Submission Information
- Submitter Name: Al Thomas
- How Submitter Knows Applicant: Teamate, Friend, Patient
- Submitted on: 08/26/2010
Comments
I have known Mike for 6 years now. I am thankful to call Mike a close, personal friend, an unselfish teammate and definitely the most compassionate doctor I have ever had. In 6 years of friendship, we have seen each other through many of life’s highs and lows. I can attest that Mike is a genuinely compassionate man that is always striving to make his corner of the world a better place.
As an African-American man that is a life-long Democrat, I not only recommend but would feel re-assured about the process to have Mike working on California’s Redistricting Commission. We have spent many hours discussing social and political issues. Although we have differences of opinions on some things, Mike always listens intently and gives careful consideration to differing points of view. Unlike me, he has the ability to strip emotion out of very emotional issues and boil debate down to its bare, relevant essentials. I know he would be a huge asset to the Commission.
Having played organized sports as a teammate for years, I can tell you that Mike is a passionate competitor that is encouraging of his teammates and works well with others. I remember in a playoff game an opposing player scored a last second shot to win the game. Mike’s first instinct was to walk up to the guy, shake his hand, and tell him congratulations on a great shot. I have invited Mike to play on teams I led in which he was the only white guy on the team. And just like every other team, Mike fit right in as an integral part of the teams success.
I believe all these skills will greatly enhance the Commissions ability to successfully complete its task to better empower all people of California. Any group effort would be blessed to have him onboard.