From the couple who purchased Mitt Romney's home
From Corinne and Hal Prewitt:
Regardless of who any of us are supporting in the
presidential election,
we all are better served by knowing the truth as this does
influence who we support. It was not approved by Mitt Romney
or his campaign.
As you may know, we own Mitt Romney's former home.
Corinne and I have written a non-political-issue story that
you very likely have not heard. We did this because many
Democratic, Republican and Independent voters strongly
recommended and found it valuable. Private details,
how he acted out of public view and when not running for office.
We are messengers, delivering facts. Not initially his supporters
nor anti-Obama. Mitt Romney is very different from the man
that many Americans have been led to believe.
Our's is a factual story that provides a rare glimpse and insight into
the real Mitt Romney. Does he really relate to the average American?
As President, would he impose his beliefs on others? Is he really
Christian?
When you buy a home and its contents from someone you really learn a
lot about their true character, values and beliefs. And rarely does
anyone have the opportunity to learn how a politician acts out of the
public's view and when they are not running for office. Well, this
actually happened. When? Only a few years ago, in spring of 2009 when
we bought Mitt Romney's Park City, Utah home. His family lived in this
home for about ten years. Because our deal included most of the
contents, we gained a unique and unusual perspective of him and his
family of which most Americans are completely unaware. What we
experienced was not what we expected. Not the stereotypical actions of
a millionaire and more importantly not the image most Americans have
of Mitt Romney.
When most of us buy a home, the real estate agent or seller hands over
the keys at closing and then as buyers, we are on our own. Not this
time. We met Mitt Romney by himself at the house. He spent as much
time as we needed showing us around, answering our questions and
explaining how to use and service the home's equipment. And when he
was done, he gave us his direct contact information should we have
problems.
To move, if we can afford the cost, most of us would hire movers with
a team of workers. To save money, many of us are the do-it-our-selves
types. Which did Mitt Romney do? Like many of us, on his own he rented
a six-wheel truck and moved himself. He drove to the local Home Depot
and purchased wood to build whatever he needed for the transport. Mitt
moved his family's clothes, his family's photos, his family's
mementos, his grandchildren's toys. With the help of a friend and
family, they loaded the truck. Then, after answering all our questions
Mitt Romney said his goodbyes, climbed into the truck and began the
long drive to his new home by himself.
The Romney Park City home, which they designed and built, and its
contents had much to say. Having raised a family of our own, we saw
that the home was built with a focus on his family. No swimming pool,
tennis court or movie theater. There are no maid, butler or nanny
quarters. Clearly Ann and Mitt raised their kids. No gold faucets, no
fancy silverware. The kitchen was simple and typical of an average
three bedroom home, very much like those in which we were raised. We
were struck by the discovery that most of the art, furniture and all
the curtains were made in America and many by local craftsmen. Most of
the linens were of good quality but not what is found at very high
end, exclusive stores. The master bedroom pillows had tags from the
average American’s most popular discount store.
In the most honored place in the master bedroom hung a painting of
Jesus Christ. Most Americans know little about Mormonism and we didn't
either. Mitt Romney clearly had a home of faith and family just like
the rest of us.
One of the most interesting questions many have asked is, "As
president will he impose his beliefs on others?" Many claim that a
President Romney would take away rights and impose his beliefs on all
Americans. The Romney home contents gave us insight into this
question. One of the strongest Mormon beliefs is the prohibition
against drinking alcohol. We were surprised to find a small supply
which we were told was available for guests, not for the family. Mitt
Romney had a respect for his guest's wishes. By not imposing his
beliefs on others even within his own home, then clearly a President
Romney would not take away rights and impose his beliefs on all
Americans. Those making such accusations should stop. The facts do not
support their claims.
It is amazing what can be learned about someone from observing the
smallest details. In the Romney's family mud room, where the boots and
outdoor clothing were stored, we found the Governor's ski gloves. One
of his son's apologized for his dad's lack of concern about his
appearance when Mitt went skiing because the gloves would surely be
noticed. They were worn out and had holes in the fingers. Mitt had
gone to the garage tool box and wrapped them with duct tape. Thrifty?
Yes, and the repair provided an immediate practical solution rather
than traveling to the store to buy a new pair. His indifference to
appearance demonstrated his confidence, true character and priorities.
Good qualities, but easily misunderstood because they are quite
different from those displayed by many famous people and certainly
politicians, who highly protect and prize their appearance.
