Candidates Face Off at EBRP Republican Women Luncheon

Submitted by Betsy Barnes

    Candidates seeking election as city court judges, Metro-Council and constables will have to sway women, especially Republicans, to succeed. With several challengers vying for seats, these races are highly contested. 

    For this reason the East Baton Rouge Parish Republican Women are hosting"Meet The Candidates Forum" on Wednesday, October 17, 2012 from 11a.m. to 1p.m. in Drusilla Seafood Ballroom. This luncheon is the last of three candidate forums hosted by the EBRPRW, the largest club within the Louisiana Federation of Republican Women in the region with over 140 members.

    “Our Candidate Forums allow our members and their guests to get an ‘up close and personal’ look at the conservative candidates running for public office,” says Jeannene Kogler, EBRPRW president 2010-2012. More than 90 members and guests attended the

September forum.

    One objective of National Federation of Republican women is to promote an informed public through political education and activity.

    Judge Suzan S. Ponder, the incumbent of 19 years serving as Baton Rouge City Court Judge and member of EBRPRW is being challenged by newcomer attorney Cliff Ivey, also a Republican. Judge Ponder initiated and presides over the city Sobriety Court.

    Joel Boe’, Councilman Metro District 9 incumbent is being challenged by Ted Rush. Both men will be speaking on their platforms and vision for the large district. Also challenged is local businessman and restaurateur incumbent for District 12 Councilman, “Smokie” Bourgeois by attorney John Delgado.

    Constable Justice of the Peace Ward 3, District 2 challengers are Carey Jenkins and Ron Reynolds. Jenkins is a associate member of EBRPRW..

    The meeting is open to the public for a $25 pre-registration fee including choice of 2 entrees for lunch, beverage and dessert. Advanced reservations with pre-payment required through EBRPRW's website, http://www.batonrougerepublicanwomen.com/.

    “At the forums, we not only allow a time for personal interaction with the candidates, we also provide each candidate time to express their uniqueness from other opponents and how they will make needed changes and positive policies in the office they intend to serve,” Kogler explained.

    Kogler invites both men and women to the luncheon and to join the membership – the only requirement is that they are registered Republicans, adding, “We are very fortunate to live in the capitol city of Louisiana where we have such ready access to these candidates, and we are remiss if we do not take advantage of this opportunity on our front doorstep.”

    “This forum is one of the best ways I can think of to educate our members and the general public of their best choice for public officials. In learning of the candidates’ platforms, many of our members become personally involved in the individual campaigns, thus furthering the opportunity to get their choice of candidate elected.”

    After the forum concludes, only members will remain for the membership meeting and elections of 2013 club officers. For EBRPRW membership, sponsorship and upcoming meetings, please visit http://www.batonrougerepublicanwomen.com/.