This is My Story

I am a goal-oriented and solutions-driven individual who has been working in the private and non-profit sector to improve the quality of life in our community.

Born and raised in South San Jose, I am a graduate of the Oak Grove School District.  I attended local public schools, including Hayes Elementary, Sakamoto, and Herman Intermediate.  During my youth, I was able to participate in the City of San Jose's Work Experience Program (WEP) which allowed me to get a first hand look at being involved within the community. After this particular experience, I decided to dedicate my life to public and community service. In high school, I was able to serve on the City of San Jose Youth Commission to help address the issues and concerns of youth. I worked on community issues that particularly affected youth, including domestic violence, relationship abuse, zero-tolerance for hate, as well as the addition of skate parks, youth programs and other social services. Throughout my time on this City Commission, I came to appreciate the diverse assets of youth in the community and also started my work with Project Cornerstone which became a foundation for youth education and advocacy.

As an adult, I spent time working on housing issues as I wanted to be able to live in the City that I grew up in, as the cost of living in this region is high and often times I struggled to make ends meet. I supplemented my full time work with part time employment to allow me to stay a resident in the community I was tied to. This got me interested in serving as a Commissioner on the City of San Jose Housing and Community Development Commission. I worked on commuity issues that focused on first time homebuyers, affordable housing, saving manufactured and mobile homes, and homelessness services.

As more of my peers started to enter the work force, I became more involved with my previous work with Project Cornerstone and in East Side Union's High School District. I worked on funding issues for the District and was appointed to the Citizen Bond Oversight Committee that worked on ensuring equitable distribution and resources of bond funds to be utilized in the district.

Focusing on my future family plans, I want to be engaged in early education and community support for younger children. I believe that the every student should have every resource and opportunity needed to succeed.  In order to do that, we must work together and find creative solutions, new collaborations and work to support the youth in our community.

I would be honored and humbled to have your support.

Sincerely,

Tim Tom
Candidate, Oak Grove School District