Councillor Thomas to Citizen Thomas

As soon as the new council gets sworn in, I will go from being Councillor Thomas to Citizen Thomas.  And while that organizational transition has already begun, it will be official when Judge Jacques swears them in on Monday.

I have always been a communicator, a person who enjoys sharing information, good news and the odd opinion.  Now I'll be able to do that from the perspective of a regular citizen who has an intense working knowledge about how the system works.  Inherently, that gives me a great perch from which to watch this new council and the course they decide to take.  I'm looking forward to speaking freely, but from an informed position, providing political play-by-play if you will.

I'm now in the enviable position of being able to freely advocate for the arts, as the interim executive director of Arts Council Wood Buffalo, and as a patron, practitioner and producer.  Perhaps my three years on regional council were meant to educate me for this important next step in my community leadership journey?

The other area that I fully intend to celebrate, encourage and support is the social profit sector.  I love working with these folks because they demonstrate such passion, determination and dedication every single day.  Whether it's shared space model development, delivering workshops or participating on boards and committees, Citizen Thomas will be very present in this sector and in the community.

I consider myself to be a servant leader, and will continue to offer guidance and support wherever it is needed.  Like someone said on Facebook late Monday night, you don't need a title to be a community leader.

To be totally transparent, yesterday was a tough day for our family.  Both of my sons were deeply affected by what I was going through.  But we worked through it together as a family and have come out the other side stronger and more connected.  I was also able to sleep last night, which has enabled me to feel bright-eyed and bushy-tailed this morning.  It's going to be a mental health day, putting this election completely to bed, finalizing paperwork, putting signs away and getting positioned to start fresh tomorrow with new energy, resolve and purpose.