Candidate for
Council Member; City of Laguna Woods

I was born in New York City where I received my basic and secondary education. Following that I enlisted in the service and served in Japan. Subsequently I matriculated at Ohio University and was earned a B.S. in History, Political Science and Sociology (1951). I took additional graduate courses in my majors at Columbia University, University of Michigan, Ohio State and Western Reserve. My Juris Doctorate was awarded by Cleveland State University in 1967.

Barbara and I were married in 1956. Our family includes four children, Valerie, Brad, Debra and Phil. My extended family includes two grandsons and five granddaughters plus related in-laws.

I began my working career as a teacher of political science, history and sociology from 1954 through 1966. I started to practice law in 1967 for the Veterans' Administration. I served as Public Prosecutor for Springfield, Clark County, Ohio from 1970-1973. Later that year I opened my own practice specializing in criminal and civil litigation. I also worked in the fields of labor law and contract negotiations with unions and governmental agencies and represented the State of Ohio in tax litigation.

When Barbara and I retired in 1987 we moved aboard our vessel, the "Sea Hack" and spent the next 5 1/2 years cruising the East Coast from Canada to the Florida keys. We moved into Leisure World on June 1, 1992. We spent part of our first two years traveling across the United States in our motor home visiting 46 states and most of the national parks.

After settling in from our travels and "getting involved" in Leisure World, I served as First Vice President of United Laguna Hills Mutual and later as First Vice President of the Golden Rain Foundation (GRF). I was chair of the GRF Government & Public Relations Committee and served on the GRF and United Finance Committees. I also served on the GRF Land Use and Planning Committee. Together with then GRF President Walter Penn, we negotiated to limit the commercial development of the open space below Gate 14. I later negotiated with Rossmoor Partners to obtain title to Parcel 4 which is next to the Leisure World stables. I participated in the renegotiation of the Star Cable TV Contract.

My opposition to the airport at El Toro started when I became one of six members of a steering committee that opposed the passage of Orange County Measure "A" which mandated an airport at MCAS El Toro. I was a co-founder of Taxpayers for Responsible Planning (TRP), the grassroots organization that led the original fight in this County. I helped develop Measure "S" and Measure "F" in my role as co-chair of TRP. I lobbied against the airport in Washington D.C. and Sacramento was one of the primary spokespersons for the airport opponents. I have been the leader, in Leisure World, of the fight against an airport at El Toro. I am one of approximately 15 people in Orange County who have lead and continue to lead the fight against the airport.

Active in the founding of the City of Laguna Woods, I was elected to the first City Council. The Council elected me Mayor Pro-Tem and then Mayor. I currently represent the City on the El Toro Reuse and Planning Authority (ETRPA), the Transit Corridor Authority and also sit on the City's Utility Committee.