(This is the third in a series of articles profiling several local election candidates. We asked each candidate the same four questions.)
District C
Cleodis Bell Jr.
Why did you want to run?
There were some things in my neighborhood that I disagreed with and I’ve been in District C the majority of my life so I thought that it’s time for a change and improvement.
Why should someone vote for you?
Why not vote for me? First of all, I’m from District C. We call it Creighton Hill, which in order to understand District C, you have to be from District C. I was born and raised in Minden, I’m from that area, and I’ve done a lot of community service in my neighborhood. I’m 42 now so I’ve seen things come and go. So it’s time to get our neighborhood up to par with the rest of the community.
What do you want voters to know about you?
The most important thing I want them to know is I’m a calm person. I’m collected. I’m understanding, I’m a parent, and most of the people in that district probably know me through my grandparents which are Sylvester Bell and Naomi Bell. I’m one of the hard working people. I don’t own a business, I work with kids and love kids. Basically, I’m a family oriented man.
What are your goals?
My goals are to one day to own a non-profit which would give back not only to the community but start off in District C and go over the city and probably into other states. To help people, that’s the thing I would love to do, to give back to the community. It’s not about just making money, but to help our neighbors, our retirees, and help our younger adults, giving them opportunity.
Vincen “Cheese” Bradford
Why did you want to run?
I am the incumbent and I feel like this is my spiritual calling, to serve the city of Minden as a city councilman. I’m running because of the support I’ve gotten from some of my constituents.I’m running for reelection because the job I got elected for, I don’t think it’s complete yet. I feel that the experience I’ve gained in the last four years would be a positive for the new mayor and new council people coming in and I’d like to be a part of the new direction Minden is going in.
Why should someone vote for you?
I’m the only candidate running for District C council person with experience. I have and I will continue to address the problems brought to my attention. I took an oath to obey the laws and ethics procedures, which I have done as a council person. I think I’ve proven that I am a team player on the council. Also, I have voted against issues, so I do have the courage to vote yea or nay on the issues according to the input of my constituents. I know the voters from District C are the only voters that can vote for me, but my ⅕ vote is a vote for all citizens of Minden. So I’d like to say to the voters in District C If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Vote number 82, Vincen “Cheese” Bradford.
What do you want voters to know about you?
I’ve served quite a few jobs that relate to the city of Minden. I’ve served in law enforcement. I’ve served as a fireman. I’ve served as a water purification supervisor, so I know a little about water treatment. I’ve also served as a warehouse supervisor and production control coordinator. I was born and reared here in Minden.
What are your goals?
First of all, I don’t want to make any promises because I’m only one fifth of the council and it has to be three-fifths for anything to pass. I would like to get the citizens to communicate with the city leaders. By the same token, I’d like to get the city leaders to communicate with the citizens. So that we can work together to find the solutions to our problems. I’d like to get citizens to get more involved with city business and procedures, to attend council meetings and workshops, and give us their input. I’d also like to work with our economic developer to bring more industry and manufacturing type jobs to Minden.
Deborah Cooksey
Why did you want to run?
I want to run because I love Minden and I have invested in Minden.
Why should someone vote for you?
I’m knowledgeable of what goes on in the city of Minden and I want to see the City grow.
What do you want voters to know about you?
I have an open door policy, I am person that listens, and I’m dependable.
What are your goals?
My goals are to have Project Reclaim for my district. I want to make sure I make my area better than before I was elected. I want to increase the economic benefits of tourism in Minden without losing our community charm. I also believe in holding myself and those in charge accountable, even if its not popular and I will vote for new resources in this area as they come about.
Latasha Mitchell
Why did you want to run?
I want to represent the youth and the senior citizens, everyone as whole. I want to be their voice.
Why should someone vote for you?
My word speaks for itself and also, I don’t mind getting out there and seeing what they need and interacting with the community.
What do you want voters to know about you?
I’m truthful, I’m honest. We do need a change and I do believe in getting out and seeing what needs to be done and trying to get that done.
What are your goals?
My goals are trying to get this light bill levelized. I know it may not be able to change but at least give them the opportunity to get it levelized. Where especially the elderly people can pay for that. You don’t want your whole check to go on that one thing. What about the other expenses you have? I want to bring more activities for the kids. Some of our roads need to be fixed and we need more patrolling in certain areas, and just coming together. Not just my changes but voter needs and what they see that needs to be done too.