My name is James Below, Jr. It is with immense enthusiasm and deep dedication to our beloved city, that I am honored to announce my candidacy for the esteemed position of Mayor of the City of Natchitoches.
As a lifelong resident of Natchitoches Parish, my heart beats in harmony with the rhythm of our community. There is no other place I’d rather call home, and it is with great pride that I share this journey with my wife of 36 years, Andrea Coutee Below, a dedicated Registered Nurse in Public Health. Together, we are blessed with four exceptional children and seven beautiful grandchildren, each a testament to the richness of our familial bonds.
My educational journey through the Natchitoches and Caddo Parish Public School Systems and Biblical Seminary laid the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. With degrees in Bachelor of Christian Counseling, Master of Chaplaincy, and Doctor of Ministry, I bring a wealth of understanding and empathy to the challenges our community faces.
I have been deeply woven into the fabric of our community for 60 years with 38 years of ministry as an Associate Minister of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church (MBC) since 1986, Former Pastor of St. Davis MBC for 12 years, Pastor of Saints of Christ Worship Center for eight years and current Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church for seven years. I have 10 years in law enforcement as a former Civil Defense Deputy at the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office and former Correctional Officer at both Natchitoches Parish Detention Center and Winn Correctional Center. I have 15 years of previous management experience as the Manager/Regional Manager with Goodwill Industries of North Louisiana. In this supervisory role, I was responsible for the management of seven Goodwill stores and a 6.5-million-dollar budget. This has equipped me with a unique blend of experiences to address the diverse needs of our city.
Presently, I hold the position of Chaplain of Religious Programs and Services at the Winn Correctional Center. As chaplain, I have worked with individuals from 40 different countries and 25 religious backgrounds, fostering understanding and unity.
Former positions held: Vice President 12th District Baptist Association, Vice President Natchitoches Voters and Civic League, President Natchitoches Ministerial Fellowship, Chaplain Dawn of Light Lodge #22, and Board Member Natchitoches Community Improvement Foundation.
As you can see, I have always been involved in the community and have a desire to help people. My passion is for improving our Historic City and making Natchitoches a better place to live.
Key focus areas of my campaign include:
PUBLIC TRUST
As a candidate for Mayor of Natchitoches, I am committed to upholding the core values of honesty, integrity, transparency and compassion. Rebuilding the trust between the citizens of Natchitoches and city leadership is my top priority. By fostering open and honest communication, listening to the concerns of residents, and working together with the community, we can create a brighter future for Natchitoches. As your Mayor, I will always be transparent in my decision-making, and work tirelessly to ensure that our city is a true representation of the people who call it home.
CITY-WIDE SAFETY
My focus as Mayor will be to work closely with community leaders and local law enforcement agencies to reduce crime rates and enhance public safety. It is time we take a proactive approach and work collaboratively to solve the root causes of crime. Together, we can create a safer city that benefits everyone, no matter their background or location. My experiences in public service and my passion for this city are what sets me apart from other candidates, and I am excited to bring this energy and enthusiasm to the Mayor’s office.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
As a lifelong resident of this city, I am passionate about supporting local businesses and attracting major industries that will help our community thrive. I believe that strong economic growth and development is the key to creating more job opportunities for our residents and improving their quality of life. I’m dedicated to working tirelessly to execute a plan that will bring higher wages and more economic opportunities for all members of our community.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
My vision for Natchitoches is centered around a more sustainable and equitable future for all residents. That means working to ensure that everyone has access to affordable housing, so that we can build stronger and more vibrant communities. It also means finding ways to lower electricity costs and improve our infrastructure, so that our city can thrive and grow. Finally, I am dedicated to making our city a better place for everyone. I want to create a more inclusive, fair, and transparent society, with a particular focus on improving youth development and ensuring that our elderly and disabled citizens are properly cared for. Everyone deserves a chance to succeed, and I am committed to making that a reality as Mayor
Together, let us embark on this journey to elevate Natchitoches to new heights. Your support and engagement are crucial, and I look forward to connecting with you in the coming weeks to discuss our shared vision. Please consider electing me as your next Mayor, I will be visible in the community and available to hear your concerns. I look forward to meeting as many of you as I can while on this campaign journey. I can be reached at (318) 471-0029.
“Working Together To Better Our Community”
I prayerfully ask for your support and vote during early voting (March 9 -16) and Election Day on March 23, 2024.
Sincerely,
James Below, Jr.
Candidate for Mayor
jamesbelowjrformayor@gmail.com
facebook.com/electjamesbelowjr
Website: jamesbelowjrformay.wixsite.