interrogation through Wicklander & Zulawski and expertise in countermeasures. These skills taught me to see through deceit, which fuels my disdain for corruption and dishonesty. When I report on lawlessness, it’s not out of a sense of superiority but from a moral obligation to expose wrongdoing. If I were ever to break the law, I would accept the consequences because I believe in accountability. What separates me from others, perhaps, is that I am unapologetically honest, ethical, and resolute in my values.
What bothers me most is when people lie to my face, knowing full well that I see through them. When that happens, a fire ignites in me—a fire that drives me to uncover and expose injustice. I stand against those who exploit the weak, and I will not allow such behavior on my watch. For those who are afraid to speak out, I will be their voice. For those too fearful to fight back, I will fight for them.
I never sought fame or recognition. I moved to Grants Pass to escape the chaos of the big city and the dangers of my past life, where countless individuals now imprisoned bore grudges against me. Yet, here I am, thrust into the public eye by others who sought to use my name for their gain.
The rumors circulating about me are just that—rumors. If you’ve heard them, I encourage you to seek the truth. Don’t take the word of someone with ulterior motives. Do your research, find the facts, and then decide what to believe. One thing is certain: I’m not going anywhere, and neither is the Grants Pass Tribune. We will continue to fight corruption and injustice in Josephine County for as long as it takes. Write that down.
