As a resident of Missoula for more than 40 years and a four term legislator, I am well acquainted with the issues facing our state and local community. My experience as a small business owner, rancher, educator, wildland firefighter and community leader provides me the background necessary to be a strong, common sense voice on behalf of the voters in House District 98 and now for the voters in Senate District 49. 

Experience & Education

4th Generation Montanan: born & raised in the Bitterroot Valley
47 year Missoula County resident
BA in History: University of Montana
Masters in Education: University of Montana
Served on Board of Directors, Western Montana Teacher’s Center
Member MEA/MFT (retired)
MEA/MFT State Legislative Committee: Chair 1984-1990

Working:
High School Social Studies teacher: 30 years in Missoula school system
Small Business Owner: Curdy Cattle Company, Thunder Fire Pilot Services
Farmer/Rancher
Wildland Firefighter: 1968-2006
Bitterroot Hotshot Crew: 1968-1970
Missoula Smokejumper: 1971-2000
U.S. Forest Service Pilot: 2000-2006
Commercial Pilot/Flight Instructor

Public Service:
Commissioner, Big Flat Irrigation District: 1983-1988
Missoula Rural Fire District: Served as both trustee and Chair: 1990-1993
Missoula County Public Schools Bond, Budget, & Levy Advisory Committee
Target Range Homeowners Association Executive Board

Public Office:
Montana House of Representatives HD98, 4 terms
Missoula County Democratic Central Committee Executive Board
Democratic Precinct Committeeman: Target Range/Blue Mountain/Big Flat

Memberships:
Missoula Backcountry Horsemen’s Association
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association
Threads of Montana History Group
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
Montana Trout Unlimited