House Committee Information
Committee Name: Environment and AgriculturePosition: Member
Committee Function:It shall be the duty of the Committee on Environment and Agriculture to consider all matters concerning agricultural and farm problems of the state, physical land use including current use, the various agricultural organizations, the protection of the state's environment from forms of pollution other than air or water pollution, waste management issues, and such other matters as may be referred to it.
Personal Biography
I am in my fifth term as a State Representative, having run for the first time in 2012 at the request of fellow Dover citizens. In my work at the State House, I have found that my experience as an educator,scholar, writer, editor, and parent provides me with skills I frequently apply to my legislative duties: listening, research, analysis of complex issues, clear writing, and the capacity to reach effective consensus.
My wife Jessica teaches at UNH. My son Solomon a sophomore at Reed College, and my daughter Eleanor, having spent her elementary and middle school years in Dover Schools, is in 11th grade at Phillips Exeter Academy. I am the full time at home parent, raise a large portion of our food in our garden and orchard, share the care of my elderly father with my brother, make necessary repairs on our hundred year old house, and do freelance editing and tutoring.
I grew up in Maine, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, and received my B.A. from Yale University and my M.A. and Ph.D. from Indiana University, Bloomington. I have taught in public and private schools, worked as an editor for an internet company, and tutored for a SAT prep company.
Local Government Involvement
Past involvement in Open Lands Committee, School District Wellness Committee, and establishing a school garden at Horne Street School. This summer (2020), I was involved in using the garden to provide food for Dover food pantries.