Host Taylor Wolfe provides an in-depth introduction to one of two Grass Valleys’ two newest City Council members, Tom Ivy. Born and raised in Nevada County was magical, and Tom then found another place in the woods with lots of recreation opportunities when he went off to UC Santa Cruz to study biology and other things in the process of finding his life’s direction. A class on the UC farm provided the insight that he belonged close to the earth, and influenced him to major in environmental studies and agriculture. After college he made his way back to work locally in the family construction and plumbing business. Maybe one day, a small farm will again be part of his life. A two year stint on the Grass Valley Planning Commission provided lots of information about public policy issues, and became a gateway for interest in public office. Running for office during the Covid pandemic was scary, but encouragement from friends and colleagues helped make it happen. Tom has found reconciling politics and democratic affairs with a contractor’s sense of urgency and focused decision making has been a continuing journey. Tom encourages all of us to communicate with elected representatives to share their opinions and concerns, and to volunteer for the many opportunities exist that make our community better.