Candidate for
Council Member; City of Antioch

Born in prison, raised in foster care and graduating high school illiterate, Lamar Thorpe is no stranger to hard work and overcoming tough challenges. Today, he proudly serves the Antioch community on the city's Economic Development Commission + advising the sitting council on workable solutions to improve our local economy.

After being dismissed from community college due to his illiteracy and with limited options to succeed in life, Lamar enlisted in the United States Navy with the hope and the desire to fulfill his God-given potential through his service to this country. It was there that he was determined to teach himself to read and write; and eventually becoming a Navy paralegal.

Lamar has served a total of eight years having earned several medals, including the Global War on Terrorism Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal for his service in the Global War on Terror following the attacks of September 11, 2001.

After Lamar's return stateside, he graduated from the Naval Justice School, extended his term of service in the Navy, and was stationed at the Naval Submarine Base in Groton, CT. During his second tour of duty, Lamar was accepted to The George Washington University (GWU) in Washington, D.C., a world-renowned university with a reputation for fostering social responsibility and public service.

While completing his studies at GWU, Lamar continued his military service at the Washington Navy Yard. He double majored in Sociology and Women's Studies, and in 2006, Lamar was elected President of The George Washington University Student Association, representing more than 20,000 professional, law, medical, graduate and undergraduate students from around the world.

In 2007, Lamar was accepted into the University's Presidential Administrative Fellowship Program - a highly selective merit-based and leadership excellence program for graduate students. He continued his education by pursuing his Master of Arts degree in Women's Studies. He was appointed by the university's administration to serve as a development officer, raising over a million dollars annually. This experience launched his career and passion for higher education.

After several years in higher education administration, Lamar has had the privilege of serving as an administrator to a number of acclaimed colleges and universities including The George Washington University, Delaware Valley College, and San Jose State University.

Today, Lamar serves on the executive team of the San Jose-Evergreen Community College District as their Chief Advancement Officer and proudly works on behalf of a dynamic community of over 20,000 students, faculty, and staff.

As a result of his personal life, military service, and professional experiences, Lamar believes he can make a difference in the City of Antioch. If elected, he will fight for policies that will improve the quality of life and well-being for all residents.

Lamar and his wife, Patrice, and their 5 year old daughter, are proud residents of Antioch, and humbly ask for your vote on November 4th.