Norfolk Daily News

Wednesday – October 22, 2008

Right Person at Right Time
NORFOLK — As a Norfolk businesswoman, I have known and worked with Tom Schommer for more than 16 years. He was my employer for the first seven years and has been my business partner for the past nine years. I’ve had the privilege of observing Tom in a lot of different and difficult situations — ones that test the real character and integrity of a person.

Tom is a man who will do what is right and not what is easy. At the same time, he is fair and empowers people with the tools necessary to make decisions on their own.

Tom always explains the “why” behind any decision. And when he commits to something, he does it with resolve, sensitivity, compassion and commitment.

Tom really likes to think things out and has some phenomenal, visionary ideas. Because of his ability to imagine what the future can hold and then see the route that needs to be taken, our business has survived some very difficult economic and industry-wide changes.

On a personal level and as a working mom, I have really appreciated the fact that Tom is pro-family. Tom approached me and offered that during the school year, I leave work early enough to be able to pick up my kids from school and spend those “oh so precious” after-school hours with my sons and daughter. That time has allowed me to stay connected to my kids.

I believe that Tom Schommer is the right person at the right time to be the next mayor of Norfolk.

Carla Oestreich