When President John F. Kennedy said in his inaugural address, “Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country,” these words, together with the philosophy of service I learned in the Boy Scouts of America, inspired me. I began my political activism working for the Presidential election campaign of Senator Eugene McCarthy.
I graduated from King's College in Wilkes-Barre, PA, with a degree in Mathematics followed by a Master of Science degree in Mathematics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. My 36 year career in the field of Computer Science started with Pratt & Whitney Aircraft and included stints with Computer Sciences Corporation and Simmonds Precision before I joined IBM in 1981. In 2005 I retired from IBM and took up a new career as a Tax Specialist at H&R Block, a nice seasonal job that has given me a lot of time to attend to gardening, hiking and family, as well as the local political scene.
I became involved in local Democratic politics wherever I lived, including Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Jersey, and finally in 1978 in Vermont. I love the Vermont political system because it is so close to the people. I have never missed a Town Meeting, either in Shelburne where I lived for 8 years, or in Charlotte where I currently reside with my wife, Janet, and with my two daughters who are still part of our household. I am the proud father of 4 daughters, two of whom are married, and 1 son, who is also married.
Since I've lived in Charlotte, I have held the office of Justice of the Peace since 1993, and I served on the Charlotte Central School Board from 1998 - 2003. I was elected Chairman of the Charlotte Democratic Committee in 1997 and held that post for 10 years. I was elected Chairman of the Chittenden County Democratic Committee in July, 2006, and again in October, 2007, for a 2 year term.
My new goal is to be elected to the Vermont House of Representatives. After 4 decades, I still believe in the principles expressed by the Scout Law, that a person must be Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent. These are principles worth adhering to regardless of age, gender or political affiliation. These are the principles I will adhere to as I represent the people of Chittenden County if I am elected.
About Mike
