During his 30 years on the Elizabethtown City Council, Ron Thomas has gone by many names. Now, “Mayor of the Lake” will forever be one of them.
The fishing dock at Freeman Lake Park was renamed in honor of former Elizabethtown City Council member Ron Thomas Wednesday afternoon. Thomas, who many said was never at a loss for words, clearly was.
“If I want to be remembered in a certain way by Elizabethtown, the lake is one of the things that is dearest to me,” an emotional Thomas said. “I’m truly honored to have my name associated with what is one of the greatest assets the city of Elizabethtown has.”
Councilmembers and former mayors were present for the plaque dedication, including former mayors Pat Durbin, David Wilmoth Jr., and Edna Berger. Berger who served on the council with Thomas and ran for mayor against him, says Thomas was a true public servant, and was never afraid to tell you what he thought.
“He’s going to tell you exactly how it is,” Berger said, “And if you don’t agree with him, too bad. And if he doesn’t agree with you, too bad.”
“You’re going to have to work it out, and over time, you will,” Berger continued.
Councilman Tony Bishop, who served with Thomas for a number of years, said the former council member was all about doing what was best for the community.
“He just loves this city, and he’d do just about anything for it,” Bishop said of his former colleague. “[And] compassion for the people. That’s the two main things: the compassion for the city and the compassion for the people who live here.”
Thomas’ family was present at the event, helping to uncover the plaque, which stand at the foot of the fishing dock.
Thomas retired from the Elizabethtown City Council in 2018.
