prior to running for office, he was the president of ashburton area association from 1994 to 1999, a community improvement group in his neighborhood. he created several long-standing programs and is most proud of success achieved in re-zoning ashburton to an r-1 zone status (i.e., allowing single-family-only dwellings). he is a frequent speaker on improving housing and zoning codes. tarrant is also very committed to public school education serving 6 terms as a pto (parent teacher organization) board member and vice president of the pto at his children's public elementary school.