“Rich?” “Elite?” “Out of Touch?”

Decide for Yourself

By Suzanne Ferrio

Recently I was made aware of some claims on the CCA website referring to Tom Ferrio as “rich”, “elite” and “out of touch with the masses” because of the photo he posted in preparation for the upcoming campaign (I love that photo!).  Tom isn’t aware that I am writing this, but I really wanted people to understand the Tom that I have known over 24 years of marriage.

Yes, we did take a vacation to Italy.  Unfortunately, the guesses as to where we visited were a little off.  We were actually in the Piedmont (not nearly as glamorous as Tuscany or the Riviera) but definitely a beautiful part of Italy. 

Tom is second generation Italian and we were there visiting some relatives and doing a little genealogy research.  The photo was taken at a lovely four room B&B where we stayed on part of our trip.  We used air miles for our flight.  We visited the jet-setting villages of Cuorgne, Pratiglione and Pont Canavesse and had a wonderful trip. 

Tom & His Dad on the Farm

Now, I realize that many people can only dream of Italy and we are, indeed, fortunate.  However, Tom has assured me he will not be running his campaign from Tuscany or the French Riviera!

Tom grew up on a small family-run farm in Michigan.  By the time he was seven, he was already driving the farm truck while his parents loaded the potatoes from the field. 

He knows the literal meaning of “a long row to hoe” which was a chore he and his mom performed while his dad worked another job to help support the family. 

He can operate tractors. He knows how to clean out a chicken coop in the spring after a long Michigan winter and harbors a dislike of chickens to this day, no doubt due to those many hours he spent in their presence. 

He spent his after-school hours and summers working on the farm right up through college. His parents (ages 85 & 89), while not actively farming, still live on the farm where Tom grew up.

His educational journey actually began in a one-room schoolhouse with 18 other students, K-8.  He graduated from Michigan State with a BS in Electrical Engineering and later attended Texas Tech (thanks to Texas Instruments’ work study program) where he received his MBA.

He was recruited at Michigan State and upon graduation immediately started working for Texas Instruments which led to his 30-year career.  He started at the bottom and worked his way up eventually becoming a Vice President.  Much of his career was focused on educational products and he has a deep commitment to educating our future generations. 

Extra note: To anyone who had to buy a TI graphing calculator for either themselves or their children – Tom was one of the team of people who developed that product and promoted the advancement of math education in the schools.

Both Tom and I are well aware that we are very fortunate to be where we are in life and living in Charlestown in a lovely home.  But it has been a result of hard work and determination.  We have been able to live the American dream. 

But Tom has never forgotten his roots and is very aware that in today’s world not everyone is able to realize that dream.  Because of that awareness, upon his retirement Tom felt it was time for him to give back to others who are struggling and less fortunate – a reflection of the values he learned as a boy on his parents’ farm. 

He volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Garland, Texas.  There he became one of the core team of builders and served on the Family Selection Committee.  He worked side by side with Ethiopian immigrants, Hispanic families and many others hoping to achieve their dream of a decent, affordable home for their family.                                              

Upon the move to Rhode Island, he really wanted to get involved with the community.  So, the first thing he volunteered for was the Charlestown-Richmond Fire Department.  He actually put in his application before we had even moved into our home. 

His commitment to the fire department goes beyond marching in parades.  He is one of the drivers on fire calls, anytime day or night.  He works the doughboy booth at the Washington County Fair.  He shovels the paths during snowstorms.  He does equipment testing twice a month.  Many of these things he is not required to do – he chooses to do them.

Other volunteer activities he is engaged in also reflect his commitment to community, the environment and education.  They include:  President of the Charlestown-Richmond Fire Association, URI Watershed Watch, Save the Bay/South County Coastkeeper advisory committee, Charlestown Wastewater Management Commission, and the Charlestown Historical Society. 

He sits on several boards including a non-profit devoted to math education.  Tom has also supported other local non-profits with his personal time by helping them set up their websites, always refusing payment.

Rich?  Not really.  We are comfortable, but we certainly cannot afford more than one home nor could we afford a million-dollar home by the beach.  Tom does have a sports car – a 10-year-old Honda and there are no plans to replace it with a Porsche, classic or otherwise.  The rest of the time he drives a 12-year-old Jeep.                                                                     

Elite?  Tom shows every day that he doesn’t consider himself elite through his diversity of friends, respect for people of all walks in life and the causes he supports.

Don’t just take my word on what I have written.  I could be making it all up.  Talk to people who know Tom and have spent time with him.  Meet and talk to Tom.  Ask him questions.  Get to know him.  Find out where he stands on the issues and concerns that are important to you. 

Then you can make your own mind up regarding his character and commitment to Charlestown.