Biography

Tom has spent twenty-five years working on issues important to the people of Seattle -- from transportation and the environment, to affordable housing and human rights.

Tom has been a leading advocate for seniors and people with disabilities. Prior to his election Tom was the Director of the Seattle Mayor's Office for Senior Citizens.

Tom began his public service in Seattle as legislative aide to former Seattle City Councilmember Jeanette Williams. Transportation issues were a primary focus of Tom's work at the City Council.

During that time he also protected and improved Seattle's environment by successfully organizing the support to save Seattle's greenbelts and open spaces and to acquire historic Kubota Gardens.

As a community leader, Tom chaired the Parks Committee of the Queen Anne Community Council. He led the acquisition of property resulting in the development of one of the largest new parks on Queen Anne.

A long time advocate for human rights and social justice locally and nationally, Tom served on the national board of Lambda Legal Defense and Education Fund. He was a founder and first co-chair of the Privacy Fund the state-wide organization in Washington created to work for rights of gay, lesbian, bi-sexual and transgendered people.

Tom is a member of the Washington State Bar Association. He is a former Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Yakima County and continues to work for victims of crime and neglect.

Tom lives with his partner in the Alki neighborhood of West Seattle.