Those leaders , Flowers points out , haven ’ t always been in elected office . What they do have in common is a high set of standards .
“ They have been in all walks of life in Thomasville and have set a standard that is quite high . Therefore , Thomasville is seen as a standard bearer across our state ,” he said .
Flowers acknowledges his pride in his hometown — “ Pride is an emotion that can you get in trouble ,” he said , “ or get you in doors .”
Pride in Thomasville from leaders who have gone before has helped make the city the showpiece it is .
“ Pride in Thomasville allows us as political leaders and others in the community access to all kinds of places in the state and the country that otherwise may not be available ,” Flowers pointed out . “ You look at the reputation of Thomasville and the presence that you feel when you are here and you take a step back and say , we ’ re blessed with a history of individuals stepping up to lead . When that ’ s happened , it has allowed us to perpetuate those good choices that were made early .”
The Rose City ’ s continued testament to its hiswords & photography by Pat Donahue
As a native son , it is not lost on Jay Flowers what it means to be the mayor of Thomasville . Born and raised in Thomasville ,
Flowers has been the city ’ s mayor since early January . He ’ s served on the city council for a decade .
And he recalls the advice he got from his first days in office .
“ When I was first elected ,” Flowers said , “ someone told me , ‘ your primary goal is don ’ t mess it up .’ And I get it .”
Thomasville ’ s history and its appeal to tourists are important for Flowers , who holds an economics degree from Furman University .
He embraces the position of leadership that comes from elected office .
“ If you look over time at mayors and community leaders , there has really been a group willing to step out and take a position . And that ’ s really important for communities to have individuals who are resolute and comfortable in their convictions so that they will take a position and stand by it through whatever comes at them ,” he said .
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