Letter: Check out Tom McDermott for U.S. Senate

We heard a powerful speaker a few weeks ago named Tom McDermott, Jr.  Tom is the longest-serving mayor in the history of Hammond, Indiana, and is seeking to be our next U.S. senator.  Tom served six years in the navy as a nuclear submarine diver.  After his six years in the Navy, he went to Purdue and Notre Dame and became an attorney practicing in Hammond before winning the mayor-ship.  

As mayor, Tom established a scholarship program that has provided high school seniors with thousands of full-time scholarships.  17 years ago, he started a legal aid clinic for his city’s residents.  He and his team have also brought in almost 1 billion dollars in economic development to the Hammond area!  

As Senator, Tom wants to continue to reduce burdens on small businesses and entrepreneurs.  Also, he supports a farm bill strengthening farmers’ safety net and conservation programs.  And with an eye to the future, he will support clean energy manufacturing jobs in Indiana.  Also, he wants to work to protect Indiana families from going bankrupt over a serious medical diagnosis by strengthening a federal public insurance option. He is a proud gun owner and will protect gun rights. However, he thinks military assault rifles are made for war, not hunting or protecting your family. And speaking of war, he will make better services for our veterans a big priority. Finally, he believes it is time for marijuana to be legalized.

Tom and his wife, Marissa, are proud parents to four children. Following 18 years of coaching youth baseball, Tom has recently turned to competing in triathlons.

If any of this seems sensible to you, please look up his next speaking gig. You won’t be disappointed!

Sarah Winner, Santa Claus, and Linda Weber, Lamar