Johnny Thomas is out on the campaign trail every day, working hard to earn the votes of city of Milwaukee residents to be their next Comptroller.
Thomas ran for comptroller in 2012, but later suspended his campaign before the election. Now he is now running again, even harder this time, traveling to each part of the city, meeting with residents, explaining the job and asking for their support. He is back with a vision to ensure taxpayers in the City of Milwaukee get the best return on their investment.
Thomas currently is an employee of Milwaukee Public Schools, working in the finance and audit department. Prior to working for MPS, Thomas was a Milwaukee County Supervisor representing the northwest side of Milwaukee, where he gained experience managing an annual budget of nearly $1.5 billion as the chair of the Finance and Audit Committee. Before being elected as a Supervisor, Thomas served in the United States Army as a senior accountant.
As a veteran, Thomas isn’t afraid of battle; he has faced opposition before. Thomas is confident that he has the right experience from both the public and private sectors to win and set Milwaukee on a stable financial path.
“I’m a numbers guy. I understand the meticulous detail involved in handling large accounts. I have what it takes to work with various leaders and community members. I know how important this role is to the people of the City of Milwaukee,” Thomas said.
A lifelong Milwaukeean, Thomas has seen his share of the struggles the city has faced and from that, he has a vision for what the city can look like with the right investments. “As the next City of Milwaukee Comptroller, I will work diligently and collaboratively to ensure that all of Milwaukee has the resources and financial security it needs to thrive as a major metropolitan area.”
Touted as the professional, independent voice for Milwaukee taxpayers, Thomas’ campaign has gained momentum. He currently has the support of 30 current and former elected officials, including Aldermen Ashanti Hamilton and Willie Wade, and Senators Lena Taylor and Nikiya Harris-Dodd.
“Johnny Thomas is a leader the people of Milwaukee need,” said Senator Lena Taylor.
That momentum has led Thomas to be involved in a number of community events and meetings to get the “whole picture” of what Milwaukee needs in its next comptroller. “One of the responsibilities of comptroller is to review city contracts and project developments before they are approved to protect taxpayers,” Thomas said. “I’ve been very fortunate to share in experiences with taxpayers to figure out what their best interests are and to balance those with the city’s needs. It’s definitely a delicate balancing act,” he added.
Thomas lives on the northwest side of Milwaukee with his wife Yolanda have two sons. He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc, the National Association of Black Accountants, and Government Finance Officers Association.
The election for City of Milwaukee Comptroller is April 5, 2016.