Tom Thompson – Mayoral Candidate Profile

Tom Thompson wasn’t born in San Angelo, but he got here as quick as he could.

A native of the Big Spring area, he graduated from Forsan High School in 1985, before moving to San Angelo to attend Angelo State University. He graduated with a BBA in 1989.

Thompson was elected to represent Single Member District (SMD) 2 on the City Council in 2017. He has served in that position for eight years.

Advantages Of Experience

Asked about his experience on council Thompson said, “It has been one of the most enjoyable things in my life.”

When asked why he wanted to run for Mayor, Thompson said because he always wants to help people. He has loved his time on the City Council and wants to continue the work. “Each generation has an obligation to make it better.” He said.

Thompson loves serving on the council. He believes being on counsel is much more influential than holding a state or federal office. On council, he “really does make a difference.”

He finds it hard to imagine running for Mayor without at least 2-4 years experience on the City Council, or serving a long time on one of the City’s major boards.

He said his 8 years of experience on the Council sets him apart from all the other candidates.

When asked what it was like to work with Thompson on city council, Tommy Hiebert (SMD 1) said, “Tom is one of the most thoughtful and thorough council members I have served with.”

That is quite a comment coming from Mr. Hiebert because he has served on the city council twice. The first was in the early 1990s, and this time starting in 2017. Hiebert estimates he has served with 25-30 council members over the years.

“When he [Thompson] speaks the council listens to what he has to say.” Hiebert said. “He is always prepared for the meeting.”

That experience brings knowledge and perspective it will be hard for the other candidates to match.

Personnel Challenges Is Major Concern

One of the biggest challenges for the City Thompson discussed, is the fact that 30-percent of the city staff is eligible for retirement and could retire at any time. Twenty-percent of the City’s senior staff is also eligible for retirement. Being ready to replace such experienced staff will be challenging.

We wrote about this very issue last December in New Mayor And Council Will Face Personnel Challenges.

This mirrors trends nationally, as the city management workforce is made up predominantly of an older and aging workforce who will soon be retiring. There are more jobs than there are people going into city management work.

Economic Development

Thompson’s second area of concern for the City is revenue. “All property tax revenue received by the City is not enough to pay for public safety.” Thompson said. Public safety includes police, fire, paramedics, and ambulance services. The City has to rely on sales-tax revenue to make up that difference, and operate providing all other services.

“This is why economic development is so important.” Thompson said.

Thompson has a detailed list of the things he wants to accomplish as Mayor. One of those is a big push in the first sixty to ninety days on economic development.

Parallel Runway At Airport

One project that would help economic development Thompson discussed, is building a parallel runway at Mathis Field. Airport improvements fall under the Federal Aviation Administration and would rely primarily on grant funds.

Thompsons explained that a parallel runway will double the airport’s ability to keep planes in the air. “The airport is an economic development driver and increased ability to handle air freight is essential to future growth.”

Relentless Pursuit of Water

He also wants to lead, “a relentless pursuit of water”. Because of the work of past councils, the City now has the capacity to bring in 12 million gallons of water per day, Thompson explained. “The infrastructure is there, and we have the facilities to be able to treat that volume of water.” Thompson said our water is secure into the 2030s. The next step is to secure our water future through 2050, and beyond.

Thompson also shared a vision for managing San Angelo’s growth. “We need to manage our growth while still maintaining that small town feel.” He said.

Now that the new sewer trunk line has been completed at Lake Nasworthy, development there will begin to move south of the lake. We must be ready to deal with that. Additionally, with the planned Interstate 27 and Interstate 14 San Angelo’s growth patterns may begin to shift from Southwest San Angelo to the north and east, as that is where the interstate highways will be located. Thompson says we need to already have a plan be “shovel ready” for development in that area of the City when it happens.

“The next 8-16 years will change the direction of San Angelo.” Thompson said. “We need to put ourselves in the best position possible.”