Vanessa W. Thomas: Steady Leadership, Proven Results — A Vision for McDonough’s Future

Game Changers
Oct 6
3 min read

Written by Dominique Huff

As early elections draw near cross Henry County, Councilwoman Vanessa W. Thomas has officially qualified to run for re-election to her City of McDonough At-Large seat — and her track record speaks volumes.

In a political climate where words often outweigh work, Thomas has spent the past three and a half years proving that progress is possible when leadership meets integrity. Her message is clear: “We’ve accomplished much, but there’s still more to do.”

Building Opportunity & Strengthening Community

Under the joint leadership of Mayor Sandra Vincent and the McDonough City Council, Thomas has been instrumental in initiatives that uplift residents and strengthen the city’s infrastructure.

Through a partnership with The Goodwill Career Center, the city hosted job fairs that directly connected McDonough residents with local employers — a tangible effort to tackle unemployment and expand opportunity.

She also helped organize the “Know Your Rights” seminar, educating citizens on safe and informed interactions with law enforcement — a move that reinforced transparency and trust between residents and police.

Commitment to Growth, Training & Transparency

Councilwoman Thomas’ dedication to professional growth has not gone unnoticed. She has earned recognition from the Georgia Municipal Association (GMA) for completing significant municipal training milestones:

• Certificate of Recognition – 42 training hours

• Certificate of Achievement – 72 training hours

• Certificate of Excellence – 120 training hours

Her focus on accountability and results is reflected in her work to revise Title 17 (Zoning Ordinance), incorporating development timelines that prevent decade-long project delays — ensuring McDonough grows smarter, not just larger.

Investing in People, Not Politics

From public safety to social services, Thomas has championed initiatives that directly impact McDonough families.

She supported the creation of the City’s Health and Human Services Department (Connecting Henry), allocating ARPA funding to provide shelter, food, rental, and utility assistance for city residents.

Additional ARPA funds were directed to NCRAD (National Community of Resources and Development), helping homeowners with critical home repairs — a reflection of Thomas’ hands-on approach to community care.

In a bold move to enhance economic fairness, she also voted to raise the minimum wage for city employees to $18 per hour, ensuring the city practices the equity it preaches.

Safer Streets, Brighter Neighborhoods

Public safety and quality of life remain at the forefront of her platform. Thomas helped approve the installation of FLOCK cameras across McDonough to enhance law enforcement capabilities and reduce crime through technology.

She also backed street repaving and lighting projects across multiple neighborhoods, reinforcing her commitment to keeping McDonough both safe and well-maintained.

Her advocacy for updated ordinances on panhandling and loitering demonstrated her focus on balancing compassion with community protection.

Preserving Heritage & Planning for the Future

Councilwoman Thomas has supported key measures to protect McDonough’s charm while modernizing its infrastructure. She voted for a moratorium on multi-family zoning districts and hotel developments, ensuring controlled and responsible growth.

Her leadership also played a role in securing ARPA funds for park upgrades, studying flood issues in the Blacksville community, and the purchase of the historic Hazelhurst House for city events — preserving McDonough’s heritage while expanding its horizons.

A Legacy of Service, A Vision for More

From reinstating the Youth Advisory Council to streamlining polling locations for more accessible elections, Vanessa W. Thomas continues to deliver practical solutions that reflect a deep understanding of her city’s needs.

“With your vote, much more can be accomplished over the next four years,” she says with conviction.

And for residents of McDonough, her steady leadership offers something that’s increasingly rare in politics — results you can see and trust you can feel.

Election Information

• Early Voting: October 14 – 31, 2025

• Election Day: November 4, 2025

• Re-Elect Councilwoman Vanessa W. Thomas, City of McDonough (At-Large)

Because leadership matters — and progress deserves another term.

Find Out More About Councilwoman Vanessa W. Thomas