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Legislator Profile - Representative Tom Forese Such persistence will serve Forese well in the Legislature, where he is serving his freshman term as a Representative of District 21. The East Valley district includes portions of Chandler, Mesa, Gilbert and Queen Creek. As both a freshman and political neophyte, Forese acknowledges that he has much to learn. But whatever he might lack in experience, he more than makes up for in enthusiasm and energy. Blowing into a neighborhood bistro, he is flush with excitement. "I just found out that three high-tech businesses in my district are combining and going public!" he enthuses. His thrill is palpable. One almost feels he should be handing out cigars. The representative's spirited reaction to this news reflects not only his personal investment in the success of his constituents, but also his passion for economic development. His pro-business ardor is what led him to run for office. And he comes by his love of capitalism honestly, if not genetically. Forese's paternal grandfather entered the United States a penniless immigrant from Italy. He took his powerful work ethic to Pennsylvania, where he toiled in the steel mills. By the time he died, he owned property, operated his own store and had put eight children through college. He was a paragon of the American Dream who instilled both a love of the United States and an entrepreneurial spirit in his children. They in turn faithfully passed these traits to the next generation, of which Forese is a proud member. Forese himself was born in Boston. His family moved around a bit, and he eventually landed in Cupertino, California, graduating from the same high school as the recently departed Stephen Jobs. Following high school, he entered college at BYU Idaho and undertook a life-changing LDS mission to the Philippines. "The poverty, hunger and disease were overwhelming," he recalls, adding that the experience served to sensitize him to the plight of the neediest elements of society. Moving to Arizona to be close to his wife's family, Forese fully activated his entrepreneurial coding, founding businesses in high technology, public relations and marketing. Though he enjoyed success in his adopted state, he was troubled by what he perceived as a pervasive anti-business attitude. "My wife told me to stop complaining and do something about it," he remembers. So he took out petitions and announced his candidacy for the Legislature in 2010. He approached his first campaign for public office with zeal, tenacity and passion. His effort paid off, as he was the top vote-getter in both the primary and general elections. In the House, Forese serves on the Committees on Appropriations and Government. He chairs the Committee on Higher Education, Innovation and Reform. These assignments provide him with excellent platforms from which to pursue his pro-business and economic development agendas. Forese agrees that, in 2011, the Arizona Legislature pursued too many bills that sought to micromanage city operations. He also believes that legislators should ensure that the reforms they intend to impose on municipalities are first adopted at the state level. Moreover, he doesn't think that every local problem demands a state solution. "We don't need to legislate our way out of every problem we encounter," he opines. Forese has plenty to keep him busy when the Legislature is out of session. In addition to work, he is an active and involved father to his four children, who clock in at the ages of 10, 8, 6 and 2. Attendees of public school, they receive supplemental lessons at home during their school breaks. "It's chaotic and wild - kind of like a world bazaar," says Forese of his family's child-rich home environment. "It's also a lot of fun." Though he currently has little time to pursue adolescent dreams of rock-and-roll stardom, Forese has served as the lead guitarist and vocalist for Avenging Mars, a local band. Visit YouTube to check out the group's performance of original songs, including, "Space Needle," "Best Get Going," and "Stone Cold Killer." A strong believer in the concept of the citizen-legislator, Forese views politics not as a career but as an opportunity to contribute to the development of the state. At the same time, he acknowledges that he could be in the arena for awhile, noting, "As long as I feel the drive and that I can make a difference, I'll have my hat in the ring." This pronouncement, coupled with the Representative's passion, work ethic and trademark persistence, could signal that Tom Forese will be a force in Arizona policy and politics for years to come. |
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Legislative Bulletin is published by the League of Arizona Cities and Towns. Forward your comments or suggestions to league@azleague.org. |
