Councilwoman Thompson Grafton City Council

06/06/2026

I grew up in Grafton, and I can remember times when our community faced challenges and times when it celebrated successes. I have seen businesses open and close, watched generations grow up and move on, and witnessed moments that brought our town together in both joy and sorrow. Through it all, one thing has remained constant: the people of Grafton.

Our community has never been defined solely by its buildings, streets, or landmarks. While we are proud of our history, our greatest strength has always been the people who call Grafton home. Time and again, when obstacles have stood in our way, it has been the determination, resilience, and spirit of our citizens that have carried us forward.

I have seen neighbors help neighbors during difficult times. I have watched volunteers give countless hours to support community projects, churches, schools, civic organizations, and local events. I have seen people step up not because they were asked, but because they care deeply about this town and the people who live here. That sense of pride and commitment is something special, and it is something that should never be taken for granted.

Like any community, we do not always agree on every issue. We have different opinions, different experiences, and different ideas about the best path forward. But those differences should not divide us. In fact, they can make us stronger. Progress is often born from people bringing different perspectives to the table, listening to one another, and working together toward a common goal.

Grafton does not need everyone to think alike. What it needs is for people to care enough to participate, to share their talents, and to contribute in whatever ways they can. Some people lead. Some volunteer. Some mentor young people. Some support local businesses. Some preserve our history. Some dream up new ideas for the future. Every role matters.

As a fourth-generation Graftonian, I believe our community's best days are still ahead of us. We have challenges to face, but we also have tremendous opportunities. By working together, respecting one another, and focusing on what unites us rather than what divides us, we can continue building a community that honors its past while embracing its future.

Grafton's greatest strength is its people. It takes all kinds of individuals—with different opinions, skills, experiences, and perspectives—working toward a common goal to help our town reach its full potential. When we work together, there is no limit to what our community can achieve.

05/13/2026

To the citizens of Grafton,
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your support, your encouragement, your prayers, and for once again placing your trust in me to serve on Grafton City Council. I am deeply honored and humbled to have been re-elected for another term representing our community.

Serving the people of Grafton has never been just a position to me — it is personal. This city is my home. It is where my roots run deep, where generations of memories have been made, and where I have spent much of my life working, serving, and investing in the future of our community. I care deeply about this city and the people who call it home.

I love Grafton. I believe in Grafton. And I want to see Grafton shine.
We are a city with a proud history, resilient people, and so much potential. Like many small towns, we face challenges, but I firmly believe our best days can still be ahead of us if we continue working together with determination, respect, and hope for the future.

I want to sincerely thank everyone who voted in this election, regardless of who you supported. Participation matters. Your vote is your voice, and every citizen who takes the time to participate helps strengthen our community and our democracy.

Thank you to those who supported my campaign, shared encouraging words, displayed signs, spoke on my behalf, prayed for me, and believed in my leadership. Your kindness and confidence mean more than I can adequately express.

Over the years, I have worked hard to be accessible, responsive, and committed to the people of Grafton. I understand the importance of experience, consistency, and follow-through in local government. There is still much work to do, and I remain committed to listening to our residents, supporting our neighborhoods, improving our city, and helping create opportunities for the future.

I also want to thank my fellow candidates for their willingness to serve. Running for office takes courage, dedication, and a genuine concern for the community.

As we move forward, my hope is that we continue focusing on what unites us — our shared love for Grafton and our desire to see it thrive. Together, we can continue building a stronger community while preserving the history, character, and spirit that make Grafton special.

Thank you again for your confidence, your support, and the opportunity to continue serving this community I love so much. I look forward to the work ahead and to continuing to serve the citizens of Grafton with dedication, honesty, and respect.

With sincere gratitude,
Diana Thompson
Grafton City Council

05/12/2026

Your Voice! Your Vote!

05/10/2026

No matter who you support — vote.

One of the most common things people say during election season is, “I just don’t know who to vote for.” That feeling is more common than you think. Sometimes the choices feel overwhelming. Sometimes people become discouraged by negativity, arguments, or the belief that one vote will not really matter.

