Utility costs, infrastructure improvements, financial management, and communication with residents emerged as recurring concerns among Minden City Council candidates responding to a Minden Press-Herald questionnaire ahead of the November 3 election.
Six candidates representing Districts B, C, and D submitted responses by the October 7 deadline. Candidates were asked about their districts’ most pressing needs, citywide priorities, budgeting, economic development, and their qualifications for office. Incumbents were also asked about accomplishments and unfinished work, while challengers were asked what they would do differently.
Although their proposed approaches vary, several candidates identified utility affordability and infrastructure as significant concerns, while others emphasized transparency, economic growth, and accessibility to constituents.
District B
Anthony Douglas said his retirement has given him the time to devote himself to representing District B.
“After 14 years of retirement, I have time to listen, be available, and work for District B,” Douglas wrote.
He identified infrastructure, neighborhood cleanliness, public safety, and economic development as priorities for Minden. He also called for improvements to streets, drainage, and utility services.
Regarding city finances, Douglas said he would study the budget, expenses, and available resources before making decisions. He would also consider how utility rate changes affect residents and businesses and whether employee compensation is both fair and financially sustainable.
Douglas said council members should communicate openly, listen respectfully, and seek common ground when disagreements arise.
He described himself as hardworking and committed to serving his district, adding that he would devote his time and attention to residents’ concerns.
District C
Three candidates in District C submitted questionnaires, including incumbent Latasha Anderson Mitchell and challengers Eric Lee and Javelin Hardy. Their responses focused heavily on utility costs, infrastructure improvements, financial management, and greater public involvement in city decisions.
Latasha Anderson Mitchell, the incumbent, identified utility bills as District C’s most pressing concern. She said she would continue working with the mayor and other city officials to develop and communicate energy-efficiency strategies.
Mitchell named infrastructure as the city’s top priority over the next four years. Her goals include street improvements, better drainage, increased neighborhood patrols, and the addition and repair of sidewalks.
Asked about her proudest accomplishment, Mitchell pointed to the installation of two restrooms at Crichton Hill Park.
“This park was the only park that never had a restroom and I am grateful that I was able to accomplish that in my 4 years,” she wrote.
She also cited street resurfacing, the condemnation of deteriorating houses, and lower utility bills among accomplishments during her term. Mitchell said work remains to address condemned properties and improve the city’s overall appearance.
Eric Lee, a former City of Minden employee with 35 years of service, said utility costs are the concern he hears most frequently from residents.
Lee identified financial management and increasing the city’s reserve fund as his leading priorities.
“When dealing with a budget you cannot spend more than you bring in and you should plan accordingly,” Lee wrote.
He called for closer monitoring of recurring expenses, reducing unnecessary spending, and setting aside savings for future infrastructure improvements. Lee also suggested examining whether improvements to utility metering systems could help residents monitor usage and manage their bills.
For District C, Lee wants street repairs prioritized according to established condition ratings, water and sewer improvements included in city planning, and additional police patrols where needed.
Lee also proposed reconsidering the current practice of holding workshops before every council meeting. He said workshops should focus on issues requiring extensive discussion or additional research, while residents should have reasonable opportunities to ask questions and raise concerns.
On economic development, Lee suggested exploring incentives for small manufacturing and industry while ensuring those incentives do not disadvantage existing businesses.
Javelin Hardy identified the lack of services and jobs as District C’s most pressing problem. She said the city should work to attract employment opportunities and expand services to help address poverty.
Hardy, who has 34 years of experience in social work and human services, emphasized the financial pressures facing households, particularly those struggling with utility bills.
She advocated examining utility rates in relation to residents’ incomes, researching alternative energy sources such as solar and wind power, and exploring reductions in sales taxes.
Hardy also called for stronger enforcement of property maintenance requirements for abandoned buildings, neglected properties, and illegal dumping.
A central part of her platform is increasing public participation in city decisions.
She suggested establishing a citizen review board or holding town meetings before decisions with significant financial consequences for residents.
Hardy said her experience in grant writing, mental health services, and navigating assistance programs would help her identify funding opportunities and support residents facing financial hardship.
District D
District D candidates Braley Raborn and incumbent Michael Roy both emphasized infrastructure and the importance of maintaining Minden as a place where families want to live, although they outlined different priorities and approaches.
Braley Raborn identified the condition of Lewisville Road as District D’s most urgent issue, saying the heavily traveled roadway needs repair and resurfacing. He proposed working with the state to address the problem.
Raborn also identified Emerald Street as needing resurfacing, expressed concern about speeding on MacArthur Drive, and said roads in the Tanglewood and Braeburn Glen neighborhoods will require attention in coming years.
Looking at Minden’s future, Raborn said the city should focus on attracting residents and encouraging affordable housing development.
“The city has been on defense for the past few years. Now it’s time to start playing offense,” he wrote.
Raborn, an engineer, said he would approach financial and infrastructure decisions by weighing risks, costs, trade-offs, and long-term consequences.
He also advocated reducing local sales taxes, simplifying city procedures, and increasing transparency.
If elected, Raborn said he would publish a quarterly, one-page newsletter called “Braley’s Bulletin,” providing residents with updates on City Hall decisions, upcoming projects, and how those projects would be funded.
Michael Roy, the incumbent, said his primary concern is ensuring city government remains responsive to residents.
Whether a complaint involves drainage, streets, utilities, or public safety, Roy said residents deserve clear communication and follow-through.
His priorities include dependable infrastructure, responsible financial management, economic development, and maintaining city services.
Roy cited his accounting degree from Louisiana Tech University and experience as a commercial lender at Citizens Bank as preparation for evaluating municipal finances.
Before supporting a utility rate increase, he said he would want to understand the need, available alternatives, and potential effects on households and businesses.
Roy identified several accomplishments during his current term, including construction of the new animal shelter, negotiation of a new utility contract, and the hiring of a state lobbyist whom he credited with helping secure more than $14 million in state appropriations.
He said infrastructure remains unfinished work, particularly streets, drainage, and utility systems.
Roy also emphasized the importance of coordinating projects so underground utility or drainage improvements are considered before roads are resurfaced.
A lifelong Minden resident who previously served on the council from 1999 to 2002, Roy said his goal is to continue improving city services while supporting both established businesses and new investment.
The questionnaire responses were provided by the candidates and reflect their stated positions and priorities. Six candidates responded: Anthony Douglas in District B; Latasha Anderson Mitchell, Eric Lee, and Javelin Hardy in District C; and Braley Raborn and Michael Roy in District D. No responses were received by the deadline from the other candidates.
Early voting is scheduled for October 20-27, excluding Sunday, October 25. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, with polls open from 6 AM to 8 PM.