House 1985-92 (District 37B); House 1993-2002 (District 37A); House 2003-08 (District 37B)
Party when first elected: Independent Republican
Counties Served: Dakota, Goodhue, Washington
Rosemount High School; Secondary; Metropolitan Community College; Junior College/Community College; Fire ScienceUniversity of Minnesota; Attended College; Public Administration
Spouse: Gayle Children: Two children Family Members Who Have Served in the Minnesota Legislature:
He described his path to public service in an email to library staff:"While serving as a Minneapolis Fire inspector 40 years ago, I became veryinvolved in the new 1970 technologies of 'home smoke detection'. Becauseof this unusual expertise, I was transferred via the 'IntergovernmentalPersonal Act' to Washington D.C. where I wrote and delivered a 'NationalHome Smoke Detector Training Program and Manuals' for our nation's fireservice. Through this activity I witnessed how government action couldsave, and continues to save, thousands of lives. The experience inspiredme to get more involved. I started running for elective office." (Emaildated February 21, 2013)Religion provided by the Natural Resources Defense Council's State Directories 2005.He unsuccessfully ran for a House seat twice before winning.