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

2019 Senate Chair, Joint Committee on Legislative Ethics

2013- Legislative Policy Committee

2019 Joint Audit and Evaluation Committee

2013- Joint Committee on Gaming Oversight

2015 Joint Committee on Legislative Technology and Open Government

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

2011- Spending Affordability Committee

2007 Chair, Senate Select Committee No. 1, Allegany, Garrett and Washington Counties

2007 Maryland Veterans Caucus

Past Senate Service

State Park Investment Commission, 2021; Paycheck Recovery Commission, 2016-2017; Senate Co-Chair, Protocol Committee, 2015-2019; Joint Committee on the Selection of the State Treasurer, 2015; 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; Joint Committee on Pensions, 2011-2014; Finance Committee, 2007; Joint Audit Committee, 2007-2019.

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

Task Force on the Economic Future of Western Maryland, 2020-; Task Force on Rural Internet, Broadband, Wireless, and Cellular Service, 2017-2019; Natural Resources & Infrastructure Committee, National Conference of State Legislators, 2017-2018; Rural Maryland Council, 2015-; Local (Video Lottery) Development Council, Allegany County, 2015-; Maryland Redistricting Reform Commission, 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; Garrett County Development Corporation, 1974.

Memberships

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

Awards

Maryland Municipal League, Municipal Super Star, 2018, 2017; William Donald Schafter, Helping People Award, 2016; Thomas Hargreaves Award, Distinguished Legislative Fellow Award, 2014-2015; Maryland Coalition of YMCAs, Y Hero Award, 2013; The Thomas Kennedy Award, 2012; Cumberland Rotary Club, Paul Harris Fellow Award, 2007; Rawlings Fellowship, 2007; Maryland Association of Counties, MACo Recognition Award, 2006; Maryland Community Action Partnership, Legislative Leadership Award, 2005; Civil War Heritage Area, Legislator of the Year, 1998; Maryland Rural Health Association, Outstanding Rural Legislator Award, 1998; Legislator Recognition Award, Maryland Association of Counties, 1997; Maryland Forest Association, MFA Legislator of the Year, 1997; National Association of State Outdoor Recreation Liaison Officers' National Leadership Award, 1990.

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.