written by Paul Burt There are some individuals whose lives echo far beyond their titles whose passion, purpose, and presence leave a lasting imprint on the culture and community they serve. Councilman Alphonso Thomas was one of those individuals. To many, he was a public servant. To others, he was a cultural ambassador. To me, he was a friend, a visionary, and a fellow steward of music particularly jazz as a powerful force for unity, education, and community development. I