Born November 14, 1957 - Malden, Massachusetts (a working-class suburb just north of Boston)

Graduated May, 1976 from Malden High School

Kansas State University School of Journalism and Mass Communications, 1980-84

Statehouse Reporter/Anchor/Producer - KSNT TV (NBC), 1984-89

Independent producer/cinematographer - commercial and corporate video/film, 1989-93

Director/cinematographer - Trans World Airlines, 1993-99

Owner/Producer/Engineer - The World Famous Fummunda Lounge 'n' Studio Complex, 1999-Present

My parents, Ed and Helen Sandler, both of blessed memory, instilled in me from the very beginning my absolute obligation to leave this world better than I found it. For every success I have achieved, I owe it to everyone I have encountered along the way. It's my credo and my pleasure to give back to the community for every good thing that has happened in my life.

I've lived in Kansas since 1980, having spent time in Manhattan, Topeka, Hays and Paola before Jill and I settled in Mission in 1998.

I've been active in Kansas politics since 1989 (the year I left journalism and stopped caring about being unbiased!). While living in Paola I was active in a number of campaigns, most notably former House Speaker Marvin Barkis's and Senator Doug Walker's. My wife Jill and I were instrumental in founding the Miami County chapter of the MAINstream Coalition. In 1992 I became involved in Presidential politics, managing Senator Paul Tsongas's campaign in the Sunflower State. Tsongas and I shared a common philosophy of social progressiveness and strong fiscal responsibility, and I was proud to know and support him. Through those efforts I became a delegate and floor leader at the Democratic National Convention that year in New York City.

When we moved to Mission in 1998, I became involved very quickly in the public dialogue. I was a strong and vocal opponent of the razing of the old Mohawk School; I felt that it was a sound structure that, with some improvements, might have made a splendid Activities/Performing Arts/Senior Center. With its loss, I am equally insistent that the park land that the site has become remains park land, closed to any form of residential development.

For the past four years I have been a board member of the Milhaven Homes Association, currently its Vice President. I have helped shepherd through some badly needed updates in the neighborhood, including the replacement of the entryway walls off Shawnee Mission Parkway, and the new street corner monuments. These structures replace the crumbling ones that were simply beyond repair. While I was maintenance chair, I instituted changes that saved my neighbors several thousand dollars each year, allowing annual dues to remain significantly lower than those of other neighborhood associations.

Jill and I served on Mission's Downtown Design Guidelines Advisory Board, which, by its recommendations, ultimately made it possible to prevent a Wal-Mart from opening on the site of the new Gateway project. I served on the Rock Creek Floodplain Committee, helping to develop effective and economical ways to prevent the all-too-frequent flooding of downtown Mission. I also sat on the Rock Creek Watershed committee, helping to spread awareness of sound practices to minimize flooding and enhance conservation. I am happy to be part of the Vision Metcalf study group and the Johnson County Transportation Cooperation Council, having helped draft its charter.

Jill and I are two-term Democratic precinct leaders, and I once again sit on the executive board of the Johnson County Democratic Party during a time of significant growth in Democratic votership.

Four years ago I became deeply involved in the campaign to unseat Sam Brownback. Lee Jones ran a tough race and I was proud to be his Chief of Staff. I wish all the best to him as he now works to defeat Pat Roberts.

Commitment to my neighbors and all Kansans, the conviction to fight for what's right, years of public policy work and the strong desire to bring mainstream Democratic values to the fore in Topeka...all these are my guiding principles and I continue to work for them, and for you!