Shreveport Councilman Willie Bradford has resigned from the Shreveport city council effective today.
Once the Secretary of State declares his District A council seat vacant, the remaining council members have 20 days to name an interim replacement. Whether or not councilman James Flurry will be present for this critical vote is an open question.
This council seat will be on the Nov. 3 ballot to elect a representative to serve the remainder of Bradfords’ term which ends in December 2022.
Currently three individuals have expressed an interest in this position—possibly a fourth.
Tabitha Taylor is reported being pushed by councilman James Green.
Taylor Jamison is reportedly the favorite of council members Jerry Bowman, Jr. and Levette Fuller.
Greg Powell has also thrown his hat in the ring.
Gail Guidry is a possible candidate as well.
All of these individuals are African Americans and Democrats. District A is majority black district.
The person named as the interim replacement will certainly have some advantage on being elected as a permanent council member. In the perfect world this would be the case due to the learning curve for council service.
This is especially true since the council will be considering some drastic restructuring of the city’s budget. Simply put, it’s not a good time to have a rookie on the council.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.