State Senator

Candidate, South Dakota State Senate, District 5, 2010

Member, Interim Committee Reviewing Game Fish & Parks, 2008

Member, Attorney General's Task Force on Open Government, 2007

Member, Task Force on Technical Education Funding, 2007

Chair, Disciplinary Board, State Bar of South Dakota, 2004-2006

Member, Disciplinary Board, State Bar of South Dakota, 2000-2006

Commissioner, State Bar of South Dakota, 1994-1997

Practicing Consultant, Attorney, Turbak Law Office, 1982-present

Magistrate, Unified Judicial System of South Dakota, 1984-1986

Member, American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), 2007-present

Volunteer, Prairie Lakes Hospice, 2006-present

Board Member, Watertown Area Chamber of Commerce, 2005-present

Fellow, American College of Trial Lawyers, 2004-present

Member, Watertown Chapter, Rotary International, 2004-present

Associate, American Board of Trial Advocacy, 1998-present

Diplomat, National College of Advocacy, 1998-present

Sponsor, Ducks Unlimited, 1995-present

Faculty, National College of Advocacy, 1995-present

Member, Lutheran Church of Our Redeemer, 1988-present

Member, American Association for Justice, 1983-present

Member, State Bar of South Dakota, 1982-present

Experience

Experience

Board Member, Arrow Education Foundation, 1999-2005

President, South Dakota Chapter of American Board Of Trial Advocacy, 2004

Board Member, South Dakota Symphony, 1999-2001

Board Member, Watertown Community Foundation, 1992-2001

Board Member, Watertown Recreation Center, 1998-2000

Board Member, South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association, 1990-1997

President, South Dakota Trial Lawyers Association, 1995-1996

President, Watertown Area United Way, 1993

Chair, Lake Area Child Protection Team, 1990-1991

Awards:

South Dakota Newspaper Association Eagle Award 2008
"Best Lawyers in America" 1997-2004
"America's Top Lawyers" 2001-2002
South Dakota Trial Lawyer of the Year 1996-1997.

Favorite Quote:

"To laugh often and much, to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children, to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends, to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others, to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition, to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, this is to have succeeded." Ralph Waldo Emerson.

First Job:

Part-time janitor at Holy Rosary Catholic School.

Priority Issues:

1. Responsive, Responsible Government: Put people ahead of politics, increase citizen access and participation at all levels, & get a handle on state finances.
2. People-friendly economic development: spread prosperity to more South Dakotans, train workers for the future, & be good stewards of the land.
3. Strong children and healthy families: invest in early childhood development, protect quality public education, and promote healthy lifestyles and preventative health care.

Reason for Seeking Public Office:

To serve others, help elevate the legislative process, and encourage South Dakota state government to adopt and focus on appropriate priorities.