On January 8 Ryan Seal will be sworn in as the new Washington Parish President and Richard “Ned” Thomas Jr. will officially retire.
For many local residents, it will be hard to imagine parish government without Richard Thomas. He is only the second parish president that we’ve ever had, and he has been in office for 16 years.
Thomas was first elected in 2007, succeeding Toye Taylor.
Taylor was the first parish president, having come into office following the charter change that replaced the former Police Jury with a Parish Council, and established the office of Parish President.
Thomas was already known to many citizens of the parish when he became parish president. He had served the Pine-Thomas area on the parish school board, and he had also run a parishwide campaign for state representative. His father, Richard Thomas Sr, had been a well-known member of the parish school board, and when he passed away Richard Thomas Jr. succeeded him.
For those who follow parish politics closely, nothing speaks more highly of the respect Richard Thomas gained as parish president than the fact that in his entire 16 years in office, only once did he have an opponent when he sought re-election. Being re-elected automatically without opposition is, in many ways, a stamp of approval from your fellow citizens.
As Thomas prepares to retire, there are plenty of accomplishments that he is proud of. For many elected officials and residents alike, it is the financially stable parish government that he is turning over to Ryan Seal that is his most important accomplishment.
The Washington Parish government has always faced financial challenges due to limited funding and state-mandated expenses.
Thomas and Parish Director of Finance and Personnel Donna Graham, working together and in concert with the Parish Council, have cut expenses and found additional funding.
As Mrs. Graham proudly explains, “Under President Thomas’ direction, the parish has had clean financial statement audits, all funds have a positive fund balance, and there are available operating funds.”
But the accomplishments of parish government during the Richard Thomas years go far beyond financial management.
There is a new animal shelter that has been widely praised; parish roads, bridges, and drainage have been greatly improved; and beautiful new sidewalks now exist in downtown Franklinton and will soon be extended all the way from Riverside Medical Center to the Fairgrounds.
Thomas has led the parish through hurricanes, floods, a snow storm, a drought, and a worldwide pandemic. Through it all, he said, “Washington Parish has grown stronger.”
Richard Thomas is not someone to brag. For the many accomplishments that have taken place during the past 16 years, he credits the mutual respect between him, his staff, and the Parish Council.
“Things don’t always run smoothly,” he notes, “but it is the ability to do what’s best for our parish residents that always takes priority with our parish government and our parish council.”
And more than that, it also takes concern for the well-being of all parish residents.
As Mrs. Graham pointed out, “Richard has a kind and compassionate heart for our citizens.”
She added, “It has been my sincere pleasure to serve this parish under the direction of a business minded, caring gentleman who truly held the parish’s best interest at heart.”
Ken Wheat worked with Richard Thomas for 8 years as a parish councilman, and now works with him as Public Works Director, so he has a unique perspective.
Wheat said, “As big as Richard’s heart is, his true strength is in reading people and putting together a team of employees that share his passion and have proven to be a formidable force in accomplishing all that has been accomplished during his tenure.”
He added, “Every year has been full of accomplishments that have made our parish a better place to live with the goal of making our residents proud to call Washington Parish their home. I will always be grateful to Richard Thomas for the priorities he set as parish president.”
Even though Thomas is leaving parish government, he said he will always be available to Ryan Seal and the parish council for any advice or support that may be needed.
He and his wife, Linda, are looking forward to more relaxing days. They plan to travel to Grand Lake, Colorado, spend more time with their grandchildren, and catch more fish.
The people of Washington Parish may disagree from time to time, but just about everyone would surely agree with Ken Wheat, who said, “I’m praying that this next phase of Richard’s and Linda’s life will continue to bring them health and happiness for a joyful retirement!”
