“...I write this note because I want you to consider one of the most qualified individuals I know, who is running for the honor of becoming our State Representative. And he truly believes it is an honor.

This November, we will have a choice. As a life-long resident of Medfield, a teacher for thirty-one years in the Medfield Public Schools, and a former selectman, I have known Tom Roache for a long time. Tom stands out as one of the best and the brightest I have ever encountered at Medfield High School and that says a lot considering the high quality of students we graduate each year. I saw his leadership abilities early on as he graduated from Medfield High School with high honors, was President of his Class and Captain of the Warrior football team.  Tom has the tremendous ability to make a lasting difference in the lives of those around him. 

Tom went on to get his bachelor's degree from Brown University in Providence and later received his master's degree from the University of London in Ethics and Values. This is what is different about Tom, an individual wanting to enter state politics, whose concern and background is in values and ethics; that in itself says what Tom Roache and his campaign is all about. Make no mistake, he is no ordinary politician. As an Independent candidate, his commitment is only to the people he represents. Tom has refused to take any special interest money.  This may sound rather lofty to some until they meet Tom. I guarantee his sincerity, commitment and integrity.

 After graduating from Brown, Tom committed himself to a career in public service.  Using the education he was given here in our community, Tom has worked on initiatives around the United States and the globe, bringing new innovative solutions to economic and social problems. 

At age 23, Tom went to work in Texas as the director of a small community development organization in the poorest county in the United States.  While working with impoverished residents there, he collaborated with local officials on plans to get road and water infrastructure built. Beyond this, Tom established an after-school homework assistance program for elementary students and a GED program for high school drop outs looking to enter the job market. After working on a number of issue-based campaigns around the country, Tom then managed projects at an international development think tank in Washington, D.C.  This experience armed Tom with an even greater understanding of the emerging solutions to some of the world's most complicated problems - problems related to the economy, the environment, job creation, healthcare, education, crime and gender inequality.

Before attending graduate school, Tom took part in a conflict mediation training course in the Middle East where he was caught in the middle of the July War between Hezbollah and Israel.  The devastating effects on innocent civilians compelled Tom to remain in the area while war raged on.  During the crisis Tom worked in Beirut helping to administer psychological relief programs to traumatized children whose parents had been killed.

Needless to say Tom’s professional and academic success give him the mark of an exceptional public servant.  I see so much more potential in the candidacy of Tom Roache than in our current Representative. First of all Tom will be a full-time Representative and not a part-time one as we currently have. He has proposed holding regular community forums ("Mini Town Halls") across the 9th Norfolk District wherein he will present the business of the State House to all of us and listen to our concerns. As is the foundation of his campaign, he is up front on the issues and has them posted on his web site.  There are many issues facing us - burdensome property taxes, rising energy, fuel and food prices, slow increases in state revenues to the towns to name a few. Tom’s grassroots campaign is underway but support is needed to carry him through November.

No doubt you will personally meet him soon as he travels door to door to give residents the rare opportunity to voice their concerns to a receptive and thoughtful public servant. And if you happen to miss him at home, he will be out at the transfer station, or on street corners and every place in between to hear from you.

As a teacher I have a great deal of pride in seeing a former student practice the idea that democracy is not a spectator sport. Each of us has the ability and responsibility to make a difference. I hope you will contact Tom or engage in discussion with him as he reaches out to the residents of his home district. After meeting and talking with him, I am positive you will come away seeing what I mean about his integrity and the fact that he is not a politician but a public servant. This November we will have a choice, I ask that you consider Medfield's Tom Roache.

                                                Sincerely,

                                                Richard DeSorgher ”

“...refreshing to talk with him...”

        “...so happy to see new blood...”

                “...impressed with what you’ve done and (I’m) excited to see all that you’ll do for us...”

                        “...I’ll certainly be telling everyone I know about you...”

                                “...even more impressed that you’re an Independent...”

                                        “...it meant so much that you came to my door and asked me what I needed...”

“...As a 20 year resident of Norfolk, one of the first things that impressed me about Tom Roache was his clear understanding to the problems of the State.  He was genuinely concerned about the direction that Massachusetts is headed.   His passion and real interest made the difference in my thoughts about our State Representative position. It was for sure that Tom was NOT more of the same.  In both it's message and it's mechanics, Tom Roache's campaign for State Representative aims to close down the gap between what's happening around the kitchen table and what happens in government.

Tom is the next generation of political leadership for Massachusetts.  As an Independent, Tom is doing more than just talking about bipartisan cooperation - he's living that political philosophy.  After talking with Tom, it became clear to me that he sees real opportunity and power in his status as an Independent. Tom will use his Independent status to bring corporations, academics and regular people around the same table to attack the long list of problems that are driving hardworking people out of our state.

From the beginning of his campaign, Tom has demonstrated a clear focus on moving beyond 'politics-as-usual'.  Tom has refused all offers of special interest money.  He’s built a campaign that truly reflects his generous spirit and his commitment to real people.  Instead of sending out a bunch of environmentally unfriendly junk mail, Tom and his team go door-to-door to speak directly with residents about what we can do together.

In his vision for a state that truly rewards hard work, in his effort to bring real people into politics and in his policy agenda (aimed at prioritizing people over institutions), Tom Roache is truly the refreshing voice that we need now as we being a new chapter in American politics.

There is a need for a change and fresh, new approaches and I believe Thomas Roache is just that....”

  “The way I see it, we get a great deal in Tom. Here is a young man who has degrees from Brown and The University of London and who could have a very lucrative professional career. Instead, Tom has chosen to spend his life in public service. It is not every day that you find someone willing to work day and night for you while earning only the salary of a State Rep. I think we would be very lucky to have Tom as our representative.”

                                                          

Matthew Holman, US Army Reserves

Veteran - Iraq War

    “...I think the problems our state faces need a new perspective, someone who makes their decisions by the numbers and common sense.  It is that simple for me.  Does he understand the concerns of someone like myself, and is he willing to work day and night to solve them?  He earned my vote when he convinced me of that.”

    “...I have known Tom Roache since our days as classmates at Medfield's Wheelock Elementary School, and we have remained good friends ever since.  Tom has assumed leadership positions throughout life because he genuinely believes in helping others.  Whether it was breaking up a fight between two classmates in the fourth grade or pledging to speak with every voter in the district to better understand their concerns, Tom has shown natural leadership that can rally others in order to accomplish big things.  As a graduate of Columbia University's School of International & Public Affairs with an advanced degree in environmental policy and several years of experience in the alternative energy field, I believe that Tom's goal of creating a true green industry in Massachusetts is not only realistic, it is necessary if Massachusetts is to remain economically competitive in the 21st century.  Our current elected officials have moved too slowly to support this young industry; Tom's solid policy proposals and his leadership drive are real opportunities for improvement.  If you're looking for a tireless advocate for the issues that concern you, I suggest you consider Tom Roache for State Representative.”

Norfolk 9th resident

Alternative Energy Analyst