Eleanor Thompson, City Council Candidate

Eleanor Thompson brings over 50 years of experience working for the city of Richmond to her campaign election to the Richmond City Council.

Originally from Arizona, Thompson, 70, has lived in Richmond since 1967. She is the founder and executive director of Social Progress, Inc., a nonprofit organization where youth of the Iron Triangle neighborhood gather after school for tutoring and mentoring.

Thompson began her career as a substitute teacher with the Contra Costa Unified School District. She also served on the City of Richmond Police Commissioner Board, as a member of the Anti-Drug Task Force, and as president of the Iron Triangle Neighborhood Council.

Thompson thinks these experiences give her a unique perspective and she can be the voice of the people. She feels strongly about the problems of crime, homelessness and lack of access to healthcare.

Thompson said her first priority is to staff the police and fire departments so they have enough resources. Having lived in Richmond for 30 years, Thompson has witnessed drive-by-shootings and killings of African Americans. In order to stop these crimes, Thompson wants to create jobs for youth. Keeping the youth busy is good for the local economy, she said.

Homelessness is also a major problem facing Richmond. Thompson said the solution is to create housing for the homeless. She proposes building tiny homes and giving homeless people jobs.

Thompson would also like to address the lack of healthcare for the homeless, including for mental illness. As of now, she said, the homeless have to go to Martinez, 20 miles away, to get free healthcare. Thompson proposes building a small clinic in Richmond where people can get access to healthcare at a reasonable cost or for free.

In 10 years, Thompson hopes to see the crime rate drop, more housing built, the eradication of homelessness and a cleaner environment.