There are always voters unhappy with an incumbent running for reelection.
Reasons for discontent often stem from age-old issues, misinformation, or problems outside the responsibility of the person seeking reelection. Too many times, hyperbole versus facts influence these voters.
Challengers to incumbents latch onto the same justifications as disenchanted voters.
John-Paul Young lives in Highland. Unlike many of malcontents in that area, he does own his residence.
His votes on the Caddo Commission reflect a liberal social attitude and a conservative fiscal mindset. He is a registered Republican. He has an undergraduate degree and a law degree.
John-Paul had a 30-minute rant against the mayor at a recent commission meeting.
Stormy Gage-Watts lives OUTSIDE the Shreveport city limits. She and her husband own a business within the city limits.
Gage-Watts is a registered Democrat. Her votes on the Commission reflect very liberal social and fiscal policies. She is a high school graduate.
Stormy presented the infamous resolution to Bernie Sanders.
Voters unhappy with the actions/inaction of the Caddo Commission will be turned off by both candidates.
Both John-Paul and Stormy voted for the $10 million pickleball complex.
Both voted for a data center that will draw water from Caddo Lake.
Both have voted for tax breaks for businesses.
John-Paul attended Gage-Watts' mayoral press conference. To many he is perceived as Stormy’s ally and his mayoral announcement confirmed that allegiance.
Leaving aside voters who select candidates solely on the basis of party and/or race, John-Paul and Stormy will likely just split voters unhappy with Mayor Arceneaux. In the meantime, the actions of both in the commission meetings the rest of the year will be subject to increased scrutiny.
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.