I am writing this letter in support of Monroe Mayor Geoffrey Thomas.
As the primary author of the Monroe Monitor and Valley News for 2-1/2 years, I had the opportunity to work with Mayor Thomas on a frequent basis in a broad variety of contexts. Mayor Thomas is what I like to call a “boots-on-the-ground” mayor. During volunteer city clean-up events, Mayor Thomas is out picking up garbage with the rest of the volunteers. If there is a five-kilometer fun run raising awareness for a local organization, Thomas is running it. He is truly an integral part of the community he represents, speaking at numerous ceremonies, attending events and supporting local causes.
Thomas takes an intelligent, analytical approach to governance, always looking for ways to maximize opportunities for the betterment of the community. In late 2014, city engineers held an open house for something they had coined the “Lewis Street sidewalk and sewer separation project,” which, as far as projects go, couldn’t have sounded more unremarkable. It was grant-funded, and slated for the downtown area.
But as Thomas learned about the project, he began to have a vision. A vision of a bustling, pedestrian-friendly Main Street with wider sidewalks and greater capacity for community events. Initially, the work was slated for east Main Street only, but Thomas wondered about the possibility of extending it down west Main, so that both sides would match. He visualized the area without curbs, to facilitate a community plaza-type of environment. Because of his efforts, the dull and boring “Lewis Street sidewalk and sewer separation project” became the “Main Street Plaza Project,” a transformation that parallels Mayor Thomas’s successful four years at the city’s helm.
He has transformed the city in ways vastly positive.
Thomas is a visionary, with the wisdom to approach his vision in a responsible, common sense way. His efforts at downtown revitalization have continued, with his staunch support of the Downtown Monroe Association (DMA) and the addition of community art. I am excited to watch what he’ll do with his next four years in office.
Mayor Thomas is a champion for Monroe schools and an avid supporter of law enforcement and veterans. He is a family man who is endlessly passionate about his community. Vote Thomas for Monroe!
Chris Hendrickson
Bothell
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