Like most people, my core beliefs come from my family
When I was 5 years old, my immigrant grandparents gave me a milk glass with the image of JFK and the quote, “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.” That message of civic duty has guided my life's work.
I’ve spent over 30 years teaching American Government, challenging over 12,000 students to think for themselves, speak out in the face of injustice and find empowerment in a sense of political efficacy. After so many years of talking the talk, I decided to step up six years ago and walk the walk to practice what I preached.
As your state senator, I have fought tirelessly to expand mental health services, combat the gun violence epidemic, ensure people can afford life-saving prescription drugs and give our educators and students the resources they need to succeed. These victories came through bipartisanship and working across the aisle to pass bills including:
Veterans Stable Housing initiative (Chief Author)
Responsible screen use in schools for 0-5 year olds (Chief Author)
Bonding bill for a safe rail crossing near Eden Prairie High School, and creating a rail quiet zone through
Eden Prairie (Chief Author)
Civics education grants (Chief Author)
Hometown Heroes Assistance Program (Co-Author)
Veterans Restorative Justice Act (Co-Author)
Having a government that works and gets people excited to join the civic process is important to me. That’s why I am a Chair of the Civility Caucus. The purpose of this caucus is to foster trust and understanding between political parties. Something crucial to our survival as a democracy.
Daughter Erica, granddaughter Margaret, son-in law Matt, granddog Buck, son John, grandson Elliot, wife Patti, Steve
My Background
I've been married for over 30 years to my wife, Patti and together we raised two wonderful children, John and Erica, and have two beautiful grandkids.
I taught American Government and History at Eden Prairie High School for over 30 years, retiring in 2016. While teaching, I received:
Southwest Metro Teacher of the Year
Eden Prairie Teacher of the Year
Presidential Scholar’s Influential Teacher Award at the White House
I was selected by Eden Prairie High School's Superintendent to introduce then-President Bush to the student body.
I've led student and community cultural and historic tours to Washington, DC, Europe, and Cuba for over 20 years.
My family and I are avid campers and backpackers. We've canoed and hiked here in Minnesota, as well as national parks around this great country. Every summer, my wife and I go to the Boundary Waters to take in Minnesota's natural beauty, a tradition we've carried on for over 30 years, only missing one year.