As a small business owner and stalwart supporter of LSU, I have seen firsthand how the failure of our legislators to have hard conversations and make the tough decisions has hampered Louisiana’s potential. As a Louisiana resident for over 30 years, I have worked tirelessly on the front lines of our state’s largest institutions to make a difference in workforce and economic development and to provide access and resources to our most vulnerable citizens. I have watched frustrated and angry on the sidelines as our leaders have done very little to enact real systemic change. We need thoughtful, courageous leadership in our leaders. With collaboration comes progress, which is why I am running for the Louisiana State Senate - District 16. 

This means prioritizing education from cradle to university to educate and train our citizens. This means offering Louisiana citizens a stable tax code and economic incentives that grow our economy and support Louisiana’s businesses and workers. Our education systems must provide workforce training to ensure our citizens have the skills to secure and perform high-paying jobs. This means a fair and reasonable budget that promotes economic growth and uplifts Louisiana and its people. 

We must have a return to civil discourse in our communication regarding the future of our state. This means taking politics out of the discussion and talking about common sense/common ground solutions that work – regardless of the politics. There are some who fight against the tide – speak truth about real solutions – offer to work with anyone to fix our problems but there are too many – still – who play politics with our future. It is time for this to change.

We must expect our legislators to lead with courage and to work tirelessly to balance a fair and reasonable budget that promotes economic growth and uplifts its people.  I stand ready for that challenge.