Citing the motivational book “Make Your Bed” by retired Admiral William McRaven, retired Circuit Court Judge Tom Doherty spoke about making a difference in the world by helping to change someone else’s life. He said it was the support of others that opened doors for him, eventually leading to his successful election as a Circuit Court Judge in 2010. McRaven’s book is based on a commencement address he gave to a graduating class at his Alma Mater, the University of Texas at Austin. It recounts how his Navy Seal training taught him life lessons on dealing with obstacles and seizing opportunities, all beginning with the simple orderly start of one’s day by making your bed.
Doherty said he had humble beginnings as the oldest of five children raised in a modest home in DeKalb’s Tilton Park neighborhood. Among his early remembrances was a focus from his father on using proper grammar. After high school graduation, he went to NIU, but things initially did not go well and he flunked out. Enlisting in the Marine Corps gave him a second chance and said he learned respect, leadership, and discipline. He went on to return to NIU and graduated. He began a business career away from the area but moved back working in Real Estate. It was at the urging and financial help of businessman Tom Rosenow that he pursued a dream of earning his law degree. He practiced law for 24 years before entering the race for Circuit Court Judge. Doherty noted the backing of his wife and multiple others who helped him in his campaign, including 40 people who marched with him in that year’s Pumpkinfest Parade. He won with 54.33% of the vote.
Doherty explained how his decisions on the bench impacted many people presiding over so-called high-volume cases. He said he would hear as many as 300 cases a week involving traffic citations, DUI, misdemeanor charges, small claims, and foreclosures. He also presided over weddings. Doherty said he was inspired to deal with the many court matters he faced by following the guidance in Admiral McRaven’s book by starting each day with the small act of “making the bed.”