I was born in Nanaimo and raised in Coombs, and as a local resident for most my life I am well versed in the issues of interest to my constituents in the central island. My wife, Sharon, and I have lived in Nanaimo since 1979 and have two children, Jessica and Parker. Jessica and her husband Ray have two children, our granddaughter, Portia and our grandson Archer. Since 1980, I have been a practicing lawyer in Nanaimo, most recently with Sharon.

In addition, I have served as the Director and President of the Mid-Island Consumer Services Co-operative, Chair of the United Way for Nanaimo and District, Director of the Nanaimo City Centre Association, President of the Nanaimo City Bar Association, Director and President of the Planned Parenthood Association's Nanaimo Branch, and a member and supporter of Amnesty International and Lawyers for Social Responsibility.