Occupation:  Right now I’m a corporate lawyer. This is my third career. I was in the military for nine years and a business manager for 16 years. It’s about time for a change. I received my undergraduate degree from the US Military Academy at West Point, my MBA from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan School of Management, and law degree from Quinnipiac University School of Law.

How Long in Newtown:  Since fall, 1980. Almost 20 years! We lived in Bethel for five years before coming to Newtown, and many places before that. I was raised in the San Diego, Calif., area.

Biggest Change Seen in Town:  I don’t think so much about what has changed but what has stayed the same and has made this a good community. Among the most important in my view is that each class of  Newtown students brings with it a core of parents who are involved in their kids’ lives and in the schools and play constructive roles in reinforcing the teachers’ goals and in supporting extracurricular and enrichment activities. As much as I respect John Reed and what he has done for the school district with sometimes limited resources, I believe the necessary ingredient for the system’s success is constructive parental involvement and interest. That has been, and continues to be, Newtown’s success.

Family:  I’m known around town as Vicki’s husband. We are fortunate and very, very proud to have two sons who have chosen giving professions; one’s  medical care, Robb, 28, who soothes the body; the other’s music, Chris, 21, who soothes the soul... and both elevate our humanity. Still, it would be nice to have a daughter, too.

Pets:  None, despite 20 years of pathetic entreaties by our sons.

Hobbies:  I don’t seem to take the time, but I’ve always enjoyed building things and designing houses, and I bet I could really get into video editing. Between November and April, though, college basketball seems to be our principal diversion.

Favorite Books and Authors: Wall Street Journal opinion page. (No, I don’t hate Clinton.)

Favorite TV Show:  Law & Order.

Organizations: I’m proud to have been a member of the team, led by Jim Moore, that organized the first Memorial Day Soccer Tournament sponsored by the Newtown Soccer Club. I’ve also helped out the NHS Choral Parents, the NHS Band Parents, and the NHS Mentorship Program. Some time ago I was co-Chair with John Reed of the Newtown School District’s Goals Committee. Most recently I tried to help the Booth Library plan and build up the library’s music collection.

Most Vivid Memory of Newtown: My memory hasn’t been vivid for a long time, but I do recall the sight of our son leading the Newtown High School band down Main Street during the Labor Day parade and all those great high school musicals directed by Ann McNulty Ferraro.

Favorite Vacation Spot: We have fond memories of Southern Germany. Spain was great, too. Also San Diego, where I come from, is high on the list. When I grow up, I’m going to have a house on the beach in La Jolla.

Personal Philosophy: “Philosophy” sounds a little pretentious to me. But the phrase “peace be with you” holds a lot of power for me, at many levels.