It is with great enthusiasm that I announce my candidacy for mayor of the city of Natchitoches. Eight years ago, I told our citizens that I was running for one reason: 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 continue to work toward the renegotiation of better electrical rate contracts which so far have resulted in a two time rate reduction for our citizens. Great efforts have been made in areas such as electrical upgrades, the ongoing acquisition of LCDBG grants for street overlay and our Riverbank Enhancement Project.

With a rededication of the water and sewer sales tax due to your vote, we were able to place an even greater emphasis on the overlaying of our streets, drainage, water line replacement, and recreation. The improvements we have made since 2016 have had a significant positive impact on our community.

The most recently completed project, Parc Natchitoches, was envisioned and completed with our City’s citizens in mind. This complex will continue to move all citizens of Natchitoches towards the healthy initiatives set in motion through our Healthy Behaviors Grant which funded the Natchitoches Farmers Market, Mobile Market, Portable Park, and Mayor’s Health and Fitness Council. In addition, Parc Natchitoches will considerably enhance economic development in our city, bringing thousands of visitors from other communities who will invest dollars and in turn benefit our city for future improvements. To date, over 20 tournaments are booked starting in February 2020.

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 eight years. Due to an attitude of teamwork on the part of these good folks and you, the citizens of Natchitoches, we have received widely acclaimed recognition for our achievements.

Natchitoches has many to thank for the growth and prosperity in recent years. The City’s local manufacturers, along with Northwestern State University and Natchitoches Regional Medical Center have played a vital role in creating jobs for our citizens and recruiting others to move to our community.

The source of the commitment I have for the city of Natchitoches lies in the 60 years I have lived in this unique place on earth. I have raised my children, enjoyed countless friendships, and served my church faithfully fostering a deep love and passion for the people in this city. 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 April 4, 2020 so that we can continue what we have begun. Early voting begins Saturday, March 21st and ends Saturday, March 28th. I invite you to come be a part of our journey together.