Meet Mark
Mark teaches a youngster the proper way to fold up and retire an American flag after a 9/11 remembrance demonstration.
I've worked with my hands for most of my career. I've fixed machines and worked in healthcare providing direct support for those who needed it. I've lived through the layoffs of the 2008 recession and the Pandemic. I've experienced the pains that come from trying to make it as someone who has to earn what they eat in a system designed to make us fight for every step.
But what I'm proudest of, is my history as an advocate. In my work in healthcare, I learned how to advocate for those in my care. I learned what it means to be responsive to the needs of those I'm trusted with supporting.
I've taken those lessons to heart as I embark on this campaign. I took that passion for advocacy and turned it into civic action. I've stood in the streets to proudly declare my beliefs, a tradition that goes to the very birth of our nation. I've been outspoken in our community at government meetings and through my relationships with our schools.
I work hard. I want to work hard for you in Topeka. I hope to meet you in person as I walk through our district. In my experience working for the United States Census Office, I learned the value of meeting my neighbors at their doors. For centuries, this was the only way we could effectively communicate, face-to-face. I think that traditional method is still best, because it reminds us of the humanity we share.
Because if I had to give you one sentence about what advocacy means to me, what
public service means, it's you putting your trust in me to fight for you as a person,
not just to perform for your vote.
Notable Moments
2025
100 Days of Protest
I called for economic reform at the doorstep of the Koch McMansion for 100 consecutive days, advocating on behalf of those who have been left behind in the race to exploit the working class.
2010, 2020, 2025
Field Enumerator for the United States Census Bureau
Fundamental to our system of government, I worked to help the census in collecting and managing the data that forms the basis of our political system and many of our support structures.
2011-2017
Healthcare Advocacy
Provided direct services and support to adults with disabilities