As you have read, our story is not about a wealthy man's nice home or
its beautiful contents. It is about the story they tell and how our
experiences with him showed the real Mitt Romney. How his family truly
lived is a real indication of their values and beliefs. There is more
we could tell, but hope we have provided enough facts to answer some
key questions on many voters' minds. Mitt Romney is very different
from the man that many of us have been led to believe. Clearly he is
more like most Americans than not. We learned many things about Mitt
Romney that contradicted what we have been told. He is not aloof or
out of touch. He is a man of faith, family and American values. A guy
who is well-grounded. It is not beneath him to roll up his
shirt-sleeves and get the job done. The fact that he has allowed this
to be kept so very private is a true testament to his character and
shows how different he is from many other politicians.
Who are we and why are we speaking out? Growing up in Florida and
Pennsylvania, we knew little to nothing of Utah, Mitt Romney, his
family or values, beliefs, religion and his capabilities. We were
amazed by what we learned. We want nothing more than for our fellow
citizens to know what we know. We are not part of any campaign, not
Mormon nor religious activists. We have voted for Democrats and
Republicans and were not Governor Romney supporters. Hal is a farmer,
race car driver and retired after creating a number of successful
businesses. Corinne is a retired government employee. We do not come
from wealthy families. Our parents worked average jobs. Our fathers
were a mailman and an engineer. Our mothers were a nurse and a
housewife. We struggled, worked hard and are grateful for having been
rewarded over the years. We have never given up on achieving the
American dream. But the story we tell is not about us.
As Americans, we depend on our press to provide us with factual and
unbiased information. We hear politicians sometimes misspeak and
others take their statements out of context. Many times it is hard to
tell what is fact and what is fiction. Over the past few months, we
have noticed how different from reality some of the public perceptions
and media presentations of Governor Romney are. Unfortunately, some
political opponents spread false information and misconceptions. This
is wrong.
This injustice and the value of our story has led us to speak up and
provide these facts. No one can say with absolute certainty what kinds
of decisions a president will make while still a candidate for that
office. To predict, we only have access to their words, history and if
available the most useful facts of all, how they acted out of public
view and when they are not running for office. This is why our story
is so important, valuable and must be told. No doubt some will want to
dismiss our story, argue that it is not newsworthy nor relevant and
possibly subject us to an undesired spot light. However, we hope the
American people are given the opportunity to hear the truth,
especially when the facts directly contradict what many people think
to be true.
Corinne & Hal Prewitt
mail@prewitt.net
we all are better served by knowing the truth as this does
influence who we support. It was not approved by Mitt Romney
or his campaign.
As you may know, we own Mitt Romney's former home.
Corinne and I have written a non-political-issue story that
you very likely have not heard. We did this because many
Democratic, Republican and Independent voters strongly
recommended and found it valuable. Private details,
how he acted out of public view and when not running for office.
We are messengers, delivering facts. Not initially his supporters
nor anti-Obama. Mitt Romney is very different from the man
that many Americans have been led to believe.
Our's is a factual story that provides a rare glimpse and insight into
the real Mitt Romney. Does he really relate to the average American?
As President, would he impose his beliefs on others? Is he really
Christian?
When you buy a home and its contents from someone you really learn a
lot about their true character, values and beliefs. And rarely does
anyone have the opportunity to learn how a politician acts out of the
public's view and when they are not running for office. Well, this
actually happened. When? Only a few years ago, in spring of 2009 when
we bought Mitt Romney's Park City, Utah home. His family lived in this
home for about ten years. Because our deal included most of the
contents, we gained a unique and unusual perspective of him and his
family of which most Americans are completely unaware. What we
experienced was not what we expected. Not the stereotypical actions of
a millionaire and more importantly not the image most Americans have
of Mitt Romney.
When most of us buy a home, the real estate agent or seller hands over
the keys at closing and then as buyers, we are on our own. Not this
time. We met Mitt Romney by himself at the house. He spent as much
time as we needed showing us around, answering our questions and
explaining how to use and service the home's equipment. And when he
was done, he gave us his direct contact information should we have
problems.
To move, if we can afford the cost, most of us would hire movers with
a team of workers. To save money, many of us are the do-it-our-selves
types. Which did Mitt Romney do? Like many of us, on his own he rented
a six-wheel truck and moved himself. He drove to the local Home Depot
and purchased wood to build whatever he needed for the transport. Mitt
moved his family's clothes, his family's photos, his family's
mementos, his grandchildren's toys. With the help of a friend and
family, they loaded the truck. Then, after answering all our questions
Mitt Romney said his goodbyes, climbed into the truck and began the
long drive to his new home by himself.
