Professor Emeritus
Webster University
About Me
I hold a PhD in political science/public administration from Case Western Reserve and a Master’s in political science from St. Louis U. I taught political science at Gannon College in Erie Pennsylvania for eight years before joining the faculty at Webster University in 1976. I taught political science and management at Webster University for 40 years before retiring in 2015. For half that time I was Chair of the Department of Management in the Business School.
I have published two books on health policy, the most recent one an assessment of the Affordable Care Act in 2021 as well as various academic papers including several on local government organization and finance.
Beginning in 1978 I was elected to the Crestwood Board of Aldermen and served for 18 years before becoming Mayor from 1996 to 2002. During my time as an elected official I was also very active in the County Municipal League on a variety of issues and served as President in 1990-91.
After leaving elective office County Executive Dooley appointed me to the County Board of Equalization. I served four years in that role. Along with UMSL academics Terry Jones and Mark Tranel, we did a critical analysis of the fiscal projections of the Better Together group, which received front page coverage in local papers.
I am currently a member of the national Public Policy Committee of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Since 2003 I have been a member of the Municipal Parks Grant Commission and currently serve as Chairperson.
pic + brief summary
At the Nexus of Politics and Policy In the more than a decade since the enactment of the Affordable Care Act, questions about the law continue to be vigorously debated. What political dynamics led to its passage? Why has it been subject to so many existential threats? What accounts for its survival and growth? How…
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