By Karen Shimonsky, October 2008
Photo By Heather Strange
As Thomas Hawkins sat in the Jack Durance Auditorium in downtown Gainesville awaiting the election results — family, friends and supporters by his side — there was only one thing that was going through his mind:  Thank god the campaigning is over.  Hawkins, a land use lawyer, is the newest Gainesville City Commission At-Large District 2 seat holder. Although this is his first political position, he said he has big plans for the city, including promoting growth downtown.
The Hawkins family roots run deep in Gainesville (his great-great grandfather was mayor more than 100 years ago). He left town briefly to attend law school at Emory University but said he knew his relocation would be temporary. “Gainesville is my hometown. I’ve always felt such a close connection to it,” he said.
Since he took office in May, Hawkins has adjusted well to his hectic schedule and said he has received a warm welcome from veteran commissioners.
“My age and position are advantages. I don’t have a family, and I’m not held back by my career right now,” he said. “I know I’m young, but the time seemed right, and I am ready.”