To the editor:

When a parent signs his son up for T-ball you do so thinking your son will have fun and make new friends. My son did have fun and make friends, but something else happens at events like this. Parents meet each other and become friends. I met a fellow parent, who is very attentive as a parent, friendly and easy to be around — generally “a good guy.” This parent was supportive of all the children on the T-ball team as well as his own child. When four- and five-year-olds are trying to learn baseball, a parent must be very patient, and this parent is very patient.

This fellow parent is Tom Wacha. Tom is everything that I described, but what I didn’t know about Tom is just as impressive. Tom is a former Naval Line Officer, alumnus of Iowa State University, a mentor at Meeker Elementary through the YSS GRIP program, has served on the Board of Directors of the Historical Old Town Neighborhood Association, has a Masters Degree in Information Technology, is a graduate of Leadership Ames and is an active leader of the Ames Community Preschool Center.

Tom is currently running for city council to represent First Ward in Ames. I feel that he will represent the First Ward and Ames with an open mind. This is why I have chosen to support Tom’s candidacy. Tom understands the close connection between the success of our city government and school district and the success of local businesses. He knows how difficult it is to be in business, and will work to help entrepreneurs succeed because their success will translate to success for our city. He knows that tax dollars are precious and will work to keep the relationship between council and city staff strong and mutually beneficial.

Tom could have used his resume and amazing personality to gain employment anywhere. But he and his family chose Ames. I’m glad he chose Ames. Let’s choose Tom to represent our First Ward on Nov. 3.

Matt Converse

Ames resident