I read a criticism of Saviello not missing a photo op, indicating he has strayed from his “Maine” focus to being overly political; I think not! Tom is a true public servant. I believe everything is a matter of perception; is the glass half empty or half full? Every time I see Tom’s picture in the paper with members of an organization or some other community function, I see him drawing positive focus/attention to the situation promoting whatever is going on, boosting pride and generating support. If your organization has been on the receiving end of Tom attending you know he’s there to work, like at our annual church chicken supper or our Flying Club, to name a couple that he has worked at for years. Ayah, he might get into the local paper again, but we here in Phillips have to believe he cares in all that he does to support us. Thanks, Tom, for keeping our glass half full.
Tom takes great pleasure in recognizing the elderly with citations or however possible. Does anyone honestly feel this is to promote himself? What a wonderful honor, privilege and sense of self appreciation an elderly person must feel to be remembered in a public way after possible years of being confined or alone perhaps wondering if anyone remembers when or much less cares. A recognition like this most likely prompts acquaintances or even strangers to call, visit, or send a note. Do you think Tom, doesn’t realize this?
I’ve been told that Tom sends each student on the honor list a card of congratulations. Walking back from the bus stop tonight with my grandchildren, I mentioned I needed to use their computer to write this support letter for Tom Saviello and asked if they knew who he was.The older one said, “Yes, I do. He’s our senator. He sends me lots of letters. I get letters for being on the Honor Roll and for cheer leading.”
I was surprised because she had never mentioned it. I did correct her on the senator “early projection.” Then the younger sister replied, “I really wish I could get a letter from him someday.”
I’ve heard tell that Tom Saviello is the smartest man in Maine. I’ve always believed that since I’ve first known him. But, tonight, when my granddaughter expressed her appreciation on receiving a letter from Tom, I realized just how clever he is. By supporting the children in his district, instilling pride, self-respect and some good old-fashioned competition to excel he is helping to shape the future of Maine. Imagine if Tom had a photo op for every letter of congratulations he has sent to well deserving youngsters. (For some, I can well imagine it being the only congratulations they get; think Tom realizes that?)
One day last August, I saw Tom at a Kingfield celebration and mentioned to him that he really got around considering he was in Phillips that morning helping at the Fly-in breakfast. His reply was that he had just come from same event in Stratton and would shortly be going to some other town to attend another function. Imagine the gas, time and energy in just that one day he expended. Any photo ops? I don’t know, but I do feel for every one photo op he probably has five that could have been, not to mention the multiple cards he sends to our youngsters and adults without most even being aware of it.
Tom supports, individually, groups, towns, and state level. The unusual thing about Tom is that he feels each level is an important part of the whole. I for one believe it isn’t a matter of how many photo ops he is in, I believe those photo’s are creating more that exposure and those of us who know Tom know he is there in multiple ways that no one has before him and likely never will again. Thanks Tom for keeping our glass more than half full, thanks for being you our public servant our friend.
Please get out and vote Tom in as our well deserved new senator who will work untiringly for us. It’s a proven fact.
Elsie Dill
Phillips, Maine
