MEET TOM
As a retired professor of Spanish, I have taught history for more than 20 years. In that time, I have studied the lives of men and women whose actions impacted greatly in the evolution of societies. Circumstances produce leaders. Often, it was situations that made people of conscience step forward and give of themselves to effect change and improve the lives of their fellows.
We are living in a time when our society is under great pressure. Social media and cable TV programs send contradictory messages and disinformation. Our communities here in Mesa County are no exception to these dangerous trends. In recent years I have observed fearmongering inspired by demagoguery during our elections. Such messaging is gaining a foothold in our Mesa County communities.
I have been inspired by the examples set by historic figures. My community service has enabled me to work alongside the immigrant community members in their struggles to become fully engaged in the civic life here in Colorado. I have observed that when the least powerful among us suffers, that reveals a problem in our community that needs addressing. These aligned with my role of professor of Spanish as the immigrant rights movement is a continuation of the decades long struggle for social justice in our hemisphere.
A healthy community is one where there is equity: that is “the state or quality of being just or fair.” A Recent Mesa County survey indicates that people suffering from lack of affordable housing and low wages are the least satisfied with current conditions in our county. They are suffering this lack of equity.
I support a community in which all members live free of stress; in which their children have access to healthy activities; in which women have access to adequate healthcare and don’t have to drive 100 miles to receive those services; in which wages are sufficient to cover the basic needs of housing and in which there is access to reasonably priced healthcare for all.
It benefits the entire community if those with the least social advantages receive some assistance. Let’s think college scholarships, housing subsidies, living wages, safe neighborhoods, adequate lighting in their streets and access to healthcare for all.
