Tom Reed

“I still believe that the power of our nation, is not in the government we create, but rather the honest individuals who show up day in and day out and work for a living. We must again become a nation of personal accountability. One where our government does not guarantee success to everyone, but rather simply guarantees the individual is given the opportunity to succeed,” – Tom Reed

Hometown Values Mark Tom Reed’s Career and Campaign

During his successful 2007 bid to become mayor of the City of Corning, NY, Tom Reed produced a number of YouTube® videos in which he talked about  the proud family he comes from; the spiritual and community values he holds deeply; and the lessons life taught him along the way.

A commitment to family and friends, an enduring love for his hometown, and a deep concern about the “personal, petty political issues” he saw at City Hall were themes that likely helped propel him to the first political office he has ever held.

Now, as he puts his hat into the political arena again – this time as a Republican candidate for the 29th Congressional District, Tom Reed, 38, hopes the same homespun style will result in an opportunity to serve upstate New York in Washington DC.

Former Congressman Amo Houghton is himself no stranger to politics, having served the 29th Congressional District for nearly two decades. “I could go on forever (about Tom Reed),” Houghton says. “I knew Tom’s grandfather. I went to school with his father. The 29th Congressional District is an extraordinary place, requiring someone who is decent, and honest, and we can be proud of,” Houghton said. “Tom is that kind of man.”

“In our family, the military ethics of honor, integrity and commitment to our nation are not just terms or concepts to be thrown around haphazardly,” Tom said. “They are beliefs to be held sacred and always respected.” Tom’s father died when young Tom was only two years old.

“We watched as our mother carried on, moving the remaining five children with her to our hometown of Corning, where she raised us by herself in the home her dad, my grandfather built,” Tom said

“During this time, I can honestly say I saw my mother break down and cry only once. It was at a time when things had become especially difficult,” Tom recalled. “But even then, her tears quickly passed because of her ‘can do, must do’ attitude.”

He attended Alfred University and received his undergraduate degree in Political Science. Perhaps his proudest moment while at Alfred, Tom also was captain of the men’s swim team and a first team Division III All America athlete.

“Quite an accomplishment, given the state of my current physique,” Tom laughs now.

It was at Alfred and at Ohio Northern University College of Law, where he was graduated in 1996, that Tom first dabbled into politics. While at Ohio Northern, he studied Environmental Law, and served on the Moot Court Board of Advocates.

Tom was admitted to the NYS Bar in February 1997, and worked as an associate attorney in the Litigation Department at Gallo & Iacovangelo, LLP, in Rochester until 1999.

“I remember my wife and best friend, Jean, worked as a waitress at Chili’s over on Winton Road in Rochester, while I practiced for the bar exam and we started our family together,” Tom said. “She also worked midnights at Strong Memorial, so I could start my legal career.” Still he yearned for his native Corning. So in 1999, Tom moved back into the home he grew up in, opening his private practice in rented space “no bigger than our bedroom,” he said. Today, Tom employs 25 people in his businesses.

Tom and Jean have two children, Autumn, 11, and Will, 9. “Will was diagnosed with Juvenile diabetes at the age of 4,” Tom said. “Now almost five years into this terrible disease, I am still inspired as I watch Jean awaken each night at 4 a.m. to check our son’s blood sugar to make sure he is OK.”

In addition to his private practice, Tom is a co-owner of several other businesses dealing with real estate and mortgage brokerage. He has served on many political and service boards in the community, including the Corning Republican Committee, the Steuben Young Republicans, the Elks Lodge #1071 and the Corning Rotary.

“This region is so important to me,” said Tom. “This is my home. I was raised in this district. I have lived throughout this district and I will die in this district.

To find out more about our campaign, please our website: www.tomreedforcongress.com

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