Candidates seeking federal, state, and local offices gathered at Mt. Zion CME Church on Thursday, October 1, for a nonpartisan “Meet the Candidates” forum ahead of the November 3 election.
The event drew a large gathering of candidates and interested citizens, beginning with a lively meet-and-greet that allowed attendees to speak individually with those seeking office.
Following the reception, candidates were given three minutes each to introduce themselves, discuss their platforms, and explain why they were seeking voters’ support. Presentations began with federal and state races before moving to the Webster Parish School Board, Minden police chief, and Minden City Council contests.
The forum was organized by a coalition of civic and community organizations, including the Minden Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Gamma Omicron Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Iota Rho Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Claiborne #6053, Minden-Webster #6067-B, and Ringgold #6075-R.
U.S. Congress, 4th District
Matt Gromlich focused on education, health care, and infrastructure. A lifelong educator entering his 15th year of teaching, Gromlich proposed a nationwide early childhood education initiative he calls the START program, which would expand prekindergarten opportunities for 3- and 4-year-olds. He also discussed the need to protect rural hospitals, expand access to prescription medications and mental health care, and help smaller communities obtain infrastructure grants.
Gordon Heslop described himself as an anti-Trump Republican whose policies would focus on the economic struggles of working- and middle-class families. Drawing on his own experiences with financial hardship, Heslop discussed proposals intended to increase homeownership and improve access to medical care. Among his proposals were free doctor visits, prescriptions, and dental care for children through age 14, pregnancy and postpartum care, and preventive health screenings for adults.
Public Service Commission, District 5
John Atkins identified utility affordability and reliability as his primary concerns. A Caddo Parish commissioner for 11 years, Atkins emphasized accessibility, consumer representation, and financial expertise. He said he is not accepting campaign contributions from entities regulated by the Public Service Commission and stressed that large industrial power users, including data centers, should pay for their own electrical infrastructure rather than passing those expenses along to residential customers.
James Edward Green emphasized his people-first approach, using the motto, “protect the people, protect the pocketbook and protect the power.” Green, who cited 16 years on the Shreveport City Council and 49 years as pastor of Union Mission Baptist Church, discussed the financial pressures families face from utility bills and other household expenses. He said consumers need a commissioner who will represent their interests when decisions affecting utility rates are made.
Webster Parish School Board
District 3
Patricia McMurray highlighted more than 33 years of educational experience, including service as a teacher, coach, assistant principal, and principal. She expressed concern about student absenteeism, testing, and parental involvement. McMurray said her experience working in another state’s education system would allow her to bring a different perspective to the Webster Parish School Board.
District 5
Yolanda Shaw Palmer described her 37½ years in education, during which she served as a teacher, counselor, assistant principal, principal, and director of federal programs. Nearly all of her career was spent in Webster Parish. Palmer said she wants to serve as a liaison between the school district and community, improving communication and helping residents better understand educational issues and decisions.
Ricky Thomas emphasized student safety, support for teachers and school employees, and responsible use of taxpayer dollars. Thomas, a contractor with 36 years of experience working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, expressed concern about compensation for school support personnel, drawing attention to his mother’s 24 years as a cafeteria worker at Browning Elementary. He said his professional background would also help him examine school construction projects and district spending.
District 7
Terry Combs discussed his experience managing multimillion-dollar budgets through the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and as head of Minden’s street and drainage department. His priorities include transparency, school safety, early intervention for struggling students, and ensuring schools have adequate instructional resources. Combs also expressed interest in strengthening instruction in practical skills, including cursive writing, telling time, and counting money.
Tina Douglas highlighted her background in law enforcement, banking, and education-related service. Douglas, currently chief deputy marshal, previously worked as a school resource officer and DARE instructor. She said those experiences helped her recognize needs within the school system and expressed a desire to support students, teachers, school employees, and resource officers.
District 8
“Miss Chris” Broussard focused on restoring and expanding arts education in Webster Parish schools. She shared an experience volunteering to teach art to a group of students who had struggled academically and behaviorally. According to Broussard, nearly all subsequently made the honor roll, and attendance improved significantly. She said arts programs can provide important educational and emotional benefits, particularly for children experiencing difficult circumstances.
Heather Feeback outlined three priorities: improving communication among the School Board, administrators, teachers, parents, and the community; ensuring responsible use of taxpayer dollars; and strengthening student and staff safety. Feeback emphasized accessibility to constituents, classroom-focused spending, secure facilities, and clear safety procedures. She also called for a firm stance against bullying.
District 9
Lloyd Davis Jr. discussed his 23 years as an instructor and director of operations with MAR-C Industries, as well as his volunteer work with Project Reclaim Leadership Academy. Davis identified fiscal responsibility, cooperation among board members, and community communication as his three primary priorities. He said he wants parents, grandparents, school employees, and residents to have a voice in district decisions.
