Lincoln Parish Police Jury candidates from District 1, 2, 3 and 6 gathered at a public forum Thursday night and were asked seven questions. Here is the final question of the night: Why should voters elect you? See their responses below.
Karen Ludley, District 2– “When I started this journey, at first I didn’t see myself in this position. But a lot of people in the Grambling District 2 asked me and I’d walk away. Around Juneteenth, I started thinking about it. I had to think about my parents, who are now deceased. And my father who was the mayor of Grambling; I’m kind of like him. He was passionate and often thought about the people of Lincoln Parish. I have been in the community almost all my life. I have been prepared to work with people. And when people ask me for any kind of help, I’m often right there. I love District 2 and the people I’ve met so far on this journey. A lot of people in Grambling know who I am, but people in the rural parts of the parish don’t know me. But they’ve gotten the chance to know me. And that’s why I’m running.”
Tommie Woods, District 2 – “My platform is Fire, EMS and Rescue, because I know from working in the Ruston Fire Department for 35 years; I know what we bring to the table. I’m looking out for the constituents outside the city of Ruston. I know that several police jury members stay in the city and have access to ambulance services. But people out in rural areas, they have access to the Ruston fire department. In the fire department, we have over 35 paramedics. We have five ambulance units, we have two rescue units. We can do the job. Our constituents need to be taken care of, and that’s why I’m running. And I think that I’m going to be the person that you need in the position in District 2, because I have experience in budgetary items; I have experience in personnel. We have all these things going in this parish and we have to come together. We have a rich, rich history in Lincoln Parish and the city of Ruston. If we work together, there is not limit where we can be. I’m asking you to vote for me, not just because of my name; I’m asking you to vote because I’m concerned about our constituents who live outside the city as well.”
Gregory “Big Coach” Williams, District 1 – “I need to be part of this because I want to, and because I think I can help the people. I’ve spent all my time serving people of Lincoln Parish at Grambling and Ruston. Now that I’ve been out of serving, I want to get back in and serve the people. Whatever my vote, you’ll always know why I voted that way, and you might question my vote, but you’ll know where I stand. You know I’m going to do what I’ll say and say what I’m going to do. I’ll be honest at all times. I love this place where I’m at, and I’ve had the opportunity to work at both places over the years; it’s been my life. I know I can make a difference in this parish in this position.”
Theresa Wyatt, District 1 – “Because I’m the best person for the job. I have 16 years of wonderful experience. My record speaks for itself. There are many projects we have started, and those projects have not been completed. Those projects and other jurors need people who are experienced and have a background of knowledge to help those projects to completion. And District 1 is my family. I have attended social events, church events, and weddings. I love and I know those people, and I’ve loved them for 40 years. We celebrate together, and we grieve together. I am a habitual litter-free police patrol. I try to lead by example. I believe in the Lincoln Parish Police Jury solid waste mission: reduce, reuse, recycle. I have the best flea market in town, because I stress reuse, recycle and so forth. I’m the best person for the job.
Will Edwards, District 1 – “Because it’s time for a change. I mean, we’ve all sat up here and talked; it’s time for a change.”
Glenn Scriber, District 6 – “The Bible teaches us to be humble, and then we’re asked these questions and have to talk about ourselves. And that’s where I’m most uncomfortable. Everything I’ve been a part of and that I’ve led out on, I’m going to give the credit to the people that work with me on the project. I will continue to do that. I am experienced, I am committed. I will always do what I think is right and best for Lincoln Parish. I don’t think I’ll every make decisions or vote anything District 6 will be embarrassed by. I said here that I will treat you like a family. You know the Scriber family. We are close-knit, tight and stick together. And don’t mess with one, or you’ll mess with us all. That’s how I feel about District 6. I will stand up for you.”
John Cole District 6– “I’m a fourth generation Lincoln Parish resident. I’ve lived here for 40 years; I went to Ruston High School and Louisiana Tech. Lincoln Parish is my home. In Ruston High school, there is a plaque displayed in the gym that says, “Nothing great was every achieved without enthusiasm.” And one thing that I will promise is that you will get enthusiasm out of me. I will listen to what you have to say, I will discern what you have to say. I will be your voice and relay what you say that will make things better for Lincoln Parish. I am being elected by you, District 6 constituents. I will never lose my honor or integrity to better myself because something else was needed. You can rest assured that I will be your voice. My banking career has given me a lot of experience; I’m experienced in corporate governance, regulatory compliance, budget management and industry advocacy. I understand the pieces it takes to operate on a board. I will carry that over here to the jury.
Richard Durrett, District 3 – “I’m a native of Lincoln Parish; I was born here and educated here at Simsboro High School and Louisiana Tech with a degree in civil engineering. I have 54 years of experience in civil engineering. I think I can continue to help us with roads, bridges and solid waste. One project that we are currently working on that nobody has mentioned tonight is the new health unit. We’ve got a health unit that’s in a 60- to 70-year-old building. We’ll build a new health unit with the Health Hut and a new health agency along with a new maintenance building for our sewer. I’m retired, I’ve got plenty of time, and I’m dedicated to Lincoln parish.”
Dan Lord, District 3 – “Because I’m the best person for the job. I will bring transparency to the police jury. I’m running for District 3, but I will do the right thing for Lincoln Parish and that means every district in Lincoln Parish. If one district fails, we all fail. We all need to work together. That’s what my goal is. I’ve done archery for a long time. I’ve been president of the Northeast Louisiana Archery Association for over 10 years. When we started, we had 30 people show up to shoot, and shortly afterward, we had 100 people. I’m good at working with people and making things happen.”
