On Monday night at the Wards Corner Civic League, Martin Thomas Jr. took a major leap into Norfolk politics. He announced that he will be a candidate for the Council seat being vacated by Councilman Andy Protogyrou on July 1st. Martin is the best choice to succeed Councilman Andrew Protogyrou.
Why is Martin the best choice for the Ward One Council seat? Martin is tenacious. When Martin sinks his teeth into an issue that he believes in, he doesn’t let loose. He is just the advocate that we need to represent Ward One and our city. He will bring his forward thinking ideas to City Council on what a 21st century Norfolk should be. Martin Thomas Jr. listens to the citizens before he acts. His decisions are made only after he has considered the “what ifs”, thus preventing hasty decisions that need to be reversed.
Not only is Martin an accomplished attorney, he has a background in City Planning which he uses quite effectively on the City Planning Commission. I have seen Martin take on powerful developers who present mediocre developments before the Planning Commission ,and he gets those developers to improve their projects.
Martin Thomas Jr. has payed his dues. He is not a Johnny-come-lately to Ward One issues. He has been a consistently powerful voice in his advocacy for the removal of the sub-standard multi-family housing in Denby Park and Monticello Village. He is knowledgeable about sea-level rise that affects us all in Norfolk. He knows that good city planning can be a deterrent to crime and a factor in improving the economic development opportunities of our city.
And lastly, Martin Thomas Jr. knows that good schools and the educated populace that they produce is a necessity for Norfolk to attract quality companies that will create high paying jobs.
When City Council decides on the date of the Special Election to fill the vacant Ward One seat, I urge you to consider voting for Martin Thomas Jr.
The above post is the opinion of Louis Eisenberg, a long-time Greater Wards Corner resident and businessman.
Posted by Wards Corner 
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Wards Corner Now - Wards Corner, Norfolk, Virginia 