I came to Vermillion 46 years ago to teach economics in the USD School of Business, where I taught for 33 years.  Since I taught Economics of State and Local Governments for many years and consulted multiple times with all three branches of state government, I believe I can make a unique contribution to my state.

My wife Mary taught Special Education in the USD School of Education for 22 years.  We both retired in 2011.

Mary and I have been married for 48 years and raised four children here.  They attended St. Agnes School and the schools in the Vermillion School District.  Now adults with their own successful careers, they stay very busy with our eight (so far) beautiful grandchildren. 

I am active in St. Agnes Parish, especially with St. Agnes Charities, helping low-income people with rent, utilities, and other needs.  I serve on the Boards of Directors of Sesdac (Community Service Provider located in Vermillion), Habitat for Humanity of Clay and Yankton Counties, and South Dakotans for an Alternative to the Death Penalty.  Mary and I also volunteer with Vermillion Food Pantry.

In 2012, the people of District 17 elected me to the State House of Representatives, where I served four terms (eight years) on the Transportation, Education, Taxation, and Joint Appropriations Committees.  For me, the most important issues I worked on were expanding Medicaid, exempting food from the sales tax, and raising teacher salaries.  I will continue to work on those issues after I am elected.  As a tax economist, I will also continue to work for a fairer state and local tax structure.  

As a legislator, I will represent the people of Clay and Union counties to the best of my ability.  I am especially concerned that state and local governments provide excellent education at all levels, an equitable tax system, and assistance to those families in need.