Candidate Biography (submitted by campaign):

My ancestors first settled in the mountains of Western North Carolina in the 1770’s and my family has resided there ever since that time. My early days were spent in Ashe County and I finished high school at Beaver Creek High. I then attended college and law school at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.  After law school, I served 3 years in the US Air Force and attained the rank of Captain. I practiced law in Sylva and western North Carolina, serving as attorney for the Town of Sylva for 28 years.

 I served as Assistant Majority Counsel on the US Senate Watergate Committee. Prior to this time I served on the University Of North Carolina Board Of Governors. In my professional career, I have served as 30th District Bar President, Chair of the State Bar Presidents of the NC State Bar, Chair of the Senior Lawyers Division of the North Carolina Bar Association and a member of the Board of Governors. I am active in many local and civic activities, and a member of the Sylva United Methodist Church.

My wife, Connie is Vice-President of Southwestern Community College and serves as Director of the Macon Campus.  We have three sons, one daughter and five grandchildren.

It has been a distinct honor and privilege to have served in the North Carolina House of Representatives for 5 terms – 10 years.

I have been an advocate for education, the environment, affordable heath care and other related issues affecting the lives of all citizens of North Carolina. 

As Chair of Appropriations, I have worked to ensure that our tax money is well spent on the programs that mean so much to each of us.

As a member of the National Conference of State Legislators, the Executive Committee has appointed me as Vice- Chair of the Law and Public Safety standing committee.

My friends and colleagues urged me to seek this office because of my background and experience. They are supporting and endorsing my re-election, knowing that I represent their interest and the interest of all North Carolinians. For this support, I am eternally grateful.