Cecil Thomas

Cecil Thomas was born in Alabama and lives in North Avondale, Ohio. Thomas graduated from Withrow High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Cincinnati. His career experience includes working for the Cincinnati Police Department for 27 years. After retiring from the police department, he worked as the executive director of the Cincinnati Human Relations Commission.[1][2]

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Campaign website

Thomas’ campaign website stated the following:

Good Government

Government can’t work if people don’t trust their government. We need to restore trust in city hall. I will use my experience and commitment to integrity to get city hall working again.

Campaign Finance Reforms

My vote is not for sale, and that's why I support the Landsman ordinance to disclose donors who come before council. Transparency in government is essential.

Economic Development

Economic development is key to good-paying jobs and good city services. When the city grows, we have more resources to accomplish all our goals for the people of Cincinnati.

Racial Justice

Everyone should feel welcome and respected in Cincinnati, regardless of race, gender, orientation or religion. I’ll work every day to root out discrimination and set the tone for cooperation.

Affordable Housing

We don’t have nearly enough affordable housing. I want to tie investments in affordable housing into tax abatements for luxury housing and bring everybody to the table to figure new ways to build more.

Minimum Wage Increase

Bringing local government agencies up to $15 minimum wage is the right thing to do. But we need it citywide and statewide, which is why I will continue to fight for a statewide minimum wage.

[4]

—Cecil Thomas’ campaign website (2021)[5]

April 9, 2018

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

1) Criminal Justice Refrom, and Returning Local Governments funds back to pre 2010 levels

2) Strengthing the Middle Class and Working Poor through Investing in Education

3) Job Training and Job Creation for the Workforce of today and tomorrow[7][4]

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?

Defeating "Right to Work" bills. Increasing Minority Inclusion in Public Contracts, Raising the Minimum Wage, Common Sense Gun Legislation, Reducing the prison population, Expanding Medicaid, Investing more in apprenticeship training to fill the needs of Trades organizations, Greater investment in education at all levels. Expanding alternatives energy sources such as wind and solar. Investing more into the #1 economy of Ohio, agriculture. These areas will help move Ohio forward.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many[4]

[the profile publisher] also asked the candidate a series of optional questions. Cecil Thomas answered the following:

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

President Obama achieved what many thought would not happen in their lifetime. Our country and our world would be a much better place had the Congress worked with him instead of against him.[4]

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I grew up admiring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. He inspired me to challenge racism in America at every level and to fight for equality for all.[4]

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The most important characteristics are honesty, integrity, and a sincere concern for the quality of life of people regardless of economic status, race color, creed, sexual orientation, age, national origin or mental capacity. A official must be able to set his or her pride aside and compromise.[4]

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Patients, good listener, knowledge of the issue, ability to delegate responsibility, good health and always recognizing that every thought has value.[4]

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The most important core responsibility is to study the bills introduced and to be fully informed as to its impact on the community or state.[4]

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to pass common sense gun legislation in Ohio. Closing the loopholes at gun shows, raising the age to 21 for all purchases and universal background checks[4]

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Dr. King was killed when I was 15. I was devastated and angry. But in the end I was determine to make a difference in life and challenge racism at every opportunity.[4]

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I was a janitor at age 15 to 17 working in a nursing home.[4]

Do you believe that it's beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

Absolutely, Any experience in working with others in the political world provides an added advantage when trying to work across party lines.[4]

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Ohio is losing population and aging much faster. The young professionals are choosing to leave Ohio upon graduation. We must upgrade our thought processes and focus on the ever changing technology world. We must invest our resources to keep up with technology and the young sharp minds that drive the changes.[4]

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?

The ideal relationship is working in a collaborative manner to pass bills that will benefit the state and all it's citizens with minimal negative impact.[4]

Do you believe it's beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

Absolutely, as legislators we have a duty to work for the greater good of the all the citizens. Whenever a bill becomes law it impacts all regardless of political affiliation. A legislator must be able to set aside his party loyalty for the greater good.[4]

What process do you favor for redistricting?

The process should involve input from interested community partners such as, Fair Districts Ohio and The League of Women Voters. Using todays technology, the lines should be drawn to reflect as much as possible the equal division of the two dominate parties.[4]

If you are a current legislator, what appealed to you about your current committees?

The committees under my influence have generated a passion to fight for the issues that directly impact those who voted me into office.[4]

If you are not currently a member of your party's leadership in the legislature, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

I'm currently in leadership as the Assistant Minority Whip.[4]

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

President Obama[4]

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

My promotion comes from God. I always fast and pray for 3 days before deciding to run. If, after my fast, God places a desire in my heart to pursue a higher office, then I will run.[4]

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you've heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

Yes, a senior citizen in her eighties wanted to know why her prescription medicine cost had increased. She was told it increased but her saving was significant based on what she would have paid without insurance. That was no comfort to her because her social security had remained the same. The increase occurred after President Trump repealed portions of the AHCA.[4]

March 28, 2018

What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

1) Gun Safety Reform

2) Criminal Justice Reform

3) Equality Issues[7][4]

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Why?

As a former police officer, I care about protecting our communities and giving everyone a chance to succeed. This is why my priorities are the three listed above.Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; invalid names, e.g. too many[4]