Running for Office: Walker Alderman

WALKER – John Wilder, who is running for the Walker Board of Aldermen, said he advocates positive growth.

“I am running for alderman for the City of Walker because growth is inevitable, and I want to be able to have a say in keeping that growth positive, not only for me, but for the citizens of Walker,” Wilder says.

He says he would like to see the community attract offerings like miniature golf, a theater or a bowling alley, and promote events in the city parks, like yard golf, horseshoe and beach volleyball tournaments.

Wilder says in his announcement that he wants to represent “the people’s voice,” and his intent is to work with residents and businesses to ensure that their community vision drives the actions of the aldermen.

If elected, he will work with his the council and the mayor to recruit and promote nice restaurants, shopping and family entertainment, Wilder says.

Wilder, 56, also says he will be a strong advocate for continued beautification efforts, including enforcement of the community’s blight ordinance to clean up “unsightly areas.”

Wilder says he would promote community service.

The Air Force veteran has been a resident of Walker for 17 years. He was educated at Southeastern Louisiana University, majoring in business administration with a minor in accounting.

He retired from ExxonMobil as a supervisor in 2003, and still provides employee safety and operations training consulting to refineries across the nation.

Wilder recalls that when he and his wife Diane moved to Walker it was a quiet, little town.

“We need a council who can be a voice of the people, to ensure that we protect the small-town feel of our community that we love, and attract the kind of growth that benefits us all,” Wilder says.

He can be reached via email at electjohnwilder@yahoo.com.

The election is Nov. 6.

Other candidates in the race are Frieda Addison (R), Jonathan Davis (R), Tracy J. Girlinghouse (R), “Jim” Goins (R), Gary Griffin (R), Debra Keller (D), Scarlett Milton Major (R), James B. Phillips (R), Paul Roberts Jr. (R), “Jack” Summerell and (R), “Bernie” Torres-Gryzbac.