Election Central: Central Hears from Candidates, Mayoral Debate Next Thursday at CHS

    Mayoral candidate Dave Freneaux closed out Monday’s Candidate Forum by sharing with voters “I am not suddenly getting involved in things around Central because I am running for mayor, I am running because I have always been involved.”  Freneaux said his community participation and business experience uniquely qualify him to serve as Central’s next mayor.
    The event, put on by the Central Republican Coalition and the Republican Women of Central, was held last week in the CHS Auditorium and was broadcast live on Talk 107.3 FM.  All candidates in Central’s April 14th election were invited to share their qualifications and visions with the people of Central.
    Freneaux, known around Central as “Dave”, went on to share that he is the only mayoral candidate who supported the incorporation of the City of Central and the creation and funding of Central’s school system.  Dave went on to say “I am the only candidate who opposes bigger government” and “the only candidate whose family business has succeeded under his leadership.”
    Dave’s opponent, Junior Shelton, declined to participate in order to attend a fund-raiser for his campaign.
    In the only other head-to-head race, Chief of Police candidate Kerry Clark spoke of his 30 year career with the Baton Rouge Police Department, including retiring as the Commander of 400 officer Uniform Patrol Division.
    Clark stated he had served as a sniper, and team leader and retired as the Tactical Commander of the Special Response Team (SWAT Team).  He concluded by saying he is “Fiscally responsible, looking for best use of funds available and manpower available.  I do not want my taxes raised any more than you do.”
    Clark’s opponent in the race is James Salsbury, who declined to participate in the forum due to a prior commitment.
    The evening kicked off with opportunities for City Council candidates to tell about themselves and their plans for Central.  Nine of the eleven candidates were in attendance, June Dupuy, Jason Ellis, Shane Evans, Eric Frank, Mike Gardner, Wayne Messina, Aaron Moak, Harry Rauls, and John Vance.  The one theme carried by most of the candidates was a need to improve on Central’s infrastructure.
    Candidate Ralph Washington was unable to attend for health reasons and Kim Fralick declined in order to attend a meet and greet for her campaign.