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Tom Van Ruiten Downtown Reno NV

WHY

TOM?

The Reno City Council makes big decisions that affect the people of Reno. It is important to choose people that are fully capable and, most importantly, have a vision of our future that YOU believe in.  Check out this page to get to know Tom and please reach out with any questions.

Why Vote For Tom?

  • Determined to help the people of Reno build social unity and economic prosperity

  • Raised in a small town, strong values in community and faith

  • Experience collaborating with multiple generations, adept at collaboration and adaptation

  • Forward-thinking mindset, advocates for fresh ideas and logical evolution

  • Sees the role of city council as fostering economic growth, prosperity, safety, unity, and community cohesion

  • Strong academic background in economics, and diverse industry experience

  • Experience in tourism industry critical for Reno's prosperity

  • Committed to serving Reno, with intention to serve two terms and effect positive change

  • Honest, transparent, driven by good intentions

Why Vote for Tom

In Tom's Words...

"As a candidate for the Reno City Council, I bring a unique blend of values, experience, and commitment to serving our community. Raised in a small town, I learned the importance of community and developed a strong faith and connection with the church community from an early age. My faith has instilled in me a deep sense of responsibility and compassion, guiding my actions and decisions.

With experience spanning multiple generations, from baby boomers to gen z, gained through direct interaction and collaboration, I understand the diverse perspectives and beliefs that make up our community. I excel in collaboration, adapting to change, and standing firm when necessary—a crucial trait of effective leadership. Throughout my career, I have worked directly in business environments where collaboration was critical to our success, honing my skills in teamwork and communication.

Being a forward-thinking city council member requires the ability to adapt and learn; having never been stuck in the same industry or job for very long, I've proven the ability to adapt. That is what we need—not people pitching the same old thing. More than ever, we need fresh ideas, founded in logic, that lead us to an evolved and elevated state. Evolution requires change, and I am the best representative of this process by proof of my career history.

I see the role of the city council radically different—it is to lay a foundational structure that encourages economic growth, prosperity, and safety while also helping to foster and encourage the cohesion and unity of the community. It is a critical role—to foster the sense of UNITY and COMMUNITY.

With a strong academic background in economics and experience in various industries such as real estate, financial services, education, and marketing, I bring a deep understanding of our city's economic landscape. Additionally, my experience working in a quasi-government organization responsible for tourism—a critical aspect of economic prosperity in Reno—further enhances my ability to contribute positively to our community's growth and development. I have been in more shoes than most and can represent our diverse population effectively.

While I have experience in government environments, I am not a career politician or government employee—I am simply here to serve the people of Reno. My intention is clear: to serve two terms, effect positive change, and then step aside to allow new voices to lead.

I am honest, transparent, and driven solely by good intentions. Electing me to the Reno City Council means choosing a leader dedicated to upholding our city's values, fostering growth, and ensuring a prosperous future for all residents." - TVR

The text above explains why Tom would be a good choice, but not why he feels motivated to run for office. Tom never aspired to get into politics or run for office. He'd rather be out in the side by side or on his mountain bike. Yet, here he is...Learn More about the motivation.

Words That Matter

Background

Tom Van Ruiten is a proud product of small-town America, where a tight-knit community instilled in him foundational values that still guide him today. Raised with a strong sense of community, Tom's upbringing shaped his unwavering belief in the power of unity and collective action.

His journey through life has been diverse and dynamic, reflecting his adventurous spirit and thirst for new experiences. From his early days in the Catholic Church to his current membership at Grace Church Reno, Tom's faith has been a constant source of strength and guidance.

Tom's college years were marked by exploration, from attending a military academy to studying engineering, before discovering his true passion in economics. Since then, he has enjoyed a highly successful career that has taken him through various industries, including business ownership, insurance and financial services, real estate, education, marketing, sales, and more. Currently, Tom plays a vital role in Reno's economy through his work in the tourism industry, which has seen tremendous growth and impact on the city.

Having called Reno home for nearly 15 years, Tom is deeply rooted in the community and is committed to its growth and prosperity. He shares his life with his beloved spouse, with whom he has been happily married for 17 years. While they have no human children, their household is filled with love and joy thanks to their two dogs and a kitty.

In his free time, Tom is an avid outdoor enthusiast, seeking adventure through mountain biking, off-roading in his side-by-side, kayaking, and backcountry split boarding and skiing. A lover of music, he shares his talent by playing acoustic guitar with the Worship Team at Grace Church.

Tom's dedication to his community extends beyond his professional endeavors. He volunteers his time to help support junior high and high school kids at Grace Church's youth programs and serves as a foster child mentor in the Washoe Human Services Have a Heart Mentor Program.

With a heart for service and a commitment to making a difference, Tom Van Ruiten is ready to lead his community into a brighter future, united in purpose and driven by compassion.

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