It is with great enthusiasm that I announce my candidacy for Mayor of the City of Natchitoches. Four years ago, I told our citizens that I was running for one reason, and one reason only, to pledge to you a commitment to make ours an even better city in which to live.

Since making that pledge, we have been busy positioning Natchitoches to be successful. We have worked toward the renegotiation of better electrical rate contracts resulting in savings for our citizens. Great efforts have been made in areas such as sidewalk repair, drainage, electrical upgrades, the on-going acquisition of LCDBG grants for street overlay, and our Riverbank Enhancement Project. We have aided in the Animal Shelter Relocation with plans to purchase a building in the spring of 2017. The new hotel project has begun and should be completed this fall. We have made great progress with the City Park Redevelopment Project with plans for a second phase that will include a parking lot, a walking track, and a pavilion by June of 2016. We are scheduled to complete the Town South/Pan Am Road Access Project by May of this year and plan to purchase the Ben D. Johnson Parks to enhance recreation for our youth in West Natchitoches.

With a re-dedication of the Water and Sewer Sales Tax scheduled for the April 9th ballot, we will be able to place an even greater emphasis on the overlaying of our streets, drainage, water line replacement, and recreation. These endeavors will be possible without asking for a tax increase from our citizens.

The realization of these accomplishments has been made possible by a solid team of department heads and employees who have proven their dedication and loyalty time and time again. I want to take this opportunity to thank them for going over and above the call of duty these last four years. Due to an attitude of “teamwork” on the part of these good folks and you, the citizens of Natchitoches, USA Today name us the “Best Southern Small Town” in 2015!

The source of the commitment I have for the City of Natchitoches lies in the fifty-three years I have lived in this unique place on earth. Here I have raised my children, enjoyed countless friendships, and supported by church. The truth is, I have loved being your Mayor. I will never be satisfied with the progress we have made and will work every day to position our city to be even more successful in the years to come.

I ask for your continued support on March 5th, 2016, so that we can continue what we have begun. Early voting begins February 20th and ends Saturday, February 27th. I invite you to come and be a part of our journey together.