“I appreciate this opportunity to share with the community a little information about myself, why I want to serve on the Board of Mayor and Aldermen and my vision for Tullahoma.

As a third-generation Tullahoman, I have a vested interest in our community.  I love our town and want the very best for everyone in Tullahoma. I was raised here and my wife, Linda, (formerly Linda Webb) and I reared our two children, Jack and Busch, the fourth generation, here.  Linda and her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Charles Webb, moved to Tullahoma in 1958 to set up his medical practice.  Many of you might remember my parents, the late Jack and Margaret Thoma. I’m pleased to say our fifth generation Tullahomans are now being raised here. I am very blessed.

A little more about myself.  I am a graduate of Tullahoma High School and Vanderbilt University.   Upon returning to Tullahoma I became a partner and co-owner of the family-owned E. B. Thoma and Son Insurance agency my entire business career until we merged with Lester, Greene and McCord to become Lester, Greene, McCord and Thoma Insurance in 2016. 

I have served in leadership positions on numerous civic boards over the years, including United Givers Fund, Tullahoma Education Foundation, Trinity Lutheran Church Council, Skills Development, Bel-Aire Elementary School PTO, Rotary Club, Tullahoma Area Chamber of Commerce and the Tullahoma Industrial Board.  I have also served as a scout leader and coached Little League baseball and youth league basketball.  I served one year as president of the Insurers of Tennessee.  I am very family-oriented and just enjoy helping people.

I believe we have an excellent school system and want to see our students continue to thrive.  As a Bel-Aire Elementary School “Reading Buddy” and as a board member of the Tullahoma Education Foundation, I understand the opportunities and challenges teachers face in the classroom.  Since the 1950s, four members of my immediate family have served as Chair of the Tullahoma Board of Education. 

Why did I decide to throw my hat in the ring and run for Alderman?  I think my campaign slogan, “Now and For the Future”, says it all.   Let’s not look to the past.  Our future is defined by our actions today.   Tullahoma has an incredibly bright future.  I am interested in quality, controlled growth with appropriate housing that meets our community’s needs.  I have no desire to be a “little Murfreesboro”. I believe in common sense, respect for all, integrity and teamwork.

I want to help design a Tullahoma that has an excellent quality of life and is attractive to young families.  We need to keep our strong sense of community.  I am certainly interested in hearing from the people of Tullahoma with what you want Tullahoma to be in the future.

I have decided not to accept campaign donations.  It is important to me the people of Tullahoma know I am not beholden to any individuals or group of people.   I consider myself to be a moderate conservative and am open-minded to hearing everyone’s opinion.  It’s important to me to hear differences of opinion.  Everyone I come in contact with will be treated with respect.  My focus will be on the future of Tullahoma and doing the very best I can for you.  This is my town and the people here are my people.

I would appreciate your vote of support.”