about james
My wife and I opened Alberta Eye Care on NE Alberta Street in January 2013. Since then, we have opened two more locations, Cathedral Eye Care in St. Johns and Eyestrong Pediatric Eye Care on NE MLK. Over the last decade we have been dedicated to growing and running our businesses, which serve thousands of patients in the district. Our most recent clinic Eyestrong, was opened in 2020 specifically to address the large demand for Medicaid eye services for low-income children in north and northeast Portland. Across our three locations, we employ over twenty-five people, all making living wages with good benefits. As a healthcare provider serving Portlanders from all walks of life, our business is a small example of what Portland needs desperately right now as we deal with our crisis in behavioral healthcare and addiction treatment: empathy and disciplined focus on efficiently getting people the care they need.
In addition to my work at the clinics, I continue to work a portion of time in my original career as a forensic accountant. As a director for the firm Development Specialists, Inc (DSI), I work with a small team based out of Los Angeles that investigates and manages complex financial issues. Over the last 15+ years, I have investigated Ponzi schemes, estimated wild-fire victim damages, and analyzed large business failures like the 2012 high-profile bankruptcy of Solyndra. As Portland reimagines our response to our current crises and our system of government, I hope my understanding of how big institutions fail can help get ours back on track for success.
More information available here
I’ve spent most of the past decade working in some fashion with the local business and community districts where our offices are located. I have served on the Board of Alberta Main Street and was a member of Prosper Portland’s Neighborhood Economic Development Leadership Group. Most recently I have been involved with the St. Johns Boosters, helping to organize their Safety & Livability committee. In that role I have helped provide an outlet for businesses that are struggling to keep up with the increases in crime by making sure that their voices are heard by local elected officials. As a representative of District #2, I believe my proximity to the small business community will be a much-needed voice in the council’s decision making.