To the residents of Jonesboro:

I consider it a tremendous blessing to have had the opportunity to serve as Mayor of the Town of Jonesboro since January 2019. I believe that there is no greater calling than that of public service. I thank the citizens for entrusting their confidence in me to serve as manager of the town’s affairs for the last four years. I thank the town’s administrators and employees for performing above and beyond the call of duty. I also thank the town Council for the role that it played in the many accomplishments made during our administration.

We placed a high priority on transparency which was reflected in our unmodified annual audit reports. We operated within a balanced budget each year. We began the construction of a fifty-unit gated retirement community which will be finished within the next few months. We are also most proud of our cleanup project with regard to the town’s dilapidated properties, the improvements made to our water and sewer system, and the fire department’s reduction in the town’s PIAL rating.

As I now make my exit from city hall, I’m proud to leave on a high note and keeping my commitment to the public. I pledged to address the over-laying of our roads and I secured over $700,000.00 toward that goal. You can look forward to some rehab work in the very near future on Toni Street, Glass Street, Northeast Street, Hamilton Street, Walton Street, Morocco Street, Odom Street, and Lawrence Street. These funds were secured through the Louisiana Community Development Block Grant just prior to my exit.

I was reminded by Senator Randy Ewing yesterday that there is life after politics. My response is that I have always been driven by the aspect of politics which allows one to serve humanity and enhance the quality of life of others. It is my prayer that God will continue to open doors that will allow me the opportunity to continue to serve others, regardless of the arena. My love for the people of Jonesboro will never diminish and my desire to see the town thrive will be forever constant.

Remember that democracy is the greatest form of government in the world and while difference of opinion and prospective are inevitable, the key to municipal success is keeping the needs of people above politics.

Leslie Thompson