Bossier City mayor and council take oath of office
Returning to the mayor's office is Mayor Thomas H. Chandler, who is entering his second term after being elected unopposed ahead of the March 29 election. Chandler stated he is committed to continue the progress of his first four years − promising to begin a new chapter where everyone was committed to making a better, stronger and safer Bossier City.
"... and we have done that," Chandler stated. "I promise to be a mayor that puts people first. I promise that I will be a mayor for all citizens of Bossier City and that I would listen and serve all the people of our great city. I proudly say that I have done that and I will continue to keep that promise."
Chandler said that as the city moves into the newest chapter of Bossier City government that citizens can expect them to be efficient and focused. As leaders, they will provide transparency and accountability because it's what the citizens of Bossier City deserve.
"We elect mayors to make sure that essential work of government is done," Chandler said. "I am proud of the things that we have accomplished in our first term."
Chandler highlighted the accomplishments of his term term, including crime statistics that are trending down, the high gradings of the city's water and water system and fire department, the passage of term limits, the hiring of a new city engineer and the strengthening of collaborative relationships with community stakeholders such as Barksdale Air Force Base and Bossier Chamber of Commerce, and the significant pay raises of all Bossier City employees.
"We will commit to manage our infrastructure so that families and businesses can function and flourish," Chandler said. "We'll be wise and prudent stewards of the public money, spaces and trust, and we will make sure that our citizens continue to feel safe and secure. Leading is not always easy and it means that when we face conflict and disagreements we must work together to find common ground."
"As I stand before you today, as your mayor that is proud of the things that we have accomplished but even more accomplished about the bright future that lies ahead − we will see that the future of Bossier City is bright and as your mayor, I will work to promote a Bossier that is business friendly, bolder and better," Chandler said. "I am proud to announce that Bossier City is constantly growing and moving in the right direction. We are moving onward and upward and we will all move this way together."
Also sworn in Tuesday were the seven members of the Bossier City Council, including four new members, one of which is the first Black woman to serve on the council.
District 1 − Brian Hammons (Incumbent)
District 2 − Debra Ross
District 3 − Cliff Smith
District 4 − Joel Girouard
District 5 − Vince Maggio (Incumbent)
At Large − Christopher Smith (Incumbent)
At Large − Craton Cochran
Follow Ian Robinson on Twitter @_irobinson and on Facebook at https://bit.ly/3vln0w1.
This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: Bossier City mayor and council sworn into office
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