'I believe in strong commitment'

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Waylon Peterson can describe himself in one word: loyal.

"I have a fantastic loyalty to my country, as well as to my employer-TCU is one of the best organizations in Michiana." Peterson said. " "I believe in a strong commitment to family and service and I try to epitomize that in my life."

Whether it be to his family, church, employer or country-"Those things are extremely important to me," Peterson added. A former army office, who also worked for Minnesota Congressman James Oberstar for a time, Peterson is married to Kate and is the father of five children - Caroline, 10, Margaret, 8, Louisa, 5, Rose,3, and Adam 3 months.

While he does many hours ("I love my work," he said), Peterson said his favorite activity is spending time with his wife and children.

"With five kids, it's busy," said Peterson. It's difficult to find time for much else, but he makes time to serve on the Granger Pathways Committee as vice president. The group is working to build biking trails that connect all the subdivisions in Granger. Eventually, he would like to see the trails connected to South Bend and beyond.

"I grew up in a small town in the 1970's, and you could ride your bike to the library and see friends," he said. "It's difficult to do that now - it's not safe." He wants to give his own children that same experience.

"With all the technology we have today, kids and adults don't get to know their neighbors," said Peterson, who is an active member of St. Pius Catholic Church in Granger. "I'll do anything I can do to make us a better community. With a better community, we'll be able to keep more young people here, have community spirit and have more to do. That's why the bike trails are such a good fit. In major metropolitan areas people can get around better than we can."

Peterson said he's one of those people who believes one person can make a difference with hard work and commitment."

"I want to make a difference by being a good dad and husband and working to improve the community, economy and country," he said.