Following law school at the University of Minnesota, I was an Assistant Blue Earth County Attorney in Mankato appearing in juvenile court and enforcing child support orders for children living in poverty.

For twelve years I represented suburban communities as general counsel and city prosecutor.

My wife and I have lived in our northeast Minneapolis home for 33 years and we are blessed with two adult children.

I served on the Minneapolis City Council from 1998-2009 – and as Council President from 2002-2006.

I also served as Chair of the Ways and Means Committee, Member of the Public Safety Committee, and Chair of the Hennepin County Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee.

I earned a reputation for fairness, integrity, independence, and hard work.

I led efforts for financial and regulatory reforms.

I built relationships with business owners, immigrants, and neighborhood organizations.

I partnered with artists to create the internationally recognized Northeast Minneapolis Arts District – and continue to serve as a volunteer board member to this day.

For the past twelve years as an Assistant County Attorney, I have served as a senior prosecutor to Anoka County.

I have worked with our outstanding drug task force to hold accountable drug trafficking kingpins that poison our children for profit.

I have also led changes to our drug charging policies to reduce collateral consequences – and encourage treatment over incarceration of low-level drug offenders.

I have seen firsthand the heartbreak of victims of violent crime – and the dedication of law enforcement professionals. 

I have dedicated my volunteer engagement to creating a political culture that brings us together and rebuilds faith in our civic institutions.

For the past decade I have co-chaired No Labels Minnesota – an organization supporting the Problem Solvers Caucus in Congress and working for progress through bipartisanship in St. Paul.

As board member of the Minnesota Coalition on Government Information I have taken a leadership position in litigation against the City of Minneapolis for the “sleight of hand” that we allege hides police disciplinary records from the public .

My career in public service has been a tremendous responsibility but also a great privilige. Using my experience and passion towards being your Hennepin County Attorney would be a great honor.