The announcement by Caddo Commissioner Stormy Gage-Watts (SGW) that she will run for Shreveport mayor next year was not a total surprise. For those that have followed her role as Commission president this year, it was obvious that she had further political ambitions.
She is termed out as a Commissioner next year. Many thought she would seek a seat on the Shreveport City Council next fall to join Tabatha Taylor and Ursula Bowman as a female triumvirate to lead the City. Observers wondered if there would be enough political limelight for SGW on the council with Taylor who maintains a very high public profile.
SGW will finish her term as Commission president at the first Commission meeting in January. The Commission Rules of Procedure preclude a second consecutive term as president. In her position as president, she gets a virtual unlimited platform to make grand and glorious comments that can form the basis of her mayoral platform. In addition, she gets adoration simply because she has the gavel in her hand. All this will end in two months.
SGW should realize that the average Joe and Jane put little credence into the actions of the Commission. And a large number, maybe a majority, of her constituents do not realize that she is their commissioner. Too many citizens make no distinction between the role of a Commissioner versus a Council person and the duties of each. For example, the Commission has no responsibility to pick up garbage or maintain city streets.
To date, SGW has no opponent other than Mayor Tom Arcneaux. Her immediate campaign appeal/pitch will be that she will be the second Black woman to seek the mayorship. How far the “I am woman” and “I am Black” mantras will carry her depends on factors beyond her control—like who else will qualify for the mayor’s race.
SGW's flamboyant personality may not serve her well in the long grueling mayoral election. Voters are not easily impressed by wardrobes and hair styles. She will soon learn that comments on the campaign trail will be closely examined, unlike those in her current position. Every aspect of her personal life will suddenly be examined along with that of her family, which will be a new reality for the owner of a car wash.
Her alliance with her minister Theron Jackson can be positive or negative. Jackson is powerful in certain circles, but that does not translate into votes throughout the black community.
Her name recognition throughout the City, even in the black communities, is very low. That will be a major impediment to fund-raising which is the mother’s milk in politics. Her public service other than a commissioner will not bolster her campaign credentials.
SGW’s presentation of a proclamation to Bernie Sanders that was not approved by the Commission will become a distracting campaign issue. To date her explanations are not grounded in fact and often border on arrogance in self-defense.
SGW can enjoy her political fame as a candidate for the next few days. After that most Shreveporters will be focused on Thanksgiving , then Christmas, and then New Year’s day and who will be the next LSU head football coach. Her fellow Democrat Commissioners will no doubt praise her profusely at Commission meetings until her term ends.
The new “on the campaign sucker” will be long gone by mid-January of next year. Until that time SGW will get a free political ride with no close scrutiny or consideration. She should enjoy it while it lasts.
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.