Bio

I’m a 56 year old transplanted Texan that has lived in Michigan since 1986, now enjoying our “empty nest” in suburban Detroit. I’ve been employed by the Michigan State Police since 1993 as an Emergency Dispatcher and yes, I’ve got plenty of stories to tell. As you can see from the old news photo below, my life in politics began long before it was a dirty word….

Although I’ve observed politics from the sidelines for many years, my only run for public office was for a city council position in the mid-1980′s (I ran hard, but did not win). You’d be hard-pressed to label me, and I’m certainly not “moderate” – that’s a term reserved for those that cannot form their own opinions. If I had to have a label attached to me, I suppose you could call me a “Constitutional Conservative“. My beliefs have been forged by rich life experiences and the common-sense instilled in me by my elders. The fact that I’ve never held public office – at any level – uniquely qualifies me to go to Washington, D.C.

Recently, Sarah Palin opined that her ideal candidate would be one that is almost reluctant to serve. She went on to explain her reasoning on the Glen Beck show : “That’s exactly what we need to seek in a candidate. Someone almost reluctant to serve. Someone who will not prostitute themselves and say what they believe a voter wants to hear at that time in order to get elected but someone who the people find and ask, will you sacrifice, will you do this for our country to get us back on the right track?” I thought to myself….wow, that sounds kinda like me !

There is but one thing that drives me toward a position as an elected official – I dearly love this country and am compelled to put this nation back on the road to sanity and prosperity. The political events of the last few years have provided an epiphany – like so many of you, I’ve realized that in order to effect changes in D.C. I will have to get off the sidelines and become personally involved.

I have labored in both the private sector as an “at will” employee and as a civil servant with union representation. I’ve gone to college, and I’ve chopped cotton on the family farm in the Texas Panhandle. I’ve worked in a warehouse in the Texas heat, and mushed sled dogs in the frozen north. I’ve helped form and operate a non-profit corporation, and enjoy creative writing and digital photography whenever possible. My life has been both exciting and rewarding. Like most of you reading this, I want to leave a better world for my children and grandchildren. Reluctantly, I will run.

As a very young man, my mother would put me on the “Zephyr” train in Fort Worth every summer to work on my grandfather’s farm, and now I thank God she did. Looking back now, I realize she was accomplishing a couple of things – she got me “out of her hair” for the summer, and I was learning some valuable life lessons about hard work and clean living. My grandparents were staunch Democrats, successful farmers, and led Christian lives. I learned much from them both, and am grateful for the experience. “Papa” taught me how to hoe weeds and shoot jackrabbits on the run, while “Mama” made sure I got religion and nurtured my other talents (see “Stories” page)

My Dad instilled in us a love of the outdoors by taking the family on car-camping trips all over the western U.S., where I learned the intrinsic value of nature’s beauty and picked up some survival skills along the way. Dad also – knowingly or not -taught me to analyze and make life decisions based on common sense and reality. Later in life, I would come to respect him even more for his service during World War II, as he has seen evil in an “up close and personal” way. Dad is very concerned that the dysfunctional government of this great country will negate the blood sacrifice of his Greatest Generation, with good reason. Part of my decision to become involved in politics stems from my utmost respect for those that fought and died to preserve our liberty and way of life – their sacrifice must never be diminished or dismissed.

Last, but certainly not least, I must give “props” to my wonderful bride of 30 years – Geri – for putting up with all my antics over the years. Together, we have raised two sons into adulthood which are our pride and joy. We will soon be blessed with a new granddaughter, and are looking forward to beginning a new phase in our lives.

These are but a few things which have shaped my views on politics and the world in general. I hope you’ll join me in the fight for liberty!

30th Anniversary Dinner