About Rick -

I have served our community in public office since 1996, serving in Dakota County Soil & Water Conservation District Board until 2005, and now in my third term in the State House. I was elected to represent District 39A in 2004. My current House Committee assignments are: Capital Investment Finance Division, Environment and Natural Resources Finance Division, Environment Policy and Oversight, Game, Fish and Forestry Division.

I was born in Albert Lea, Minnesota. I am married and have one son. I was raised on the family farm in rural Freeborn, Minnesota. My schooling: Magna cum laude from Upper Iowa University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and a Master of Science degree in Soil Management from Iowa State University.

In 2002 I served as Co-Chair of Dakota Citizens for Our Land & Water to successfully pass the referendum for the Farmland & Natural Areas Program.