Author: Tom Van Ruiten
I'm stepping forward to advocate for the community of the city I love and proudly call home.
I believe we are moving through an incredibly important and pivotal time, and that the actions our leaders take now will have a significant impact on the community of tomorrow. The choices we, as voters, and our elected officials make are more important now than at any point I can remember.
So, how do we improve our community? It's a question that delves deep into the very fabric of our society, exposing the fractures in our modern American communities. We've lost touch with what it means to be a community, failing to take ownership and pride in our collective home. What does it say about us when we have garbage and debris littered all throughout our public spaces, homeless on the streets and all throughout our parks, and rundown roads way beyond reasonable routine maintenance? If your personal home was littered with debris, with people living in your front yard, and your roof and walls were falling apart, how do you think others would see you? So what do you think it says about our city when we have the same thing going on?
I know we care about each other and our hometown much more than is reflected by the condition of our City and Public Spaces. In My opinion, The City Council, as stewards of our town, has fallen short in fostering a sense of collective ownership and accountability for our public areas. We must establish a culture of unity—a culture where every member feels empowered to take action and maintain standards. And remember, while the council leads, we are their boss. We elect them and are ultimately responsible for their actions. They are our elected representatives.
I believe I am the right person to help move our City in a new direction. We need new perspectives and new solutions to address our changing community, like the rampant homelessness situation, an influx of new transplants affecting our culture, and our lack of affordable housing. I'm going to work to promote "Smart Growth," which acknowledges the need for economic expansion, while reinforcing our sense of community and building on the unique culture that makes Reno "Reno."
With a solid academic background in economics and values rooted in accountability and collaboration, I bring a diverse professional career spanning many decades and multiple industries. I know what it means to be a teacher in a public school, a small business owner, a Realtor, a public employee supporting our critical tourism industry, a financial and insurance advisor, and a progressive marketing and sales director. My varied experiences offer unique perspectives and fresh solutions to propel us forward.
Progress hinges on collaboration, and I've demonstrated my ability to work collaboratively with individuals from all walks of life, from Baby Boomers to Gen Z. Bridging generational divides is crucial; we need unity and buy-in from all generations to move forward together.
While I value collaboration and compromise, I also possess the courage to stand firm when necessary, advocating for those I represent and championing new ideas, even in the face of dissent. I'm not afraid to stand alone if it means standing up for what's right, a trait vital in today's era of social media scrutiny.
I'll be honest—I never aspired to be a politician. And please don't call me a "politician" if I win…it feels a little "slimy." But I'm deeply concerned about our future, and I firmly believe that now is the time for me to step up and make a difference.
I envision a commUNITY of tomorrow, built on unity, and I'm committed to empowering the residents of Reno, adapting our policies to meet evolving needs, and elevating our collective well-being, satisfaction, and happiness.
Vote Tom Van Ruiten for Reno City Council Ward 1...for the commUnity of Tomorrow. Empower, Evolve, and Elevate.
If you have any questions, please reach out. Let's have a discussion!
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