Harry Thomas, Sr.
Council of the District of Columbia, Ward 5
In office
1987–1999
Preceded byWilliam Spaulding
Succeeded byVincent Orange
Personal details
BornFebruary 3, 1922
DiedAugust 7, 1999 (age 77)
Political partyDemocrat
ResidenceWashington, D.C.
Alma materHoward University (B.S.)
OccupationTeacher, professor, engineer
Military service
Branch/serviceUS Army

Harry Thomas Sr. (February 3, 1922 – August 7, 1999)[1] was a Democratic politician in Washington, D.C. He was elected to represent Ward 5 on the Council of the District of Columbia in 1986 and served three full terms until his defeat in the 1998 Democratic primary to Vincent Orange.[2]

Early life and education

Thomas grew up in Richmond, Virginia, and dropped out of high school before enlisting in the army during World War II. After the war he moved to Washington, D.C., where he held a series of federal government jobs beginning with janitor and ending in the Department of the Interior's Office of Public Affairs.[3] He worked a second full-time job as headwaiter at Bolling Air Force Base so that his children would be able to attend college.[1]

Career

In 1986, after retiring from Interior, Thomas challenged incumbent William Spaulding for the Ward 5 council seat in the Democratic primary and won.[4] During his tenure in office he was known as a ward boss more focused on providing constituent services than sponsoring legislation. He received attention for sponsoring controversial ceremonial resolutions honoring Louis Farrakhan and Abdul Alim Muhammad, two leaders of the Nation of Islam.[1]

In 1998, Thomas ran for re-election, challenged by Vincent Orange, who had run against him in 1994, and three others.[5] The Washington Post's editorial board endorsed Orange's candidacy.[6] Orange emphasized improvements to New York Avenue, improving the economy and schools, and restricting liquor licenses.[7] Orange defeated Thomas, receiving 38 percent of the vote to Thomas' 34 percent.[8] The Washington Post described it as an upset victory.[9] Orange won the general election as well with 89 percent of the vote.[10]

Family and legacy

Thomas's son, Harry Thomas Jr., was elected to the Ward 5 council seat in 2006 and served until resigning in 2012 after pleading guilty to felony charges of embezzlement.[11]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Pearson, Richard (1999-08-09). "Ex-Councilman Harry Thomas Sr. Dies". The Washington Post. p. B06. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
  2. ↑ District of Columbia Board of Elections and Ethics. "Historical Elected Officials: Ward 5 Member of the Council of the District of Columbia". Archived from the original on 2008-07-23. Retrieved 2008-07-26.
  3. ↑ Wemple, Erik (1996-01-05). "The Trouble with Harry: Take a ride with Councilmember Harry Thomas, D.C.'s old-fashioned ward boss". Washington City Paper. Retrieved 2010-08-20.
  4. ↑ Sherwood, Tom; Evans, Sandra (1986-09-10). "Spaulding Unseated in D.C. Council Race". The Washington Post. p. A21. Retrieved 2008-08-02.
  5. ↑ "36 Pick Up Election Petition Forms". The Washington Post. May 16, 1998. p. B3. ProQuest 408377694.
  6. ↑ "Tuesday's Choices". The Washington Post. September 14, 1998. p. A18. ProQuest 408404557.
  7. ↑ Montgomery, David (October 31, 1998). "Restoring Home Rule Is on Their Minds; Significance of Election Not Lost on 18 Council Contenders Touting Ways to Serve Neighborhoods". The Washington Post. p. VDC11. ProQuest 408401145.
  8. ↑ Montgomery, David (September 16, 1998). "The District; Thomas, Smith Out; Mendelson Wins At-Large Council Primary". The Washington Post. p. A19. ProQuest 408407405.
  9. ↑ "The D.C. Primary and Beyond". The Washington Post. September 17, 1998. p. A20. ProQuest 408394925.
  10. ↑ "Result Chart: District of Columbia". The Washington Post. November 4, 1998. p. A37. ProQuest 408415357.
  11. ↑ "D.C. Council member Harry Thomas Jr. resigns after being charged with embezzlement". Washington Post. January 5, 2012.


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