Concession Statement

November 4, 2008

When I made the decision to run for Mayor 22 months ago, we began a journey that we knew would be challenging while at the same time be very rewarding. Today, that journey will take on a new direction.

I spoke with Sue Fuchtman a short while ago and congratulated her on her victory. I also extended my commitment to Sue and to the citizens of Norfolk to do everything possible to work with her to help unite and advance our community.

As much as it is in my heart to serve as Norfolk’s next mayor, the time has come to serve in a different capacity.

I have said from the beginning of the campaign that we are determined to restore growth and optimism to Norfolk, by believing in and bringing people together. I truly believe that Sue Fuchtman desires the same thing for Norfolk. The real opportunity for both of us now, is to continue to work together in ways that will bring positive results to the citizens of Norfolk. Today will be an important step in that process.

I made the commitment early on that our campaign would remain positive, take the high ground, and stay focused on the issues facing Norfolk today. I am thankful to our campaign team for keeping that commitment. In the words of Mike Huckabee, “I’d rather lose an election than lose the principles that got me into this race in the first place.”

It’s now very important that we not direct our attention, our energy, and our passion to what could have been or what we wanted to happen, but that we focus on where we need to go as a community and what we need to do to get there.

I want to give a very special thank you to my family and especially my wife Linn for her awesome support and patience throughout the campaign. I truly could not have done this without her. I am deeply grateful to my business partners Carla Oestreich and Rick Schommer and the rest of the staff at Telebeep, for their extra efforts and support that allowed me to embark on such an incredible journey.

I appreciate all of the many volunteers that sacrificed so much to help out with the campaign by contributing their precious time and financial gifts. Many people contributed, not out of abundance and wealth, but out of the little they had. Those gifts are most appreciated.

My passion for Norfolk is not lessened by the results of tonight’s election. I am still very committed to continue to play an active roll in Norfolk’s future.

We approached this election with the attitude that I will wake up the day after the election with everything that really matters in my life fully in tact. My family, my health and most importantly, my Faith in God is stronger than ever.

Perhaps the most important thing my wife and I learned over the past 22 months is that through adversity, God builds character and wisdom. We will forever be thankful to Him for that.

Tom Schommer