But not knowing who to vote for should never become a reason not to vote at all.

Take a little time to learn. Read about the candidates. Attend a meeting or forum if possible. Ask questions. Listen carefully to how people speak to and about others. Look for honesty, consistency, respect, and a willingness to serve the community instead of themselves.

And remember — local elections matter more than many people realize.

The decisions made at the local level affect our streets, neighborhoods, public safety, parks, budgets, water systems, businesses, and the future of our communities. These decisions shape everyday life for all of us.

You do not have to agree with everyone. You do not have to be an expert on every issue. You just need to care enough to participate.

In a small town especially, every vote truly does matter. Sometimes elections are decided by only a handful of votes. Your voice may be the one that helps shape the direction of your community for years to come.

So if you are uncertain, do not give up. Learn. Listen. Think carefully. Then show up and vote.

Democracy only works when people participate.

05/05/2026

One week from today, the future of our community will be in the hands of the people who care enough to show up and vote. In a small town, every single vote matters. Every voice matters. Every person matters.

Your vote is more than a mark on a ballot — it is your chance to speak up for the kind of community you want to live in. It is your opportunity to support progress, accountability, transparency, and leadership that listens.

Too often people think one vote will not make a difference. But elections in communities like ours are decided by neighbors, friends, families, and everyday citizens who choose to participate. Change does not happen from the sidelines. It happens when people take the time to stand up and be counted.

If you care about our streets, our neighborhoods, our businesses, our parks, our safety, and the future of our children and grandchildren, then make your voice heard.

Encourage your family. Call a friend. Remind a neighbor. Help someone get to the polls if they need a ride.

The strength of a community is not found in silence — it is found in participation.

One week to go.

Your Vote.
Your Voice.
Your Future.

05/03/2026

04/29/2026

In a small town in West Virginia, voting is not just a civic duty—it is a direct investment in the future of your community.

Unlike in larger cities, where individual voices can feel diluted, every vote in a small town carries real weight. Local elections are often decided by narrow margins, sometimes just a handful of ballots. That means your vote truly can determine the outcome—whether it’s who serves on council, how resources are allocated, or what direction the town takes in the years ahead.

Voting locally is about more than politics; it’s about people. It’s about the roads you drive every day, the safety of your neighborhoods, the strength of your schools, and the vitality of your downtown. In towns across West Virginia, where populations have declined and funding is often limited, the decisions made at the local level are critical. Electing leaders who understand these challenges—and who are committed to addressing them—starts with showing up to vote.

There’s also a deeper responsibility tied to voting in a small town: preserving your voice in a place where community still matters. These are towns where people know each other, where decisions are personal, and where leadership is accessible. Voting ensures that those connections remain strong and that leadership reflects the values and priorities of the people who live there.

In many ways, voting is how a small town defines itself. It is how residents say, “This is who we are, and this is where we want to go.” Whether it’s supporting economic growth, preserving local heritage, or strengthening community services, those choices begin at the ballot box.

In a small West Virginia town, your vote isn’t just counted—it’s felt.

04/24/2026

Transparency in city government isn’t just a buzzword to me — it’s the foundation of trust, accountability, and real progress. That’s a big part of why I am running for re-election.

Over the past few years, I’ve worked hard to listen, respond, and act on the concerns of our community. But I’ve also seen firsthand a simple truth: I cannot address issues I don’t know about. If something is affecting your neighborhood, your street, or your quality of life, I need to hear it — directly.

I understand that social media is often where people turn to share frustrations, but too often those concerns never make it to the place where action can actually happen. Posts get missed, details are unclear, and problems don’t always reach the proper channels that allow me to investigate and work toward solutions.

To me, transparency is a two-way street. It means I will continue to be open, accessible, and accountable to you — but it also means I need residents to come forward, communicate clearly, and engage in the process. Whether that’s reaching out to me, contacting city departments, or attending a council meeting, those direct connections are what lead to real results.

I am running for re-election because I believe in a more responsive and effective city government — one where your voice is not only heard but acted upon. Together, we can continue building a stronger community by working side by side, with honesty, communication, and a shared commitment to moving forward.