Meet Thomas 'Tj' Somer, Running For Bloom Township Supervisor

BLOOM TOWNSHIP, IL — Meet Thomas "Tj" Somer, candidate for Bloom Township Supervisor. Running opposed, Somer recently filled out the Patch candidate survey, and his answers can be seen below.

If you are a candidate for the April election, and would like to answer our Patch candidate questionnaire, please email yasmeen.sheikah@patch.com

Thomas "Tj" Somer

Age (as of Election Day)

67

Town/City of Residence

Chicago Heights

Office Sought

Township board

Party Affiliation (if a partisan race)

Democrat

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

Juris Doctor, John Marshall Law School; B.A. in Applied Behavioral Sciences, National Louis University

Occupation

Attorney at Law - 30 years

Campaign website

KeepBloomStrong@gmail.com

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Bloom Township Supervisor; City of Chicago Heights Corporation Counsel

The single most pressing issue facing our (board, district, etc.) is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.

During my tenure as Bloom Township Supervisor, the Township has been at the forefront of every issue critical to the quality of life of its residents - especially, those in need. Bloom Township lead the way in the response to the COVID 19 virus dispensing thousands of masks and sanitizer and hundreds of vaccinations. When Covid caused the unemployment rates to soar and the nutritional crisis to run rampant, Bloom Township lead the way and tripled its food pantry service to more than 1500 persons a month. When the very basics of existence became scarce Bloom Township created the free family milk program serving thousands of gallons of milk to those in need. During my tenure the township has literally provided hundreds of thousands of miles of transportation to our seniors and disabled for medical treatment or shopping. From helping our seniors, disabled and our youth, Bloom Township has always been there when needed and we will continue to provide and expand the important programs we already offer.
My goal for the next term is to address the critical issue of establishing a permanent shelter for the homeless. Homelessness is an expansive regional issue that must be addressed collaboratively by our local governments. Under my tenure over the next four years, Bloom Township shall assume the role of lead organizer in bringing our south suburban communities together to form a sustainable funded program for the homeless that will provide shelter, medical treatment, nutrition and counseling.

Do you support Black Lives Matter and what are your thoughts on the demonstrations held since the death of George Floyd and the shooting of Jacob Blake?

The concept of Black Lives Matters is, or at least should be, a core fundamental of our society and government. Equality in treatment especially treatment imposed under the color of law is an indispensable element of justice. Legal peaceful protests are a right protected by the First Amendment and bill of rights. The right to peacefully protest should be cherished and protected.

Do you think the current board has done enough to support racial equality, and if not, what specifically should be done to do so?

The Board's goal of promoting racial equality is paramount. We endeavor to do so not only through our words, but through our actions and programs and parity. The Township Board formally recognized Juneteenth as an official holiday last year to pay proper respect to this important moment in history. We will continue to focus on equality, diversity, and transparency through education and our employment practices.

What are your thoughts on the national and local coronavirus response? Do you favor measures such as limiting operation of non-essential businesses and restricting indoor/outdoor dining? And do you favor a local mask mandate?

The initial national response was simply lame and not taken seriously enough. Measures such as masks and distancing could have been implemented sooner. The effects of the virus may have been mitigated to a degree had the response been quicker. Masks and the limiting of business operations for a period appears to have been a critical element in stemming the rising virus spread.

What are your thoughts on the state and local coronavirus vaccine distribution, and how do you think local governments should work together to handle vaccine rollout?

Its been confusing to say the least. Bloom Township was able to successfully partner with Jewel/Osco and School District 170 to vaccinate all the District teachers and several hundred senior citizens. Our partnership model proved extremely efficient and effective.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

My vast amount of experience and personal dedication to the mission of township government and programs compared to my opponents lack of any experience related to the mission and duties of township government.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

DNA

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform

The list of programs established and run by the township is extensive and the importance of the programs and the success they have achieved reflects the character and dedication of the township staff. Given the recent revelations and investigations being conducted into certain of the other candidates relative to the mismanagement of government funds, it must be highlighted that Bloom Township has operated as a professional, responsible, accountable and honest form of government during my tenure.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

All of the above

If you win this position, what accomplishment would make your term in office as a success?

As stated above, successfully igniting a community response to the homelessness issue would be my paramount accomplishment.

Why should voters trust you?

The best indicator of a persons future conduct is his/her past conduct. I am proud to stand on my record and the accomplishments of Bloom Township and its staff.

What are your views on fiscal policy, government spending and the use of taxpayer dollars in the office you are seeking?

Taxpayer dollars are sacred and officials are elected to safeguard those funds. Bloom Township has been a model for government financial management. We regularly adopt a balanced budget and the annual tax levy is minimal. While the township provides a plethora of programs, the corporate fund only accounts for one and a half percent of a residents total property tax bill.
Additionally, because of our close financial management we have maintained reserve funds that have allowed us to fund a $600,000 expansion of the food pantry; $600,000 in infrastructure repairs; $300,000 to remediate Butterfield Creek erosion issues, and answer calls that require emergency responses without ever having to sell bonds or go into other debt that would increase a residents tax bill.

Is there any reason you would not serve your full term of office, other than those of health or family?

NO.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

From my father: Your duty as a member of the human race is to leave this world better off than you received it.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I've dedicated my life to the Bloom Community and I will continue to do so. There is much yet to be done.