Patricia Williams, a licensed clinical social worker, cited 40 years of experience in education and pupil services, including child protection work and experience at the state Department of Education. Williams emphasized the importance of identifying students’ individual needs and addressing problems that interfere with learning. She also discussed educational accountability and the shared responsibility of schools, families, and communities in improving student outcomes.
District 10
Jeanine Major Franklin centered her remarks on communication and collaboration among School Board members, administrators, teachers, parents, and the community. Franklin said residents should have opportunities to understand and participate in discussions about district decisions, particularly those involving finances. She emphasized listening to concerns and providing information before decisions are made to improve transparency and public understanding.
Danielle Phenix, a lifelong Minden resident and parent of children attending school, discussed her desire to give back to a community that helped shape her life. Phenix said her experience as a parent allows her to relate to families and understand concerns involving local schools. She expressed interest in bringing that perspective to District 10 representation.
Robert Louis Stewart Jr. emphasized his educational experience, which includes teaching junior high and high school social studies and serving as a department head, instructional specialist, student-teaching supervisor, and reading interventionist. Stewart, who attended J.L. Jones Elementary and Phillips, identified the closure of J.L. Jones as a major reason for entering the race and said he wants to see the school reopened.
District 12
Jacqueline “Jackie” Lockett drew on her experience coaching and mentoring young people, saying those roles taught her the importance of listening, preparation, accountability, and leadership. Lockett identified student achievement, teacher support, parental involvement, and communication as priorities. She also emphasized the importance of having a School Board representative who remains visible, accessible, and responsive to the needs of District 12.
Minden chief of police
Ryan Barnette discussed his more than 16 years of full-time law enforcement experience, including service with the Minden Police Department and Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office. Currently a security officer and fraud investigator for Gibsland Bank & Trust, Barnette proposed establishing a citizens police academy to improve public understanding of law enforcement. He emphasized leading by example, accountability, fairness, and building stronger relationships between officers and residents.
Incumbent Jared McIver highlighted his 30-year law enforcement career and accomplishments during his current term. McIver said his administration fulfilled the eight campaign promises made in 2022 and has sent officers to more than 108 training schools over the past 3½ years. He emphasized rebuilding community trust and identified juvenile outreach and improved responses to mental health-related incidents as priorities moving forward.
Tim Morris, who retired in September 2023 after 30 years in law enforcement, focused his remarks on responsiveness to citizens requesting assistance. Referring to a conversation with a resident who described an unsatisfactory response to a call involving a snake on her property, Morris said residents should receive the same consideration officers would want for their own families. He emphasized accessible, service-oriented policing.
Minden City Council
District C
Javelin Hardy discussed her 34 years of experience in social work and mental health, including work in court settings, probation and parole, and psychiatric care. Hardy focused on Minden’s poverty rate and the financial burden of utility costs, particularly for seniors and lower-income households. She proposed pursuing grants to provide utility and rental assistance and exploring alternative energy options, including solar power, to help residents manage expenses.
Janice “Louise” Keener emphasized service, accountability, transparency, and community involvement. Recently retired, Keener said she wants to work directly with residents to address recurring concerns involving utilities, streets, and other neighborhood needs. She acknowledged that longstanding problems cannot be solved overnight but said cooperation between residents and city leadership would be central to her approach.
Eric Lee highlighted his 35 years of employment with the City of Minden, including 20 years as a department head. Lee said that experience provided him with an understanding of city operations and budgeting. He emphasized the importance of long-term financial planning, suggesting the city should look four or five budget years ahead rather than relying heavily on grants or planning only for the upcoming fiscal year. He also discussed infrastructure and the responsibility council members have to the city as a whole.
Tracey Weston kept his remarks brief, focusing on consistency in city services and personal character. Weston questioned why certain maintenance activities, including street sweeping, appeared more visible during election season, saying those services should be provided throughout the year. He encouraged residents to get to know him, emphasizing his honesty, character, and upbringing.
District D
Braley Raborn discussed his background in petroleum engineering and how his career eventually brought his family to Minden. Originally from Shreveport, Raborn said he and his wife chose Minden as the place to settle and raise their children. Currently serving on the city’s Planning Commission, he described community service and helping shape Minden’s future for the next generation as his motivations for seeking a council seat.
Incumbent Michael Roy emphasized his lifelong connection to Minden and his experience addressing municipal issues, including budgeting and sanitation services. Roy discussed his involvement in ensuring adequate personnel and equipment are available for weekly trash collection. He also identified greater cooperation among the Minden City Council, Webster Parish Police Jury, and Webster Parish School Board as a priority, saying the three governing bodies need to work together to address the community’s long-term needs.
Election information
Early voting for the November 3 election will be held October 20-27, excluding Sunday, October 25, from 8:30 AM to 6 PM.
The deadline to register to vote in person or by mail is October 5, while the deadline for online registration through GeauxVote is October 13. Polls will be open from 6 AM to 8 PM on Election Day.
Voters can check their registration status, polling location, and sample ballot through the GeauxVote app or at www.geauxvote.com.
