Mr. Republican And Ms. Democrat- Tom Lewis
He was “Mr. Republican” in northern Palm Beach County for more than 30 years - and he never lost an election.
Tom Lewis, a respected voice of moderation and compromise, began his political career in 1964 with his election to the North Palm Beach village council. In 1972, he moved up to the state House, eight years later was elected to the state Senate, and in 1983, he went to Washington to represent Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast.
A veteran of both World War II and the Korean War, Lewis had been a gunner aboard a B-25 bomber. After a decade in the Air Force, Lewis moved to North Palm Beach to become an aircraft testing specialist for Pratt & Whitney.
He became an advocate for airline safety, helping to pass bills forcing airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration to try to improve the survivability of plane crashes.
He never wanted to become a national leader, preferring to focus on issues important to the folks back home. One of those was the building of a Veterans Affairs Hospital in Riviera Beach. He also fought the Pentagon plans to eliminate a squadron of WC-130 planes - the “hurricane hunters” that provide data on storms.
“When I retired, I knew it was time to give someone else a chance to pick up the torch,” he said. “Now I spend the time enjoying my wife and family, traveling and working on a few charity boards. I’m not too involved in politics anymore, but I’m glad I was able to do some good.”
- Story by BRIAN E. CROWLEY
