Dry Political Stuff:

I guess the easiest thing to explain about myself is that I come from a line of local politicians. For three generations now my family has been selected by the people of Snohomish Washington to lead and ensure the future of that historic City and the agriculture that surrounds it. Baileys have served on the Snohomish County Council and Chaired that Council. Have served in our State's Senate, and on countless community boards and commissions. We have run the Snohomish School District, and the City of Snohomish. Following in my family's path I have served both on the Snohomish City Council and as Mayor of that City.

Currently I work for the State House of Representatives as a Senior Legislative Assistant, a post I've held for a good many years now. I find that it allows me to have an impact on policy, without the horrible need to campaign and flatter even those one despises.

I work for the Republican Caucus, but I do not consider myself a Republican or a Democrat. Rather I am a socially liberal economic conservative, an independent with a true home in neither party.

Inconsequential Personal Stuff:

I am married, and have been for over 20 years, to a wonderful woman named Melissa. We currently live deep in the Cascade Mountains; about four miles from a tiny town named Index. Our marriage can I think be best described as both successful and unique. We are without children, or the desire for them, but share our lives with a very large group of close friends and two dogs, Kira and Red.

Fun Writing Stuff:

I write a great deal, a bit under my own name, a tremendous volume ghostwriting under the names of others. I've always enjoyed writing and over the years have become successful at it, so I guess the quality can't be all that bad. Besides, each success I have with my writing is blessed revenge on the over-educated idiots who tried to teach it to me in school.

Interesting Pipe Stuff:

My grandfather smoked a pipe throughout my childhood; I suppose that is where the interest came from. I remember my cousins and I all running around, puffing and playing with his unpacked, unlit pipes. I wonder now just how many of his treasures we managed to destroy.

I first tried smoking a pipe when I was fifteen, traveling in Kansas City. I bought myself a new Comoy's pipe and some drugstore tobacco. Having not a clue as to how to smoke it was needless to say a less than perfect experience. I now know that the tobacco was probably the worst possible choice, and that what the tobacconist assured me was a superb pipe was in fact a very poorly made specimen which should not have survived quality control at the factory for surely it should have graded out as a no name second.

I did keep trying with the pipe through the years though, and eventually I learned how to blend pipe, tobacco, and technique into producing the perfect smoke. It was a long process, but a rewarding one and I do not regret the time it took to learn the art and the science of pipe smoking.

I'm currently an active member of the Seattle Pipe Club, and recommend the club highly to anyone with an interest in pipes and fellowship with other pipemen.

Through the years I've found that I love collecting pipes, and indeed tobaccos as my ever growing collection, and my long-suffering wife Melissa can attest. My collection is eclectic but English pipes and strong English blends are my first love.