Candidate for
State Senator; District 27; Republican Party

About Me

Born in El Paso, Texas, my family moved to California when I was very young. During my school years I was a boy scout and did volunteer work.

I am 39 years old and I live in Long Beach, California. My wife, Elissa and I have two children, Emily and Michael II. I am currently working as a Satellite Payload Project Manager of a leading defense company, headquartered in Los Angeles, California.

The last several years I have been very concerned with California policies and economics. I have not only kept up-to-date with the news, I listen to both sides then research the underlying truths and causes.

I am fortunate to have friends that give us insight and feedback from a wide spectrum, teachers, law enforcement, small business owners, accountants, bookkeepers, artists, families and seniors. Sorry, I don't personally know any millionaires or career politicians!

Military Service

I entered the United States Navy from high school and served for ten years. During that time, I went to Electronics Technician School and graduated with Honors. After Nuclear Power School and Nuclear Prototype Training, I was an instructor at Nuclear Prototype Training Unit where I taught officers and enlisted personnel the theory, materials, and operation of a nuclear power plant. After graduating from Electronics Technician Class C School with Honors, I served aboard the U.S.S. San Francisco as a Propulsion Plant Supervisor /Reactor Operator and received the Navy Achievement Medal and National Defense Service Medal.

Education

After my honorable discharge from the Navy, I returned to California to go to college. I graduated from Citrus College in Glendora in 1994 with an Associate of Science degree in Natural Science. I then went to UCLA and graduated in 1996 summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering.

Hobbies

I enjoy spending time with my children, reading, four-wheeling, practicing martial arts, metal working, carpentry, and sewing. I also enjoy watching the Discovery Channel, the History Channel, football and of course, keeping up with the news.

I have been a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism, a non-profit educational association, for 15 years. Recently, I completed a four year term as the co-chair of the local South Bay Chapter.