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Jannie Thomas has announced that she is seeking re-election to Ward 7 on the Selma City Council.

Thomas was elected as Councilwoman for Ward 7 in 2016 and re-elected in 2020.

“As the elected representative for Ward 7, I’ve spent nearly thirteen years fighting for the heart of soul of my community, determined to restore the neighborhood that raised me,” Thomas said.

Thomas retired in 2009 as a political organizer for UNITE HERE, Worker’s United SEIU Labor Union. She describes herself as a trusted and experienced leader. She completed 12 years and continued her education and training through the labor union. “I gained certification for political organization in Las Vegas through Workers United SEIU.”

“I have been involved and started plenty of programs to bring the community together, whether it was raising awareness to the crime and public safety (Non-Violent Activities), essay scholarships for students, Keep Alabama Beautiful (cleaning and beautification of our city), creating community involvement by having family-friendly gatherings. I have assisted youths, elders, bereaved, people who has been victims of house fires,” Thomas said. “I’ve been involved in the Dallas County Court Service. Addiction and the Law Conferences. Partnership in the Drug-Free Community Youth Hope Dealers. I serve on the Committee Board Member of the Alabama League Municipalities, Finance and Public Safety. I’ve also spent nine years with the Selma Public Safety Committee.”

One of the top issues for Thomas is building a strong relationship between the Mayor/ Councilmembers through better communication.

“Our Economic Development needs improvement by finding more grants for infrastructure (better and safe roads),” Thomas said. “We need better strategies to reduce crime, encouraging more people to visit and live in Selma. We also need to provide more services to help our Chamber of Commerce encourage more businesses to work in our city.”

Thomas said she plans to continue to work hard to learn more so that she can serve her city better.

“I have learned knowledge is power,” Thomas said. “You can’t just get elected and sit there. You have to know the laws, understand how to bring resources into your community, and be willing to do the work.”