Daaa…
Look no further than Bossier City.
Lo Walker was first elected as the mayor of Bossier City in 2005. He has been re-elected three times.
Walker had no prior political experience before becoming mayor.
He had run unsuccessfully for the Bossier Parish Police Jury in 1991. He also ran for mayor unsuccessfully in 2001.
He has an undergraduate degree and a Master of Business Administration.
Lo had a distinguished military career in the United States Air Force. He retired at the rank of colonel.
Since becoming mayor Lo has surrounded himself with competent staff and worked diligently. He has lead Bossier City into its “golden era”.
Undoubtedly, Lo’s success as mayor is due in large part to his military experience.
Leadership skills are almost always learned. Military service provides a fertile ground of life experiences and training to develop this skill set.
In the military world, chain of command and adherence to rules and regulations is the order of the day. Every day.
Discipline and teamwork is also a daily regiment.
Equal treatment of all, regardless of race or sex, is not only a goal but a constant command from higher ups.
And job performance determines success in advancing in rank. Or in being dismissed from the service.
To those who have not served, the daily routine of being a serviceman is rarely understood much less appreciated.
Veterans are successful in all areas of our society. Be that in uniform, in the business world and in personal life.
So why not in Shreveport’s city hall?
One of the run-off candidates for mayor is a veteran. (And so is this writer.)
(This article was published in The Inquisitor on Thursday, November 15, 2018)