By Kirsten J. Barnes
Constituents from Columbus’ District 4 will have to choose between T.T. and T.T. on May 21, as incumbent Councilwoman Toyia Tucker and retired police detective Tyrone Thomas face each other for the chance to represent those who live in East Columbus.
“It’s a large district that includes Steam Mill Road from Buena Vista Road, Shirley Winston, Northstar Drive, Dawson Estates, Schatulga Road, Georgetown Drive, Dorsey Drive, Forrest Road …” said Thomas, who explained that, as a police officer, he’s familiar with each of these neighborhoods.
Thomas said he began considering a run after he heard neighbors discuss concerns about rising crime within the community.
“There was a young kid who got killed in Belvedere,” Thomas said. “Residents say they hear gunshots and automatic weapons being fired.”
Thomas was referring to the shooting death of Earkus Porter, Jr., 18, who was found dead in Belvedere Park during the early morning hours of Sun., Feb. 25 of this year.
Tucker is completing her first term on the Columbus City Council representing District 4 and has accomplished a lot in a short period of time.
In addition to representing District 4, Tucker serves on the board of managers for the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping all 159 Georgia counties provide the leadership, services and programs necessary to meet the health, safety and welfare needs of their citizens. She serves as secretary for the Georgia Association of Black County Officials; as vice chairwoman of the Human Services and Education Steering Committee for the National Association of County Officials, a nonprofit organization that advocates for federal policies, initiatives, and funding resources to augment county expenditures; and as an executive committee member of the River Valley Regional.
However, some say she does not return phone calls and has not been responsive to constituent concerns.
“I’m not saying that she or myself can get a magic wand and make the crime go away, but they want their phone calls returned,” Thomas said. “I’m a pastor and I know other people can call, but the people want to hear from their representative just like they want to hear from their pastor. I believe in returning phone calls.”
Thomas graduated from Spencer High School and Alabama State University in Montgomery before returning to his hometown to serve as a police officer for more than 31 years. During that time, he worked in various areas, including youth services, auto theft, domestic violence and finally as a crime scene investigator.
When reached by phone, Tucker said she was dealing with a sick grandmother in hospice care.
Early voting begins April 29 and ends May 17.
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