Candidate for
State Representative; District 2

Tom won his first election the old-fashioned way - he hit the streets to meet voters and learn about the issues that mattered most. Tom was first elected in 1997 to a four-year term as a Deerfield Township Trustee when he defeated a 19-year incumbent.

At the age of 31, Tom decided to enter public service because he knew he could make a real difference in the lives of his friends and neighbors. "I didn't have any experience running a campaign, but I knew how to ask people what they liked and didn't like about how our Township was being run."

"Knocking on hundreds of doors, and being welcomed by thousands of citizens was an amazing experience. I was energized by the positive comments of the taxpayers of Deerfield Township. Initially, I was expecting to find a lack of interest, but I was gratified to know that most people cared about what was going on and offered many great ideas."

Tom is a native of Cincinnati and a graduate of Moeller High School. His parents, Joann and Joe, provided a solid grounding in strong moral character and individual responsibility. After graduating from Moeller High School, Tom earned his bachelor's degree in agricultural economics from Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.

Public Service Experience

As a Deerfield Township Trustee, Tom oversees Warren County's fastest growing community and largest political entity. In 1998, the Township saw $100 million in economic development and operated on a budget of over $20 million.

As a Trustee, Tom has been instrumental in the purchase of three park properties totaling over 200 acres. Two of the new parks opened in 1999. Deerfield has become a much sought after location for business and technology companies. To attract these employers, the Township has employed an innovative Tax Incremental Financing (TIF) strategy to build new roads and infrastructure accommodating the expansion. With the expansion has come enhanced community identity and spirit. Tom has been at the forefront of Deerfield's website, quarterly newsletter, map, community guides in the Cincinnati Enquirer and Cincinnati Magazine, and the second annual Deerfield Day held in September and attended by over 3,000 residents.

In addition, Tom was instrumental in the implementation of a new state-of-the art computer network for the Township. He also helped develop the vision and leadership for the formation of a new fire department for Deerfield Township.

Strategic Planning, vision and a "customer service" based attitude mark Tom's decisions for Deerfield-his ability to see beyond the current thinking will benefit the taxpayers of Warren County.

Professional Experience

Tom is a general manager at Copart, Inc., an auto auction company that supplies over 20% of the raw materials to the auto recycling industry from 70 facilities in 35 states.

Personal

Tom and his wife Jean are proudest of their two children, Colleen, 8, and Rick, 2. The Raga's share their home with Chance, their two-year-old black Labrador retriever. Tom and Jean enjoy golf, attending sporting events (especially Colleen's), reading and community events.

Affiliations

• Chairman, Young Republican Club of Warren County
• Executive Committee Member, Warren County Republican Party
• Representative, Warren County Regional Planning Commission
• District Advisory Council, Warren County Combined Health *District
• St. Susanna Catholic Church, Mason, Ohio
• Steering Committee for Facility Options, Mason City Schools
• Ohio Township Association
• Warren County Township Association
• Southwest Ohio Township Association
• Warren County Citizens for Better Government
• Warren County Farm Bureau