Tenure

First elected to the Senate in 1994. Member of the Senate since 1995.

Current Assignments

2011- Budget and Taxation Committee

2011- Capital Budget Subcommittee of the Budget and Taxation Committee

2011- Public Safety, Transportation, and Environment Subcommittee of the Budget and Taxation Committee

2011- Rules Committee

2011- Legislative Policy Committee

2008- Executive Nominations Committee

1996- Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review (AELR)

2003- Joint Committee on the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area

2011- Joint Committee on Access to Mental Health Services

1999- Chair, Senate Select Committee No. 10, Eastern Shore

Past Senate Service

Standing Committee on Reapportionment and Redistricting, 2011-2012; Environment Subcommittee of the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, 2008-2010, 2003-2006; Chair, Alcoholic Beverages Subcommittee of the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, 2007-2010; Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, 2003-2010; Joint Committee on Health Care Delivery and Financing, 2007-2009; Agricultural Stewardship Commission, 2005-2006; Senate Special Commission on Medical Malpractice Liability Insurance, 2004; Education Subcommittee of the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, 2003-2004; Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Subcommittee of the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, 2003-2004; Alcoholic Beverages Subcommittee of the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, 2003-2004; Special Committee on Substance Abuse, 2001-2003; Joint Committee on Chesapeake Bay Critical Areas, 1995-2003; Judicial Proceedings Committee, 1995-2003.

Past House Service 1983-1991

Environmental Matters Committee, 1987-1991; Constitutional and Administrative Law Committee, 1983-1986.

Public Service

Maryland Sustainable Growth Commission, 2010; Task Force for the Future of Growth and Development in Maryland, 2009-2010; Agricultural and Rural Development Committee, Southern Legislative Caucus, 2008-; Eastern Shore Task Force on Foster Care, 2007-2008; Oyster Advisory Commission, 2007-; Incentives for Agriculture Task Force, 2006-2007; Agricultural Stewardship Commission, 2005-2006; Governor’s Wellmobile Program Advisory Board, 2003-2006; Oversight Committee on Quality of Care in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities, 2005-; Senate Special Commission on Medical Malpractice Liability Insurance, 2004; Poultry Issues Action Team, 2003; Task Force to Study the Economic Development of the Maryland Seafood and Aquaculture Industries: Executive Committee; Seafood Industry Workgroup, 2002-2003; Study Panel on Funding Needs of Trauma Centers, 2001-2003; Joint Legislative and Executive Commission on Oversight of Public/Private Partnerships, 2001-; Mid-Shore Regional Council, 2001-; Tri-County Council for the Lower Eastern Shore of Maryland, 2001-; Governor’s Task Force on Eastern Shore Economic Development, 1999-2001; Shore Erosion Task Force, 1999-2000; Commission to Review Landlord- Tenant Laws, 1998; Governor’s Committee on Employment of the Handicapped, 1984-1990; Delegate, Republican Party National Convention, 1988; Dorchester County Republican State Central Committee, 1979-1982; Chair, Committee to Promote Employment of the Handicapped, Dorchester County, 1981.

Memberships

President, Board of Directors, Maryland Rural Development Corporation, 2006; Rural Maryland Council, 2004-; Maryland Veterans Caucus, 2004-; Taxpayers Protection Caucus, 2003-; Maryland Rural Caucus, 2002-; Maryland Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, 2001-; President, Board of Directors, People for Better Housing, 1993; Board of Directors, (Past Vice President), Maryland Rural Water Association, 1992-; Dorchester American Legion Post no. 91; Federalsburg Veterans of Foreign Wars; Cambridge B.P.O. Elks Lodge no. 1272.

Awards

Recognition Award, Maryland Association of Counties, 2010; Award for Work on Behalf of Maryland Cities and Towns, Maryland Municipal League, 2008; Certificate of Appreciation, Maryland Municipal League, 2006-2007; Social Science Award, Eastern Community College, 1981; Social Science Award, Chesapeake College, 1980; Good Conduct Medal, United States Army.

Biographical Information

Born in Easton, Maryland, February 9, 1950; Easton High School, 1968; Chesapeake College, A.A., with honors, Humanities and Social Sciences, 1982; U.S. Army Security Agency, Sergeant, Top Secret Clearance, 1969-72; Public Administration: Town Manager, Federalsburg; Member, Zion United Methodist Church; Married, One daughter.