Submitted to the Minden Press-Herald by Candidate Mandi Hart for Publication
Today, a mom of triplets in Minden, Louisiana, filed papers to run for a city council opening with the intention of improving the quality of life for not just her children but all children in the community. Mandi Sills Hart (Independent), the only woman in the race, announced her candidacy live from the Webster Parish Courthouse.
The current seat was vacated by former Councilman Herbert Taylor (D) in March of 2020, after resigning from his seat.
Mrs. Hart, originally from West Monroe, LA, chose to call Minden home in 2008 after marrying life-long resident, Donny Hart, son of Don and Betty Hart. The couple have 10 year old triplets who attend E.S. Richardson Elementary. Mrs. Hart is running for the open council position to help make Minden better for her children.
“I chose to raise my children in Minden because I truly love the spirit of the people who live here,” said Mrs. Hart. “I want to put my talents, not only as a mother, but a community leader, to use to make Minden a better place for all of our children.”
Since 2008, Mrs. Hart has served the Minden community at Minden Medical Center. Ten of those years were spent as a Registered Nurse delivering babies in the Labor and Delivery Unit and seven years leading the staff as the Director of Labor and Delivery and Women’s Services. Currently, she is the Director of Business Development and Physician Relations.
Mrs. Hart holds a bachelor’s degree in Family and Child Studies from Louisiana Tech University and a bachelor’s degree in Nursing from the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM). Mrs. Hart is very active in many leadership roles across Minden and regional organizations and brings a sharp wit and heart of service to the community.
“It is important for all of us to understand that what happens in the City of Minden affects all of the local residents in all districts,” she added. “It is my desire to work collaboratively with fellow council members and the mayor to create a place we can all be proud to call home.”
Minden City Council elections are on March 20th with early voting starting March 6th-16th. To vote in the March 20th election, citizens must be registered to vote by February 27th and can sign up by visiting the GeauxVote Online Registration System.
About Mandi Sills Hart
Amanda “Mandi” Sills Hart, from West Monroe chose to call Minden my home in 2008 after marrying lifelong resident, Donny Hart, son of Don and Betty Hart. Mandi, Donny and their 10 year old triplets live in District A in Minden, Louisiana. Mrs. Hart holds bachelor’s degrees in Family and Child Studies from Louisiana Tech University and Nursing from the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM).
Since 2008 she has served the local community at Minden Medical Center. Ten of those years were spent delivering babies on the Labor and Delivery Unit with seven of those years leading the staff as the Director of Labor and Delivery and Women’s Services. Currently, she serves on MMC’s Senior Leadership Team as the Director of Business Development and Physician Relations.
Her community involvement and leadership includes six years as a member of the Junior Service League serving on the board for 4 of those years, Christmas Play for all community elementary schools 2012-2018, 2013 graduate of Leadership Webster, 2013 Top 15 Under 40 Young Professional, volunteering at Joe Leblanc Food Pantry, Board Member of the Greater Minden Chamber, volunteer at Minden St. Jude Auction, MMC’s 2017 Employee of the Year, children’s choir director and Sunday School teacher at Emmanuel Baptist Church, t-ball coach at Minden Recreation Center, and organizer of the MMC Community Prayer Vigil.
About the Election
The qualifying period for candidates is Jan. 20-22. Local and municipal candidates qualify with the clerk of court in the parish in which they are registered to vote (contact your local clerk of court for office hours). Federal and state candidates qualify in the executive offices of Secretary of State, Kyle Ardoin at 8585 Archives Ave. in Baton Rouge between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Qualifying fees must be paid in the form of cash; certified or cashier’s check on a state or national bank or credit union; U.S. postal money order; or money order issued by a state or national bank or credit union and must be accompanied by the qualifying form.
Candidates qualify with the clerk of court in the parish in which they are registered to vote (contact your local clerk of court for office hours).
The deadline to register to vote in person or by mail is Feb. 17.
The deadline to register to vote through the GeauxVote Online Registration System is Feb. 27. Early voting is March 6-13 (excluding Sunday, March 7) from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
The deadline to request an absentee by mail ballot is March 16 by 4:30 p.m. You can request an absentee by mail ballot online through our Voter Portal or in writing through your Registrar of Voters Office (other than military and overseas voters). The deadline for a registrar of voters to receive a voted mail ballot is March 19 by 4:30 p.m. (other than military and overseas voters).