Name: Andy Thomson
Age: 41
Website: AndyThomson.com
What distinguishes you most from your opponent(s)?
My proven leadership experience serving on the City Council, Community Redevelopment Agency, Palm Beach Transportation Planning Agency, and key boards demonstrates my ability to deliver tangible results residents and local business owners can count on.
And I don’t just talk, I walk (and run!). My “RunTheCity” initiative goes beyond traditional community engagement. By personally running every mile of every street in Boca Raton (around 475 miles total), I have demonstrated a hands-on approach to understanding our community’s needs. This initiative, involving over 500 volunteers and resulting in the cleanup of over 1,500 pounds of trash and identification of over 450 safety improvements, is contributing to a cleaner, safer, and more connected community.
I believe in working collaboratively with others. I pride myself on building bridges and working effectively with diverse stakeholders. I have a history of forging strong relationships with residents, businesses and government officials at all levels to find common ground and achieve results through leadership.
List in reverse chronological order, starting with most recent, colleges and universities attended with years of attendance and degrees held.
J.D., University of Miami School of Law
B.S. in Electrical Engineering, Georgia Tech
List in reverse chronological order your work history for the past 15 years.
Adjunct professor at Florida Atlantic University teaching local and state government (2022-present)
City Councilmember, City of Boca Raton (2018-2022)
Attorney, Baritz & Colman LLP (2016-present)
Attorney, Proskauer Rose LLP (2011-2016)
Attorney, Tew Cardenas LLP (2008-2011)
Have you ever been a party to a lawsuit, including bankruptcy or foreclosure? If so, provide details and disposition.
No
Have you ever been charged or convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, including an adjudication of guilt withheld? If so, provide charges, dates and terms of sentence.
No
After City Manager Leif Ahnell retired in December, the council promoted his long-time deputy without conducting a search. Do you agree with this decision, and why or why not?
I am optimistic about the future of our community under the leadership of our “new” City Manager George Brown, who has been with the city for four decades. While he is new to the role, his extensive history of service and wealth of experience in municipal management speak to his capability and dedication. I look forward to collaborating with him to address the diverse needs of our community through innovation and leadership.
Regarding the decision to promote Mr. Brown without conducting a search after Ahnell’s retirement in December, I agree with it. His promotion prioritizes continuity and acknowledges Mr. Brown’s in-depth knowledge of the community’s dynamics. Promoting Mr. Brown expedites the transition process and ensures stability in leadership.
Is the city too pro-development, or does it strike the right balance between growth and preservation?
During my time on the council, I took pride in advocating for responsible growth and striking a balance between development and preservation. I recognized the importance of ensuring that as our city grows, it does so in a measured and responsible manner. We considered the impacts on the community and the unique character of Boca Raton in every decision related to new projects. By promoting thoughtful and responsible growth, we aimed to preserve the qualities that make our city attractive while fostering sustainable progress. I remain committed to this approach, believing it to be crucial for maintaining the long-term success and appeal of Boca Raton.
Boca has begun a re-envisioning of part of the downtown core. What’s needed there to improve the city’s quality of life?
As we go through this re-visioning process, we must focus on elements that can enhance the city’s overall quality of life. This involves creating a vibrant and inclusive community space that caters to the diverse needs and preferences of our residents. It is essential that any plan prioritize greenspace, contain cultural and entertainment options, and ensure walkability and accessibility. Functionally, the City Hall and our police headquarters buildings have passed their useful lives and need to be rebuilt, but only in a fiscally responsible way.
