Welcome to Team Tommy!
Thursday, April 6th
Dear Friends:
When I walked across America in 2019, it was a walk born out of frustration. I had been elected Commander of my local VFW Post and instantly I was shocked to see how many veterans in my community needed help. You know the rest of the story: 2,800 amazing miles and six pairs of shoes later, I walked home to Dutchess County to start the real work of creating ways to support our community.
Four years later, I feel that same frustration again – and I know you do, too. Our seniors in Dutchess County are in danger of being evicted or having to resort to predatory lenders because of the nationwide housing crisis. Many of our schoolkids, from Pine Plains to Poughkeepsie, are facing food insecurity – and when they graduate, they aren’t able to find careers they love right here at home. Veterans and their families are feeling frustrated, too: every day I hear first-hand from veterans who feel displaced or disconnected from the services they earned by defending our country. Our county government talks about solutions, but they seem either unprepared or unwilling to help.
Well, the time for talk is over. It’s time for new ideas and a common sense approach. We need someone who is willing to walk the walk every day to make sure Dutchess County keeps its promise to deliver vital services, fairly and consistently, to all our county residents. That’s why I want to be the next Dutchess County Executive. As a former petty officer in the United States Navy, as an educator and administrator for over 20 years, and as a veterans’ advocate who works every single day to help our heroes, I know I have the leadership experience to get the job done.
But I can’t do it alone. I’m going to need your help on this new adventure! Please consider donating your time, spreading the word, or donating funds if able to give us a fighting chance in November. Let’s get this party started! Each week, I’ll be writing to tell you more about me and what I stand for, and also to give you updates from the campaign trail. And if you’re wondering, yes, I am writing all these messages myself! I believe it’s important to be as transparent as possible, and I know you do, too. I’ll never accept corporate or PAC money, and I promise to always listen to all our residents. I look forward to getting to know you in the months ahead as we take this journey together.
I hope you will join Team Tommy as we walk the walk to make a real difference, right here at home! Thanks for listening! See you next week!
Respectfully,
Tommy