Northshore Conifer posted on April 27, 2010 14:53
How can more Democrats win elective offices in predominantly Republican St. Tammany Parish?
The nuts and bolts of how to do it will be the theme of a "Blue Candidates In A Red Parish" forum on May 10 in the council chambers at the St. Tammany Parish Administrative complex on Koop Drive and six Democrats who have won or sought elective offices in the parish will share their experiences.
Jointly sponsored by the St. Tammany Democratic Parish Executive Committee, Progressive Northshore Democrats and the Northshore Democratic Women's Club, the forum will be from 7-9 pm preceded by a reception beginning at 6 pm.
Comprising the forum panel will be Lionel Hicks, Slidell District A City Council member; Pat Edmiston, Abita Springs Alderwoman; Frances Dunn, Covington District A City Council member; Keith Villere, three term former mayor of Covington; Carol Richards Tusa, of Abita Springs, 2008 candidate for the St. Tammany Parish 22nd Judicial District Division L Family Court judgeship; and Gilda Reed of New Orleans, 2008 candidate for the 1st Congressional District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Gail Ledet, chairwoman of the Democratic Parish Executive Committee, will moderate the forum that will concentrate on the process of campaigning and perils and pitfalls facing Democrats seeking office in the parish.
"We want those who have been through the experience, successfully or unsuccessfully, to share their insights on the role of recruiting, training and supporting Democrats for elective offices in the parish,'' said Ledet.
She said the event is free and potential candidates are urged to attend along with those who want to learn what volunteers can do to help in mounting successful campaigns.
The forum has been organized by a committee including representatives of all three sponsoring organizations including Ledet; Joanne Pettit, president of the women's club; Joan Simon, president of Progressive Northshore Democrats; and Judith Jones, Ann Porter, Daryl Pettit, Richard Boyd, Linda Hawkins and Villere.
"We need to get more Democrats elected to public office in this parish to create a better balance of perspectives on issues affecting all of us. We can do that by events such as this that begin the process of cultivating a grassroots support base to help Democratic candidates navigate the intimidating process of seeking public office," Pettit said.
Panel members have been supplied basic questions about campaigning formulated by the organizing committee and questions will be allowed from the audience.
The parish complex on Koop Drive is a short distance north of the Louisiana 59 (Abita Springs/Mandeville) exit off Interstate 12.
The candidate forum will replace a regularly scheduled meeting of the Democratic executive committee.