Norfolk Daily News

Wednesday – October 1, 2008

Perspective offered
NORFOLK — In light of the upcoming election, I wish to take this opportunity to give a little perspective about one of the candidates for mayor, Tom Schommer.

Tom and I were married for 17 years. We were high school sweethearts, and married fresh out of high school. Looking back, I was drawn to his drive to succeed against all odds. Tom wasn’t raised in a traditional family but instead in a poor family without a mother, with “Granny” trying to raise him and his four brothers.

He knows what it’s like to be slandered for not being “normal,” which has helped prepare for his running for mayor. More importantly, his past has made him sensitive to anyone in the minority.

Tom’s a man who has not inherited money, nor was he born into a family name that automatically gave him respect, privileges or resources. Just like you and I, he’s had to earn what he has. That’s why he’s so approachable and will listen to you.

He’s a born leader with a tender heart for families in need, especially the youth. While you and I are home sleeping, he’s thinking of ideas of how to improve Norfolk for future generations.

His vision is for a community where the young want to stay and raise their children and one the elderly will feel safe and comfortable for its small-town feel.

Tom wants Norfolk to be a benchmark for other communities that offer recreation, job opportunities and schools that give kids the education needed to establish healthy families and communities.

He hasn’t forgotten where he came from. He wants to represent all the people no matter what neighborhood they live in, what age they are and what personal needs they have. Being raised poor, he hates waste so he won’t waste tax dollars.

To this day, Tom and I have open communication with our adult daughters and “extended family,” as we call it. We don’t try to pretend that we are exempt from disappointments and broken dreams. We simply have moved on, doing the best we can with the lessons we’ve learned so far.

You may ask why didn’t our marriage work if he’s so great? Let’s just say even at a young age he “wanted to save the world,” as I called it. As a young wife and mother, I didn’t appreciate or understand such large visions. I understand now, so he has my vote and, hopefully, yours, too.

Connie Kava