In life, we grow from our shortcomings and our mistakes, and I believe that we carry these experiences and become better people from life's trials and tribulations. The research into my past does reveal mistakes that I made — mistakes from my past, and I own them.
The events noted by the letter writer are based on fact, but I do have to clarify some of the points.
First of all, the poor economy forced me out of one of my jobs in the past two years; the lack of protections for the LGBT workforce allowed another job to end. In addition, I pled guilty to a charge of purchasing alcohol for a person under 21, and there was drug paraphernalia in plain sight though it was not owned by me. I paid my debt to society through community service and fines. The bankruptcy filing in 2004 took place while I was married, when my wife and I overextended ourselves. We followed the legal process to save our house and keep a home for our two daughters.
I have learned immensely from spending more than your means, and I can bring that experience to City Council. I ask the letter writer and all citizens of Asheville to reflect on all our journeys that have led us to where we are today. I think we will all realize that we are better people for overcoming life's obstacles, and we all have a lot to teach each other in this community we call Asheville.
I would like to thank the Mountain Xpress for giving me the opportunity to clarify the events of my past, and I am looking at the present and future issues that are at hand and facing the citizens of Asheville.
— TJ Thomasson
Asheville
Subscribe to XpressMail. Free Sneak Peek. Every Week.
Want to know what's coming out in Xpress this week before the paper even hits the stands?
We've got your free sneak peek, along with deals available in XpressMail, our weekly email newsletter. (It's the best we can do without time travel.)
-
Comments
-
Related Articles
Comments
No commments yet.
Make a comment
Your comment has been submitted. TODO: Info about moderation
Click here to Comment Again