Minden City Council District A has three candidates running for that seat – current councilman Wayne Edwards, Carlton “Buddy” Myles and Darrell Morris.
Webster Parish Journal emailed all the candidates, and texted the ones that did not respond, using their information supplied to the Secretary of State’s office. Only one candidate chose to answer our questions.
1. What are three steps you would take to improve the city’s financial stability?
Myles: I will work closely with city clerk, mayor, other council members, and department heads to identity streamlining opportunities. Apply for State and Federal Grants and Push for Economic Development.
Edwards: Did not respond.
Morris: Did not respond.
2. Minden has seen a steady decline in population the past couple of censuses. How would you stop it?
Myles: Economic Development. A declining population isn’t something that you can stop overnight. It is a process. Having job opportunities, entertainment, and an overall good quality of life for all citizens is a vital part in sustaining a population. We must be able to offer our citizens and potential citizens more than just a place to sleep.
Edwards: Did not respond.
Morris: Did not respond.
3. What are the pressing needs in your district and how do you plan to address them?
Myles: Vacant, overgrown, and deplorable structures. I would like to appoint a person to a enforce city codes. He or she would identify these structures, assess condition of the properties to categorize by what the needs are, then use this information to determine the next steps. I will work with the people of District A to get identify major areas of concern. Then use some of their ideas on what could be done to alleviate the safety concerns. I will gather the data to share with the police department to assist with addressing the concerns. This is a city-wide concern not just District A, it will require a joint effort from all neighborhoods and appointed official.
Edwards: Did not respond.
Morris: Did not respond.
4. What part do you intend to play in making this a cohesive, cooperative council?
Myles: By just being me. I’d like to play a large part in this becoming a cohesive council. I plan on being the person that I am. I’m honest, hardworking, transparent, and willing to communicate. I always will be receptive to other council members ideas in order find solutions to the concerns or task.
Edwards: Did not respond.
Morris: Did not respond.
5. What do you see as top priority for the city and why?
Myles: Fixing the divide in our Leadership!!
Edwards: Did not respond.
Morris: Did not respond.
If you are not registered to vote, here are some ways. The deadline to register to vote in person, by mail or at the OMV Office is Oct. 11.
The deadline to register to vote through the GeauxVote Online Registration System is Oct. 18.
Early voting is Oct. 25 through Nov. 1 (excluding Sunday, Oct. 30) from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the registrar’s office in the courthouse.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Nov. 4 by 4:30 p.m. (other than military and overseas voters). You can request an absentee ballot online through the Voter Portal or in writing through your Registrar of Voters Office.
The deadline for a registrar of voters to receive a voted absentee ballot is Nov. 7 by 4:30 p.m. (other than military and overseas voters).
On election day, the polls are open from 6 a.m. until 8 p.m. If you are unsure of your voting precinct, please call 377-9272.
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