Thomas O. Shores
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Thomas O. Shores | |
|---|---|
| Mayor of Elyria, Ohio | |
| In office 1999–1999 | |
| Preceded by | Michael B. Keys |
| Succeeded by | Bill Grace |
| City Council of Elyria, Ohio | |
| In office 1983 – October 2002 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 8, 1916 |
| Died | October 2002 (aged 85) |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Jennie Irene Shores |
Thomas O. Shores (December 8, 1916 – October 2002) was an American politician and community leader who served as a member of the Elyria City Council in Elyria, Ohio, representing the 5th Ward from 1983 until his death.[1] He also served as president of the Elyria City Council from 1995 onward and briefly as acting mayor in 2000, making him the first African American to hold the office of mayor in Elyria.[1][2]
Thomas Oliver Shores was born on December 8, 1916, on a farm in Belvidere, Tennessee, the grandson of formerly enslaved African Americans.[1] He later moved to Elyria, Ohio.[1][3] He was employed for 45 years at the Elyria Foundry until his retirement in 1982.[1][4]
Political career
A lifelong Democrat, Shores entered local politics in the 1960s as a precinct committeeman for Elyria's 5th Ward, which comprised most of central and south Elyria.[4] In 1983, he was elected to represent the 5th Ward on the Elyria City Council and served for 19 years until his death.[1][4] In 1995, he became council president and held roles including vice chairman of the finance committee, chairman of the community development committee, and member of the strategic planning committee.[1] He was re-elected in subsequent elections including the 2001 general election where he helped to secure Democratic control of the council.[5][6] In December 1999, following the resignation of the incumbent mayor, Michal B. Keys, who has served for 20 consecutive years, Shores was named as acting mayor, becoming the first Black person to hold the office in Elyria's history.[1][2][7][8]