Born in 1954, I am a lifelong resident of Morgan County, Ohio. I grew up on a farm that has been in my family for five generations. I am proud to still live and work on that farm. I grew up in an extended family with my parents, grandparents, and sometimes aunts and uncles.

My grandfather taught me the value of hard work and the value of a dollar. He taught me how to square the corners in a fence line. My grandmother taught me the value of an education. She earned her bachelors degree from Ohio University in 1964 at the age of 60.

When I graduated from Morgan High School, it was at a time when a university education was actually affordable and available to an average Appalachian kid. Attending Ohio University changed my life forever. I graduated from Ohio University with high honors, and later earned my Masters Degree there as well.

During my career, I have worked as an electrician in the United Mine Workers construction local, I have operated a sound and telephone contracting company, and I have taught at the post secondary level for nearly 25 years – over 15 years at Ohio University.

I have had the opportunity to teach and research around the world. In 1989 I witnessed firsthand the struggle for democracy in the People’s Republic of China that culminated in Tiananmen Square. I served as a Fulbright Senior Scholar in Malaysia, where I lived for nearly a year.

I have acquired a global perspective, but I remain firmly rooted in Southeastern Ohio. 

So, these are the things that have shaped my values and defined who I am:

·        A strong supporter of affordable and accessible education

·        An advocate for the preservation of the family farm

·        Dedicated to helping small businesses and sustainable economic growth

In 2004 I was elected County Commissioner in Morgan County. Under my leadership, we have created the Morgan County Learning Center, where seven institutions cooperate so that county residents may earn degrees ranging from a G.E.D. to a Masters.

We received funding to create a Federally Qualified Health Center, which provides affordable health care to all residents.

We created a County Development office, which requires no funding from the County’s General Fund, and now administers a $500,000 revolving loan fund.

And, we have succeeded in attracting nearly 300 new manufacturing jobs to the county.

Serving in the State Senate of Ohio represents the highest form of public service to me. Public service has always been a central part of my life. I have served as:

·        Past president of the Malta-McConnelsville  Jaycees

·        President of the Morgan Drug and Alcohol Council

·        President of the Morgan County Chamber of Commerce

·        Past president of the Board of the Twin City Opera House

·        Member of United Way of Muskingum, Perry and Morgan Counties

·        Member of the Board of Morgan County Habitat for Humanity

·        Member of the Board of Muskingum Valley Health Centers

·        Member of the Morgan County Farm Bureau

·        Past Master of Corinthian Lodge #111 F&AM.

I have a clear understanding of the challenges that face our region. I have demonstrated that I have the skills and the knowledge to help meet those challenges. I am ready to fight for the working families of this district, and to assure that we are not the forgotten corner of the state. I am ready to take my place in helping Governor Strickland “Turn Around Ohio.”