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Candidates field questions on mayor's race
Early voting for the run-off between Ken Hill and Jackie Johnson continues through Saturday, April 24, and the general election will be held May 1.
Hill, a Republican, received 34 percent of the 1,631 ballots cast, with Johnson, a Democrat, scoring 29 percent, 471 votes, in a four-way primary election.
The Franklin Sun has given Hill and Johnson the opportunity to answer these questions concerning the mayoral election:
KEN HILL:
Q: What do you think qualifies you to be mayor of Winnsboro?
A: For all of my life, the City of Winnsboro has had a businessman in the mayor's office and, because of that, our city has prospered. It's no accident that Winnsboro is the envy of communities in surrounding parishes. That success came about because our city was run as a business by people in business. That simple philosophy led to a spirit of cooperation among the people of this city, a spirit that elevated our city above others struggling to simply survive during these changing times. We've been fortunate to have a businessman in the mayor's office for generations and, as your mayor, I bring that very important quality to the table. During my adult life, I've spent 34 years conducting business in the City of Winnsboro. I've been fortunate that through hard work and a little luck, I've had success as a businessman, and I plan to put that experience to use as mayor. One thing I learned is that in order to be successful in business, you've got to treat your customers fairly. That I pledge to do as your mayor.
Q: How will you work to create jobs and growth in Winnsboro?
A: The question has been asked "Will we accept the status quo in our future?" I say yes. If Winnsboro maintains the status quo, then our city will continue to prosper because the status quo has brought us a very long way, and you've told me time and again that we cannot afford to go backward. The business-like approach to our city government has brought us better streets, a community center and a museum, better parks, sidewalks, a revitalized and vibrant downtown, and infrastructure improvements. These have had a positive effect on our businesses and on our way of life. While we must continue to explore all avenues to create jobs for our people, we must remember that our existing businesses are the backbone of our community, and those businesses must continue to be protected, and their opportunities enhanced. Their prosperity and Winnsboro's future depend on the health of our business community.
Maintaining the viability of our city will certainly be a challenge during these very uncertain times. The late Jack Hammons was the latest chapter in that effort, and he did a wonderful job of taking the status quo to a new level. As a businessman, Jack Hammons led the way because he understood that Winnsboro was a business, and he knew how to run a business.
The projects I've mentioned didn't come about because someone accepted the status quo. They came about because those in the business of running our city understood what it took to make them happen. I'm not running for a salary or for a car, nor am I running so somebody can get a job. As I've said in the campaign, I will reduce the mayor's salary and put that money back in our neighborhoods, and the people who comprise the city work force will maintain their roles in the prosperity of this city.
Q:What would you like voters to consider most when deciding between you and Jackie Johnson on election day?
A: This campaign has been an eye-opening experience. I've heard your concerns, and heard what's important to you and your families. You can be assured that as your mayor, your concerns will be addressed in a prudent, business-like manner. My door will always be open. Recklessness in city government is not what established Winnsboro as the most progressive small city in northeast Louisiana. Taking care of business did. As your mayor, I will continue to take care of the business of Winnsboro as those before me have done.
JACKIE JOHNSON:
Q: What do you think qualifies you to be mayor of Winnsboro?
A: I have spent 22 years as a police juror and 14 years as a police officer in Winnsboro. I have raised my children and grandchildren right here in this city. My family and I have served this nation in times of war and peace in the military. My grandfather fought in World War I. I had an uncle who fought in World War II and another uncle who fought in the Korean War. I fought in Vietnam and I had one son fight in Desert Storm and another one that fought in Afganistan. I also have a grandson who is currently serving in the U.S. Army in Germany.
I tell you this to let you know the love I have for duty, country , and this city. Because of my experiences I know that I am the right man for this time in Winnsboro's history.
Q: How will you work to create jobs and growth in Winnsboro?
A: Right now Winnsboro is at a crossroads after losing Mayor Hammons. We have a decision to make in what direction we want our community to go. I believe that we can protect established buisinesses and encourage new industry to enter our community. We can do this by using established federal and state monies to repair the infrastructure and improve on it. We also will actively recruit industry to Winnsboro. We will form a team of local community leaders to stress the finer points of our community and bring in new industry. I also want to encourage entrepeneuralship by finding ways to help people that want to create their own businesses. We can do this by creating a library of government grants and loans that are available to help small buisnesses and find ways to educate these new owners on tax breaks and financial assistance available to them.
The family is very important and educating single mothers on assistance and childcare is key. They will also need a place for these classes, the building of a community center in Winnsboro is of great importance. It will help give our youth a place to go and help them stay out of trouble. I also want to have a quarterly town hall styled forum to encourage more residential involvement and promote fresh ideas from the community. I will also have an open door policy. I will be open to all ideas from Winnsboro's citizens.
Q: What would you like voters to consider most when deciding between you and Ken Hill on election day?
A: The most important asset Winnsboro has is you, her people. As your Mayor I can do nothing but together we can maximize the potential of our city. The people of Winnsboro are hard working, resilient and determined. Together we can boldly step into this new decade. We can ensure that the lives of our children will be better than ours. With faith in God, and that grit that makes us who we are, we can establish something special. Allow me to serve you as your Mayor. Together we can accomplish great things. |
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