Tom served in the Minnesota House of Representatives from 1977 to 1981. He has been a volunteer with the Minnesota Land Trust, Great River Bluffs State Park, the Upper Mississippi National Wildlife Refuge, Winona’s bike trails committee and has been a nordic ski trail groomer at St. Mary’s University. He has been a Parks and Trails member for 14 years, serves on the Legislative Committee and has been active in land acquisition for Whitewater State Park. In 2012, Tom was appointed to the state Parks and Trails Legacy Advisory Committee, which will be advising the DNR, Metro, and Regional Parks in regard to Legacy Amendment spending. Tom and his wife Christine enjoy hiking, cycling, kayaking, scuba diving and nordic skiing.