J.T. Thomas Announces Candidacy For Wheeling Mayor
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J.T. Thomas announced his candidacy for mayor of Wheeling on Monday, joining an ever-growing field of hopefuls for the office.
Thomas was joined by family, friends, and local business owners this morning along Wheeling's waterfront and explained that economic development, enhanced infrastructure, and a more transparent city government will form the foundation of his campaign.
"Wheeling has so much to offer, but more can be done to promote it and attract new businesses," said Thomas. "Completion of the ongoing projects will make the city more enticing to investors. However, the current plan to finish construction by the end of 2025 is not ambitious enough and must be accelerated."
Coordinator of Sports Physical Therapy for 26 years at Wheeling Hospital, Thomas is now a commercial insurance agent with Glessner, Wharton & Andrews Insurance, LLC. He is a graduate of Wheeling Central Catholic High School and Wheeling Jesuit University, and lives with his family in Woodsdale.
Thomas's experience in the private sector has helped to inform his belief that government should help to facilitate economic growth while not getting in the way of it.
"Small businesses fuel this city's economy, and its leaders must do a better job of supporting them," said Thomas. "For example, downtown business owners were ignored when the logistics of the ongoing projects were planned. If elected, I will hold regular meetings to provide updates on construction progress and traffic patterns, and to hear from businesses about what the city can do better."
Thomas, the son of late Wheeling Central football coach Jim Thomas, joins a group of mayoral candidates that includes current Vice Mayor Chad Thalman, current Councilwoman Rosemary Ketchum, retired executive director of the Greater Wheeling Sports and Entertainment Authority Denny Magruder, Carl Carpenter and Beth Hinebaugh.