An Announcement…

I thought I was done running for office. I genuinely did. I was honored to serve on Bellevue Council. I take pride in the fact that I, a Republican, was not only elected but even selected from among my peers (Republicans and Democrats, alike) to serve as Bellevue Council president. We did great work during that time. We dramatically improved the community all the while faithfully stewarding the tax payers’ dollars, never once even considering an increase in taxes. If it was up to me we would’ve found enough cuts to reduce the existing tax rate. We made a real difference for the community we loved.

That led to an encouragement to run for higher office. The traditional political process is not my favorite. Truth be told, I don’t identify as a “politician.” I’m too transparent and honest. I value principles over politics. And while that’s typically the sort of quality most people want from those running for office, the reality is that it makes enemies, even among one’s own party. Not to mention, it makes it easier for those who care little about things like honor and integrity to run against you. Putting principles above party and just being honest is a dangerous thing in the political world.

So, I assumed I was done running for office. Seriously, I put the idea to rest…

But then my representative on Allegheny County Council advocated for and voted in favor of an egregiously excessive tax hike. While the final number reached over months of debate and compromise reflects that of roughly a 36% increase, my current representative actively supported a budget that would’ve forced people who are already struggling to make ends meet to pay nearly 50% more (and that’s just county taxes - local and school district are going up, too)!

I wrote this and posted it on X (@tomfodi) a few days ago…

Any time a politician discusses a tax hike they paint it in terms of altruism and charity. They tug on the heart strings of their constituents and voters to justify their ineptitude and greed. “The people need it,” they cry. “We will lose our most essential services,” they promise.

When I hear the words tax hike, my mind immediately goes to my elderly neighbors living on an extremely tight fixed income. I think about the struggling single parent working two or three jobs just to keep the lights on, heat running and food on the table.

Who are we to take more from them than we already do?! Why do we refuse to audit our own public services and departments seeking out the inherent waste, fraud and abuse therein first?! Why is our first instinct to take more and spend more rather than living within our means, stretching every single dollar?!

While I’m not surprised by the passage of this disgusting 36% tax hike in Allegheny County, I’m still outraged. My councilman certainly hasn’t heard the last of what I think about his support for Sara Innamorato and her wildly irresponsible budget.

I was and remain outraged. However, now that a few days have passed, I’ve had some time to pray and reflect.

This is my home. The people who are being forced to pay this tax hike are my neighbors, many of whom are struggling. Additionally, I’m the sort of person who actually reads the budget. I sift through it the way others digest their favorite novel. I care about this. I truly care. Should I run for county council?

Even if I were to win this seat, what difference would a single vote make? It’s no secret that, as a Republican, I would all but certainly be in the minority on the board led overwhelmingly by Democrats. Well, as it turns out, a lot. 10 votes are necessary to pass the budget. This one passed with precisely 10; the slimmest of possible margins. One more vote against it would’ve at least forced it back to the negotiating table and reduced the tax hike considerably.

What about the “reasonable chance for success” factor? Would this be just be one of those, “I’m running on principle but the chances of success are slim” sort of elections? Actually, no! District one, the district in which I live, was previously held by a Republican until 2021 and in 2023 the Republican candidate for County Executive won the district by 7 points!

The only real question left is support. Would I have the necessary support to embark on a successful campaign? That’s precisely what I’m working to ascertain right now. That’s the one thing standing between me and a formal announcement of candidacy for this office. Yesterday, I attended a Christmas gathering of one of the major GOP committees in this district. Tonight, I’m attending another. The goal is simple, figure out if I’m someone these hard working, highly organized, and faithful folks would be interested in supporting for the office. If not, who exactly is the right person, then?

Unlike most “politicians,” I’m not involved for personal gain or out of desire for a power. I genuinely just want to be sure we have someone in this seat who will not be a rubber stamp for our current “tax and spend” county executive. We simply cannot afford the annual tax increases we’re all but certain to endure without a fiscally responsible, faithful steward of tax payer dollars winning this seat. Whether that’s me or someone else is secondary - seriously.

So, that’s my announcement: I am exploring candidacy for District One of Allegheny County Council.

Since many have asked me whether or not I’m running (based on my recent posts on Facebook and X), I decided it was best to be completely transparent about it. Again, I refuse to be like most “politicians” and I think most people are sick of the typical political process, as well. So, I’m going for the radically transparent route with this. My goal is to have a final decision made shortly after the New Year. If I decide to run, I will create a formal campaign with a formal kick off and formal campaign platform. I promise, you’ll know if this is actually happening. For now, I’m just sharing with you, my friends and family (as well as any interested third parties who are googling my name) in this informal sort of way that there are things “brewing” in my heart and mind.

Please contact me (tom@tomfodi.com) if you have some thoughts or feedback about what we’re considering right now. Above all else, I covet your prayers over the next few weeks as we discern the proper path forward. Unlike some, even for a “local position,” I don’t take these sorts of decisions lightly. It’ll be weighing on me until a formal decision is made. Prayer would mean a lot as we go through this decision making process. Thank you! And, most importantly, to God be the glory in all things.