Thomas was first elected in 1999. He decided to run when former Alderman Virigl Jones was convicted of corruption charges. There were 11 candidates in the race, but Thomas eventually won in a runoff. As a result of his progressive positions on local issues Thomas received the endorsement of public labor unions, who also assisted his campaign by supplying poll workers on Election Day. After being elected, Alderman Thomas focused his efforts on revitalizing the neighborhoods in his ward by repairing streets, cleaning up vacant lots, and working with the 7th and 8th Chicago Police Districts to reduce street crime and improve relations with the community's residents. Despite a challenging economic climate, Alderman Thomas continued to establish and cultivate small business in the ward.
In 2003, Thomas defeated Bob Love, a former member of the Chicago Bulls.[1] In 2007, Thomas retired from the Chicago City Council for health reasons, and Toni Foulkes, a community activist, ran for the aldermanic seat and was elected thereafter.[2]
Thomas counted a new public library and the Churchview Supportive Living Center as two major accomplishments as alderman.
Thomas served on six committees: Budget and Government Operations; Committee, Rules and Ethics; Economic, Capital and Technology Development; Health; License and Consumer Protection; and Special Events and Cultural Affairs.
