I am proud to have attended, taught in, worked and supported Montana’s public education system my entire life.

Plentywood, MT

My parents were living in Plentywood, MT at the time of my birth. My mother had some complications—and I was officially born in Williston, N.D. My mother worked as a school teacher in Raymond, MT for a short time.

Scobey, MT

Then, my parents moved to Scobey, MT and started a Lady’s-Ready-to Wear Store. Every Saturday, they both worked so they would send me to the movies —most of which were westerns. I am surprised that I did not turn out to be a cowboy. My hero was the Lone Ranger.

Small Town Boy

When I was in the 6th grade, we moved to Plentywood, MT and my dad bought the Plains Motel. I really have deep feelings for small-town schools—and this is where I think it came from. During my 14 years in the Legislature, I have never advocated the consolidation of schools—as has one of my opponents. They close communities when the schools close, and don’t save that much money.

My Political Career Begins

When I was a sophomore in high school, I served 60-days as a page in the House of Representatives. I had a picture taken and on it I wrote: “I shall return.” My junior year in high school, I was elected as Montana’s Boys State Governor from Plentywood. In addition, I was selected as Montana’s Boys Nation Senator and went back and met Senator Mike Mansfield. I was also elected as student council president. My senior year, I was elected as Senior Class President and voted “the most likely to succeed.” My English teacher, Darrel Gustin, was my favorite teacher—and may have influenced me in my career choice.

University of Montana—Missoula

I walked all the time while attending the University of Montana. I had no car. To this day, I still like walking through the leaves. My freshman year, I was elected to a two-year term on Central Board—the student governing board at that time. My favorite teacher was K. Ross Toole. He mesmerized me with his classes on Montana—and created an overwhelming love in me for this state. I took his class for credit and then as a listener for no-credit. At the first dance in the new student union building, I met my wife Ronnie.

Columbia Falls

I did my student teaching the summer I graduated in1969 in the Upward Bound Program—and got my first teaching job at Columbia Falls , MT for $7600. I also was the first to file for the Legislature in 1970. I was told by the school board that I could not campaign during the week, and that the Principal was to drive by and see if my car was at home. I told them that I was not a second-class citizen because I was a teacher. Anyway, a young man—who was raised in that area—later filed and beat me in the primary. His name was Bob Brown. My third year there, I ran for the Montana Constitutional Convention. I came in third in the primary, but in the general election I lost by 46 votes. A former student of mine is a State Representative from there today: Rep. Doug Cordier.

Various Career Trials

I tried various occupations: Outdoor Advertising Sales Person, Real Estate, Radio and TV Sales, Shoe Sales... Then, I took a position at Glasgow High School as an English Teacher, and ran for the Legislature!

Political Success

I ran twice without opposition in the House and once for election as State Senator. I served in the Montana State House from 1995-2000; and then in the State Senate 2000-present.

Education Committee Experiene

I’ve served 6 years on the House Education Committee, 8 years on the Senate Education Committee and this last session I served as Vice Chairman of the Senate Education Committee. I was there when we put the definition of “Quality” into our Education Formula. Last session, I was there when we enacted a Full-Day Kindergarten Bill by one vote—mine.

I am currently a Management Analyst with the Department of Revenue based out of Glasgow, Montana. I have been part of the agricultural reappraisal that will be implemented on Jan. 1, 2009. I have participated in the on-ground inspection (ground truthing) to ensure accuracy of aerial photography. My primary mission is public relations. I speak to various agricultural groups, trade shows and design materials for agricultural reappraisal.

Two Passions

I have two passions: politics and education; being your next Superintendent of Public Education would not be work for me. With my legislative background (the most of any other candidate), we can do better—much better—for Montana’s educational system and students.