Tenure

First elected to the Senate in 2006. Member of the Senate since 2007.

Current Assignments

2007- Budget and Taxation Committee

2008- 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- Executive Nominations Committee

2013- Legislative Policy Committee

2007- Joint Audit Committee

2013- Joint Committee on Gaming Oversight

2011- Joint Committee on Pensions

2007- Joint Subcommittee on Program Open Space/Agricultural Land Preservation

2011- Joint Committee on Spending Affordability

Chair, Senate Select Committee No. 1, Allegany, Garrett and Washington Counties

2007 Maryland Veterans Caucus

Past Senate Service

Special Joint Commission on Public Safety and Security in State and Local Correctional Facilities, 2013-2014; Standing Committee on Reapportionment and Redistricting, 2011-2012; Health, Education, and Human Resources Subcommittee of the Budget and Taxation Committee, 2008-2010; Pensions Subcommittee of the Budget and Taxation Committee, 2011-2015; Finance Committee, 2007; Joint Committee on the Selection of the State Treasurer, 2015.

Past House Service 1983-2007

Special Committee on State Employee Rights and Protections, 2005-2007; Minority Leader, 2003-2007; Management Subcommittee of the Legislative Policy Committee, 2003-2007; Joint Committee on Legislative Ethics, 2003-2007; Oversight Committee on Personnel of the Appropriations Committee, 2003-2007; Spending Affordability Committee, 2003-2007; Chair, Allegany County Delegation, 1998-2007; Rules and Executive Nominations Committee, 1995-2007; Special Joint Commission on Pensions, 1995-2007; Transportation and the Environment Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee, 1995-2007; Oversight Committee on Pensions of the Appropriations Committee, 1995-2007; Chair, Oversight Committee on Program Open Space and Agricultural Land Preservation of the Appropriations Committee, 1994-2002; Capital Budget Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee, 1992-2007; Joint Committee on Program Open Space and Agricultural Land Preservation, 1991-2007; Appropriations Committee, 1983-2007; Chair, Garrett County Delegation, 1983-2007; Chair, Western Maryland Delegation, 1995-2004; Chair, Oversight Committee on Personnel of the Appropriations Committee, 2003; Special Committee on the Selection of the State Treasurer, 2003; House Chair, Joint Committee on Program Open Space and Agricultural Land Preservation, 1991-2003; Deputy Minority Whip, 1996-1997; Health and the Environment Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee, 1992-1994.

Public Service

Rural Maryland Council, 2015-; Marcellus Shale Safe-Drilling Initiative Advisory Commission, 2011-2015; Small Business Task Force, 2009; Agriculture and Energy Committee, National Conference of State Legislatures, 2008-; Environment Committee, National Conference of State Legislatures, 2008-; Agriculture, Environment, and Energy Committee, National Conference of State Legislatures, 2007-2008; Joint Commission on the Maryland Port Administration, 2005-2007; Environment and Natural Resources Committee, National Conference of State Legislatures, 2005-2007; Deep Creek Lake Policy and Review Board, 2000-2007; State Advisory Board for Juvenile Services, 2000-2005; Delegate, Republican Party National Convention, 2004; Task Force to Study Public School Facilities, 2002-2004; Governor’s Commission on the Structure and Efficiency of State Government, Environmental Programs Subcommittee, 2003; Transportation Task Force, 2003; Joint Committee on the Management of Public Funds, 1995-2003; Youth Centers Advisory Board, Department of Juvenile Services, 2002-; Western Maryland Economic Development Task Force, 1998-2002; Governor’s Flood Mitigation Task Force for Western Maryland, 1996-2002; Transit Policy Panel, 2000; Citizens Advisory Board for Brandenburg Center, 1991-2000; Maryland Comprehensive Transit Plan Transit Advisory Panel, 1998-1999; Task Force to Study the Governance, Coordination, and Funding of the University System of Maryland, 1998-1999; Maryland Advisory Commission for Manufacturing Competitiveness, 1995-1998; Special Committee on Rail Mergers, 1997; Special Joint Committee on Competitive Taxation and Economic Development, 1996-1997; Special Committee on School Enrollment Management, 1996-1997; Special Joint Tax Force on Transportation, 1995-1997; Tri-County Council for Western Maryland, 1983-; Town Council, Town of Grantsville, 1980-1982, 1972-1974; Legislative Committee, Maryland Association of Counties, 1975-1978; Board of County Commissioners, Garrett County, 1974-1978; Garret County Development Corporation, 1974.

Memberships

Maryland Rural Caucus, 2002-2007; Maryland Legislative Sportsman’s Caucus, 2001-2007; National Rifle Association; American Legion; Lonaconing Republican Club; Lions Club, (President, 1982-1983); Associate Member, Lodge 40, Fraternal Order of Police.

Awards

Legislator Recognition Award, Maryland Association of Counties , 1997.

Biographical Information

Born, Grantsville, Maryland, April 9, 1948; Northern High School, Accident, Maryland; Fairmont State College, B.S., Business Administration, cum laude, 1970; Frostburg State College, Teacher Certification , 1974; Retail Businessman; Former Teacher; Drafted by Baltimore Colts, 1970 (NAIA Football All-American Fullback); Maryland National Guard, 1970-1976; Member, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church; Married, Two children.