Biography

Background

I was born in Rapid City, and lived in South Dakota until age twenty-two. I moved to Oregon in 1972 were I began my career in education.

With over thirty years of teaching and administration in Parkrose School District, continuing in the education profession in one form or another for over forty years.

Married to my wife, Blythe for almost thirty-five years. We have two grown daughters, Sarah and Kate, who both live and work in the Portland area. Blythe was an art teacher for ten years and earned a Masters of Arts degree in counseling. Sarah is a graphic designer and a mother of my two grand children. Kate is a social worker for Central City Concern assisting people with disabilities to obtain needed services.

In 2000, our family moved to our home in Brightwood, Oregon where we now reside. I have been a “Meals on Wheels” volunteer in the Welches area.

My wife and I have been involved as volunteer teachers for National Association for Mental Illness (NAMI). We teach classes for family members who have a loved one with a mental illness. Blythe leads a support group for families, as well. We also teach a class in effective listening and speaking skills, entitled “CORE Caring” to couples.

Why I am Running for House District 52

For all that is going on, I love my country. I love being a citizen of the United States and I love Oregon. I have become dismayed at what I believe is a well-orchestrated attack on our freedoms and the growing gap between those who have much and those who have little. I want to be able to say, “I did something to change the momentum of the extremes of our country.” I want to serve our District with honor and integrity. I want to find a way to bring back as many living wage jobs as possible.

I want to be a part of a legislature that works for the people rather than for the money. At the end of the day, I want to be able to say, “I made a difference.”

Philosophy

In the short form, I consider myself a progressive democrat. My values are consistent with most progressives I have met. I feel particularly strongly about the value of public education. As I grew up, my family did not have much money. The opportunities afforded me by public education helped me to escape a life of poverty.

I feel very strongly that, as Americans, we have responsibility to support and provide opportunities to those most in need.

I feel strongly that we all must have reasonable access and the opportunity to achieve a living wage and to retire with dignity.

I believe that what makes our country strong is that we have the opportunity to pursue the “American Dream.” I believe that the Dream has waned and diminished for many of our citizens.

I believe the purpose of government is to help create conditions so that each one of might pursue our dream. The 14th Amendment to the Constitution serves as a cornerstone to my belief system. Equal protection under the law for all is something I will fight for.

Education

High School Diploma - Rapid City Central High
Bachelor of Science - Northern State University
Masters of Science - State University at Buffalo, NY
Administrative Certificate - Portland State
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) - University of Oregon

Memberships

Personal Interests

I have had the opportunity to pursue many personal interests. I love to fly fish on the Deschutes, hike in the Mt. Hood forests, ride my motorcycle through the Northwest, kayak various rivers and ocean inlets, bicycle the Springwater Trail, read novels and books on politics, economics, history, science, and newspapers. I play guitar and drums in a small music group, and I sing poorly. I love traveling and learning new things.