Candidate Forum: Deanna Candler, City Council District D

As I have begun this journey, many people have asked me a very simple question: “WHY? Why are you doing this?” The answer is just as simple: on a regular basis I hear from my friends, coworkers, classmates, and acquaintances-“ I cannot wait to get out of Shreveport.”
I love Shreveport and I want to see her prosper- but if the youth of our city do not feel the same way, then the future of Shreveport is in jeopardy.
Shreveport is on the verge of becoming “The Next Great City of the South” that we keep hearing so much about. But in order to get there, some things in City Hall must change. Luckily for us, current District D Councilman Bryan Wooley has already begun that fight for us, and we thank him for his service. But in choosing someone to replace him, we must chose someone who has been active in making a difference, not someone who has been sitting on the sidelines for years.
I have been active in the community and I have attended council meetings on a regular basis since deciding to enter this race. At these meetings I have gained insight into our city’s current state, and have developed plans to make Shreveport a better place.
First, we must become more fiscally responsible. Under previous councils we have racked up an $800 MILLION deficit- this is unacceptable. We must reign in wasteful spending and direct our budget towards items that genuinely deserve our attention- such as our out of date sewer systems that are on the brink of costing us millions in fines from the EPA.
If we can reign in spending, then we can afford to move to our next priority: Economic Development. Tax incentives can be used to lure new businesses to the area, as well as helping to grow those that are already established. We must continue to responsibly develop the Bert Kouns and Youree Drive areas, as well as redeveloping those areas of the district which have fallen on hard times.
Next, we must take advantage of Shreveport’s unique historical and cultural heritage to develop more family friendly entertainment options, not only for citizens, but also for the many tourists that travel to our beautiful city each year. By harnessing and showcasing our distinctive qualities, we can make Shreveport an even better city for families to live, work, and play.
But families must be safe, which is why one of my first acts will be to reintroduce Councilman Wooley’s Police Pay Raise, as well as raises for the Shreveport Firemen. The brave men and women who put their lives on the line for you and I deserve to be well compensated for their sacrifices. Additionally, public safety ordinances must be reviewed to ensure that our most precious resource is protected- our children. The recent Justin Bloxom tragedy shows us that there are holes in our ordinances that must be plugged- because no family should have to bury a child.
And finally we must support LSUS, and lobby the state legislature and Governor Jindal to end budget cuts to our university. What hurts LSUS hurts the community- students come here from all over the world, they live, work, and spend their money here. If the quality of education falls too low, or the tuition rises too high as a result of further budget cuts- then students will go elsewhere for their education, and this would be a tragedy for District D and all of Shreveport.
I love Shreveport, and I love District D. I was born and raised here- and its where I chose to start my own family, and it is where I want to raise my children. I am passionate about the future of our city and I will work tirelessly to ensure that that future is bright.
If you are a candidate for any office and want to get your message out, email me with a few paragraphs about why you believe you should be elected and we will publish it. Send it to mybossier@gmail.com.