The Romney Park City home, which they designed and built, and its
contents had much to say. Having raised a family of our own, we saw
that the home was built with a focus on his family. No swimming pool,
tennis court or movie theater. There are no maid, butler or nanny
quarters. Clearly Ann and Mitt raised their kids. No gold faucets, no
fancy silverware. The kitchen was simple and typical of an average
three bedroom home, very much like those in which we were raised. We
were struck by the discovery that most of the art, furniture and all
the curtains were made in America and many by local craftsmen. Most of
the linens were of good quality but not what is found at very high
end, exclusive stores. The master bedroom pillows had tags from the
average American’s most popular discount store.
In the most honored place in the master bedroom hung a painting of
Jesus Christ. Most Americans know little about Mormonism and we didn't
either. Mitt Romney clearly had a home of faith and family just like
the rest of us.
One of the most interesting questions many have asked is, "As
president will he impose his beliefs on others?" Many claim that a
President Romney would take away rights and impose his beliefs on all
Americans. The Romney home contents gave us insight into this
question. One of the strongest Mormon beliefs is the prohibition
against drinking alcohol. We were surprised to find a small supply
which we were told was available for guests, not for the family. Mitt
Romney had a respect for his guest's wishes. By not imposing his
beliefs on others even within his own home, then clearly a President
Romney would not take away rights and impose his beliefs on all
Americans. Those making such accusations should stop. The facts do not
support their claims.
It is amazing what can be learned about someone from observing the
smallest details. In the Romney's family mud room, where the boots and
outdoor clothing were stored, we found the Governor's ski gloves. One
of his son's apologized for his dad's lack of concern about his
appearance when Mitt went skiing because the gloves would surely be
noticed. They were worn out and had holes in the fingers. Mitt had
gone to the garage tool box and wrapped them with duct tape. Thrifty?
Yes, and the repair provided an immediate practical solution rather
than traveling to the store to buy a new pair. His indifference to
appearance demonstrated his confidence, true character and priorities.
Good qualities, but easily misunderstood because they are quite
different from those displayed by many famous people and certainly
politicians, who highly protect and prize their appearance.
As you have read, our story is not about a wealthy man's nice home or
its beautiful contents. It is about the story they tell and how our
experiences with him showed the real Mitt Romney. How his family truly
lived is a real indication of their values and beliefs. There is more
we could tell, but hope we have provided enough facts to answer some
key questions on many voters' minds. Mitt Romney is very different
from the man that many of us have been led to believe. Clearly he is
more like most Americans than not. We learned many things about Mitt
Romney that contradicted what we have been told. He is not aloof or
out of touch. He is a man of faith, family and American values. A guy
who is well-grounded. It is not beneath him to roll up his
shirt-sleeves and get the job done. The fact that he has allowed this
to be kept so very private is a true testament to his character and
shows how different he is from many other politicians.
Who are we and why are we speaking out? Growing up in Florida and
Pennsylvania, we knew little to nothing of Utah, Mitt Romney, his
family or values, beliefs, religion and his capabilities. We were
amazed by what we learned. We want nothing more than for our fellow
citizens to know what we know. We are not part of any campaign, not
Mormon nor religious activists. We have voted for Democrats and
Republicans and were not Governor Romney supporters. Hal is a farmer,
race car driver and retired after creating a number of successful
businesses. Corinne is a retired government employee. We do not come
from wealthy families. Our parents worked average jobs. Our fathers
were a mailman and an engineer. Our mothers were a nurse and a
housewife. We struggled, worked hard and are grateful for having been
rewarded over the years. We have never given up on achieving the
American dream. But the story we tell is not about us.
As Americans, we depend on our press to provide us with factual and
unbiased information. We hear politicians sometimes misspeak and
others take their statements out of context. Many times it is hard to
tell what is fact and what is fiction. Over the past few months, we
have noticed how different from reality some of the public perceptions
and media presentations of Governor Romney are. Unfortunately, some
political opponents spread false information and misconceptions. This
is wrong.
This injustice and the value of our story has led us to speak up and
provide these facts. No one can say with absolute certainty what kinds
of decisions a president will make while still a candidate for that
office. To predict, we only have access to their words, history and if
available the most useful facts of all, how they acted out of public
view and when they are not running for office. This is why our story
is so important, valuable and must be told. No doubt some will want to
dismiss our story, argue that it is not newsworthy nor relevant and
possibly subject us to an undesired spot light. However, we hope the
American people are given the opportunity to hear the truth,
especially when the facts directly contradict what many people think
to be true.
Corinne & Hal Prewitt
mail@prewitt.net
