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WILKES-BARRE — The race for the District E seat on city council has begun.
Tony Thomas, 29, announced Tuesday he is running as Democrat in the May 21 primary.
Thomas, an account strategist with Pepperjam in Wilkes-Barre, will be campaigning to replace councilman Mike Merritt, who is not seeking a fourth four-year term.
“I grew up in Wilkes-Barre’s North End and have resided here most of my adult life. While I have seen the lows we can fall into, I have also seen the greatness our community is able to achieve. I came to the realization that change requires action and we must commit ourselves to making a difference together,” Thomas said in a prepared announcement.
“Through my campaign, we can work toward a Wilkes-Barre that is welcoming to families, working-class individuals, professionals, and small businesses alike. We can work to build a neighborhood that is safe, inclusive, and prosperous for all citizens.”
Thomas said as a member of council he will work to provide more funding to improve infrastructure in the neighborhoods, create more opportunities for college graduates to start their professional careers at home and ensure an open and transparent city government that puts the concerns of people ahead of special interests.
“In recent years, Wilkes-Barre has been on a successful path to growth and revitalization,” said Thomas. “I believe that through my campaign, we can continue to engage the city’s potential to support an innovative community in which people want to begin and continue their careers, raise their families, and where all citizens exercise goodwill to one another.”