Politics & Government

Thomas to run for House District 56 seat

"Able" Mable Thomas represented District 55 from 2002-2008

Former State Rep. "Able" Mable Thomas has tossed her hat into the ring and is seeking to reclaim the House District seat that she vacated in 2008 before her unsuccessful run for the United States Congress.

She will be seeking the House District 56 seat that Rep. Kathy Ashe (D-Atlanta) will vacate in January 2013. The July 31, 2012 primary election will also feature Ken Britt, who announced his intention to run in April.

In 2002, Thomas beat an incumbent and for the next six years served the citizens of District 55, the areas immediately west and southwest of Downtown and areas west and northwest of Midtown. Her challenge against U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) in the 2008 Democratic Primary was unsuccessful.

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In 2010, she ran unsuccessfully against State Rep. Rashad Taylor (D-Atlanta) for the District 55 seat.

The 2011 redistricting process resulted in Thomas being redistricted into Ashe's District. District 56 currently includes the heart of Atlanta, including many Midtown Patch neighborhoods such as Ansley Park, Sherwood Forest, Home Park, Georgia Tech and Midtown.

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She has a reputation as an advocate for the homeless and has spoken out against the city panhandling ordinance and the demolition of public housing. Her website, she indicates her “decision to seek another term in the Georgia General Assembly was propelled by constituents unsatisfied with the level of service they are currently receiving.”

Her campaign platform on the site includes:

Support full funding of public schools.  Georgia ranks 46th nationally in high school graduation rate and cannot afford further divestment of teachers, staff, training and resources if our state is to be a global leader in the 21st century.

Strengthen and Expand Senior Services. Almost 18 percent of the population in Fulton County is 55 and over with the projected growth of seniors reaching nearly 100 percent by 2030.  Seniors must have access to quality housing and health care, food and medicine, and other vital services for enjoying a healthy and productive life.

Statewide Anti-Poverty Initiative.  I support legislation like HB 935, introduced by Rep. Roger Bruce, which would create the Georgia Commission on Reducing Poverty and Increasing Economic Security in order to develop a strategic plan to substantively address issues like: (1) Access to affordable housing; (2) Access to adequate food and nutrition; (3) Access to affordable and quality health care; (4) Access to quality education and training; (5) Dependable and affordable transportation; (6) Access to affordable child care; (7) Opportunities to pursue work which sustains families; and (8) The availability of adequate income supports to those who can no longer work or cannot find work.

Juvenile Justice Reform.  In many communities throughout Georgia young boys and girls are convicted and incarcerated under antiquated laws that have long-term repercussions to future generations, their families and communities.  As a member of the House I would work with coalitions like Just Georgia to push for passage of SB 292 which will modernize the juvenile justice code and seek alternative forms of punishment for youth offenders.

Economic Development. For the city of Atlanta to reach its economic potential, it needs to become more global and begin establishing relationships with countries that have emerging or established markets.  I intend to play a vital role in this effort by authoring legislation to form an African Trade Commission which will comprise of academic, business, community and political leaders who will identify new opportunities for trade, investment and cultural exchange with African countries.


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