New Voices: Getting to know the Corbetts
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett will join "The New Voices" of Philly.com, the most popular news web site in Philadelphia.
Corbett was inaugurated as the 46th Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania on Jan. 18, 2011. A life-long Pennsylvania resident, he has been a key advisor to U.S. presidents and governors.
He has a long and distinguished career serving the citizens of the Commonwealth as Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney, Chair of the Pennsylvania Commission of Crime and Delinquency, Pennsylvania Attorney General and now as Governor.
His wife, Susan, was born in Pottstown, Montgomery County, and grew up in Pine Grove, Schuylkill County. Susan met Tom Corbett in 1968 while attending Lebanon Valley College. After dating for several years, Tom and Susan married in 1972.
As First Lady, Susan is also passionate about promoting the commonwealth's unique historical and cultural attractions as Pennsylvania's First Tourist. In her spare time, Susan enjoys gardening, cooking and reading.
The Corbetts have been married for 39 years and currently reside at the Governor's Residence in Harrisburg, but have their family home in Shaler Township, Pa. They are the proud parents of two adult children and one grandchild. They also enjoy the company of their two Airedales, Penny and Harry.
Learn more about the Corbetts below:
Most people describe you as...
Tom: Honest
Susan: Warm and accessible
People would be surprised to know that...
Tom: I was a teacher, played lacrosse in college, and I was born in Philadelphia.
Susan: I wanted to be a concert pianist
What is your drink of choice?
Tom: Coca-Cola, Yuengling
Susan: Ice Tea or Pinot Grigio
Where is your happy place?
Tom: Just about anywhere when I'm with my grandson and family.
Susan: A day at the beach with my husband.
What is your biggest regret?
Tom: My parents not living to see me become Governor.
Susan: No regrets - it's a waste of time.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
Tom: I would be better at learning new languages.
Susan: I'd be more athletic.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
Tom: Marrying my wife Susan ... I really married up.
Susan: Raising two responsible and accomplished children.
Which trait do you most value in another person?
Tom: Honestly, loyalty, and a willingness to stand up for your beliefs.
Susan: A good sense of humor.
If you could interview anyone, past or present, who would it be?
Tom: Abraham Lincoln.
Susan: My father.
Favorite movie?
Tom: The list is too long but let's start with The Godfather, Animal House, and Caddyshack.
Susan: Shakespeare in Love
What TV show is currently your DVR/On Demand obsession?
Tom: Vikings on the History Channel
Susan: Downtown Abbey
What is your guilty pleasure?
Tom: Cheeseburgers (Five Guys)
Susan: Asher's Chocolate Pretzels
The worst thing anyone said or did to you is ...
Tom: A nun kicked me out of choir in the 3rd grade because I couldn't sing.
Susan: The personal attacks in the media of my husband and family.
I believe in...
Tom: Doing the best job you can every day.
Susan: The power of laughter.
What is your motto or inspiration?
Tom: My Grandson. I want to do everything I can to make sure he has a great Pennsylvania when he grows up.
Susan: The sign above the door as you leave our house reminds you to "Laugh, Love, Live."
If you could go back in time where would you go?
Tom: To a period of time when my grandparents on my father's side and my grandmother on my mother's side were all alive. They died before I had a chance to meet them.
Susan: Our house in the 1950s to meet Tom's mother.