It all started in a small log cabin in the Bronx in 1956; actually, a fifth floor walk-up apartment. The folks moved us to northern New Jersey in the early 1960’s. Pop was a Wonder Bread delivery-man in Harlem and Mom was a bank teller in Englewood.

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Politics from Catholic University and a Master’s in Public Administration from the University of Southern California. Taking Mark Twain’s advice, however, I’ve made a point of not letting formal schooling get in the way of my education.

I’ve been a high school social studies teacher for 38 years. Before that, I worked in the Federal Department of Health and Human Services and was the financial manager for a $12 million Head Start program which served the children of migrant farm-workers.

My wife and I have been married for 41 years. Mary Jane is a Registered Nurse. We have three beautiful and talented adult daughters.

Ideologically, I am a centrist Democrat, what came to be known as a “Blue Dog”. In the 124th Legislature, I was a member of the bipartisan Moderate Caucus in the House. In this period of severely polarized partisanship, I will still seek to forge understandings with those across the aisle. Effective public policy is built on the foundation of common ground. In this period of severely polarized partisanship, I will still seek to forge understandings with those across the aisle.