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Meet the Candidates: Opelousas Mayor

Posted at 6:45 PM, Oct 05, 2018
and last updated 2018-10-16 12:06:16-04

candidates continued below:

Seven Opelousas residents are running for the mayor’s seat. Each of them with a different platform and different things they want to see done in the city.

KATC’s Justice Henderson met with all candidates to form a candidate profile and learn more about their race.

Mitch Davis says he is ready to give better representation to children, women and the elderly in the community.

“I’m working now, I’ve been working for years. I’m working in the community, I’m a caregiver aId i take care of the people. I love Opelousas,” said Davis.

Charlee Renaud Lear says she also loves the city. She says her experience as an attorney will allow her to take command of any situation and produce innovative ideas.

“I feel that I am young, I’m progressive and I have new ideas that can propel Opelousas forward,” Lear stated.

Alderman Tyrone Glover says if he’s elected as mayor, he’ll strive for better communication with residents.

“Some of the changes I want to see, sitting as a city councilman is more transparency with administrative and legislative branches of the city of opelousas.,” Glover explained. “we can do so much more if we are just transparent and let the citizens know whats going on.”

Elsie Semien says her background in education has helped her prepare for what it takes to be a mayor.

“I’m seasoned. I have a degree in administration and supervision and I have excersied that for the last 15 years. None of the other candidates who are vying for this position have that kind of background experience,” Semien said.

AldermanJulius Alsandor says his time on the council has prepared him for the challenge of being the mayor.

“My years of experience of sitting on the council and going through the trials and tribulations of both administrations that I have served under give me that insight and as I continue to say… that experience,” Alsandor said.

James Cobb Bellard says the city needs new direction and his business background will help move it forward.

“I believe I can take the city of opelousas further.  I believe I am the most qualified candidate in this race.  I believe my business background is exactly what the city needs,” Bellard explained.

The incumbent, Reggie Tatum, says he has worked diligently to move the city forward and is ready to accomplish more.

“We have done a complete turn around of the city and Rome wasn’t built in a day. It took time and now we are seeing the fruits of our labor. So I need another 4 years to continue that vision I started in 2014,” Tatum stated.

Voters will go to the polls on November 6, 2018.