As a result of his progressive positions on local issues Thomas received the endorsement of public labor unions, who also assisted his campaign by supplying poll workers on Election Day.
Despite a challenging economic climate, Alderman Thomas continued to establish and cultivate small business in the ward.
[1] In 2007, Thomas retired from the Chicago City Council for health reasons, and Toni Foulkes, a community activist, ran for the aldermanic seat and was elected thereafter.
[2] Thomas counted a new public library and the Churchview Supportive Living Center as two major accomplishments as alderman.
In 2001, Thomas suffered a heart attack and stroke, and had to undergo bypass surgery; he made a full recovery.