I have the utmost respect for both candidates who have decided to seek election to the Hamilton County Board of Education, District 2. Marco and Tom have sacrificed a lot to run for public office which takes a lot of personal time away from their family and professional life. Make no mistake about it, they both do this with a passion for lifting public education in Hamilton County. It takes guts and an enormous amount of time just to run for this position.
Then you realize that if you are successful you will spend many hours away from family while getting paid little to nothing for your time. You will continue to be called late at night and criticized for doing what you think is right and fair. You will attend hundreds of board, committee, PTA and special meetings. You will spend hours of preparation and research to help with your decision making. You will sometimes wonder if it was worth it after the excitement of victory wears thin.
Unfortunately the District 2 race has become a reflection of what is wrong in DC and the media. The politicos and the news buffs have to start looking for weaknesses of one candidate or the other. They play upon party and religious affiliations in hopes to find flaws or shortcomings of these candidates who are sacrificing quality of life for a chance to make a difference in our community. Those who love to divide, aggravate and agitate draw defamatory cartoons and write malicious editorials about these two guys who have chosen to do something positive vs negative.
Tom and Marco have chosen to do something helpful and not harmful. Their debate a couple of weeks ago showed a respect for one another regardless of their individual views and opinions. They did not try to tear each other down or apart. Unfortunately the news media and others want to find dirt rather than appreciation for two people who are sacrificing a lot just to be considered.
I see two respectful, intelligent and caring candidates for which District 2 is blessed to have. District 2 is fortunate to have these two gentlemen willing to serve.
My vote is cast for Tom Decosimo. My reasons for voting for Tom are personal and warranted, while I have nothing depreciative to say about his opponent.
Vance Travis