Running for office

EBR council

Being creative in attracting new and expanding businesses is a priority for Paul Brumfield, a challenger for the District 7 seat on the East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council in the Nov. 6 election.

A lifelong resident of District 7, the Democrat said residents of the district can achieve economic stability through new businesses, jobs and affordable housing.

“We must be creative,” Brumfield, 56, said. “I would really like to jump-start the economy.”

Other issues such as crime, infrastructure, roads, public safety and community services also are affecting residents of the district, he said.

“The people of Baton Rouge are giving up hope that Baton Rouge is a great place to live, work and play,” he said. “If people are afraid to live in or visit the city, it will never be a great city.”

Brumfield said a focus on basic services, including police and fire, must come first, as well as cleaning up blighted neighborhoods and creating safe communities.

“Despite the city’s stressed budget, quality of life must include an emphasis on safety,” he said.

Brumfield stressed his experience in community service with such groups as the Baton Rouge Rider’s Advisory Group, Baton Rouge Council on Human Relations and Citizens for Equality and Justice as key in his qualifications for the office.

Metro Council District 7 is a north-south district generally stretching from Clayton Drive and Sycamore Street in the north; Plank Road and North Acadian to the west; Bawell to the south; and Airline Highway, North Ardenwood Drive and North Foster Drive to the east. Brumfield is facing incumbent C. Denise Marcelle and challenger Hazel Bradley for the seat. All are Democrats.

Port Allen mayor

PORT ALLEN — Mayoral candidate Kirby Anderson promises, if elected, to focus on beautification, crime prevention and children’s education.

The 57-year-old Democrat said he also wants to restore the public’s trust by working diligently to create a human resources department within the city’s administrative fold that will handle the concerns of all city employees.

“I am a Christian man, a family man and a hard worker,” Anderson said in a statement announcing his candidacy. “I will work hard to bring fresh ideas and positive solutions to the city of Port Allen that will benefit all of the people.”

Anderson faces fellow Democrats Demetric “Deedy” Slaughter and incumbent Roger Bergeron in the Nov. 6 primary.

Anderson is a Port Allen native and retired teacher. He taught at Port Allen High School for more than 30 years and, in 2010, completed the Louisiana State Board Private Investigation Course at Delgado Community College.

He is the son of Curtis and Agnes Anderson. He said his mother was the first black woman elected to the West Baton Rouge Parish Council and his father, now deceased, served as a parish councilman for three consecutive terms.

Anderson said he is a “man of the people” committed to serving the residents of Port Allen with honesty, integrity and leadership.

“My major concerns are the education of our children, summer and evening enrichment programs for our children, fair and equal employment ... and the growth and development of our city,” he said. “Through my parents’ legacy of working in city government and my own thirst for knowledge, I understand city government and the budget process. I am prepared to take on the challenges of running the city of Port Allen.”

Port Allen council

PORT ALLEN — Realtor Brandon Brown said he is prepared to be the next “voice” of District 4 if elected to the Port Allen City Council.

Brown, a 27-year-old Democrat, is a Port Allen native and son of former police Chief Harry Brown.

“I understand the responsibility and seriousness of this position and that every decision made as a council member will impact Port Allen,” Brandon Brown said.

Brown faces fellow Democrat Frederick J. Everson and Gary “Shaq” Joseph, an independent, in the Nov. 6 primary.

The winner will replace Councilman Irvrie Johnson, who chose not to seek re-election.

“Simply put, my philosophy is to pick up and improve where Councilman Johnson will leave off,” Brown said. “As Port Allen continues to develop, we people must position ourselves by training our minds and bodies for growth and success.”

Brown said, if elected, he will listen to the concerns that are most important to residents in his district and do his best to resolve issues.

Brown is a Southern University graduate and owner of Brandon Brown Realty, a brokerage firm in Port Allen.

He serves as vice president of New Beginnings Community Development, a nonprofit organization that works with youth in West Baton Rouge Parish, and he sits on the Board of Adjustments and the Steering Committee for the city.

Compiled from
Advocate staff reports