Longtime Shreveport City Councilman and veteran public servant Grayson Boucher announced today that he is withdrawing his candidacy for Shreveport City Marshal.
After considerable thought, prayer, and conversations with family and supporters, Boucher said he made the decision as the political landscape of the race continued to change. He has submitted his official withdrawal to the Louisiana Secretary of State, formally ending his candidacy.
“Throughout my years in public service, I have tried to be a fiscal hawk and a watchdog against wasteful government spending,” Boucher said. “Continuing to commit significant time and resources to this campaign under the current dynamics would run counter to those same principles. I believe the fiscally responsible decision is to step aside.”
Boucher said the decision also comes at a point in his life when he believes greater attention should be given to family and strengthening his business endeavors, while leaving the door open to future public service.
“I am withdrawing from this race. I am not withdrawing from public service.”
Boucher said he intends to remain engaged in issues involving local government, public spending, transparency, and accountability.
“I care deeply about Shreveport and will continue to advocate for good government, fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accountability,” Boucher said. “I encourage every Shreveporter to follow the public budget process, review the final adopted budgets, and read the annual audits of the offices and agencies entrusted with taxpayer dollars—particularly where elected officials serve as the heads of those agencies. An informed public remains one of the strongest safeguards for accountable government.”
Boucher also noted that he has just over four months remaining in his City Council term and intends to devote that time to unfinished work at City Hall.
“Instead of spending these final months running for another office, I want to spend them working to get our police officers and firefighters the additional raise we discussed during the last budget process. These men and women are grossly underpaid, and addressing that should be a priority for every elected official.”
Boucher said the City's sanitation workforce also needs immediate attention.
“We have real problems in our Sanitation Department. We are losing CDL employees because of pay, and just this week routes had to be cut because of manpower shortages. We have to address the pay and staffing problems affecting the basic services our citizens depend on.”
“I ain’t done yet. I still have a lot of work to do!”
Boucher expressed his gratitude to those who encouraged his candidacy, offered their support, and took the time to share their thoughts with him.
“Public service has been an important part of my life for many years, and I believe there may still be chapters of public service ahead,” Boucher said. “For this chapter, however, I believe the right decision is to focus on family, strengthen my businesses, and continue serving this community in other ways.”
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.