I am a lifelong resident of Monroe County, and a twenty-two year resident of Irondequoit. My wife, Sue Rinere O'Brien, and I have two daughters, Brynne (4 years old) and Corinne (3 years old). I received a Juris Doctor degree from Syracuse University College of Law in 1982, and am a partner with the law firm Harris, Chesworth, O'Brien, Johnstone, Welch and Leone. You may also know me as a former political analyst for News8Now, WROC-TV Channel 8, and "Talking Point".

In the County Legislature, I now serve on the powerful Ways and Means Committee, and as the ranking member of the Agenda/Charter committee. I am a member of the Irondequoit Democratic Committee, which I chaired from 1992 to 1994, a member of the Irondequoit Chamber of Commerce, have served on the East Irondequoit School's Facilities Study Committee, have chaired a citizen's advisory group on planning and economic development, and am a member of the Board of Directors of the Heritage Christian Services Foundation. I also served as chairman of the Monroe County Democratic Committee from 2000 to 2002.