Shreveport, La. – On Thursday evening, voters gathered at Morningstar Baptist Church to hear the city’s mayoral candidates discuss their plans for the community. The forum, organized by the National Pan‑Hellenic Council, provided a local platform for the incumbent and his challengers to address the concerns of Shreveport residents.

Who was on the panel

The discussion featured current Mayor Tom Arceneaux, Caddo Parish Commissioners John Paul Young and Stormy Gage‑Watts, State Representative Tammy Phelps, former Commissioner Michael Williams, and local businessman Sia Ravari. Each participant answered questions from the audience and outlined priorities ranging from public safety to economic development.

Community focus

Attendees emphasized the importance of faith‑based values, family stability, and individual liberty in shaping city policy. The forum underscored the role of local churches as gathering places where citizens can engage directly with their elected officials.

Upcoming televised forum

KTBS‑3 announced that a second mayoral forum will be broadcast in October. Partnering with the Shreveport Chamber of Commerce, the station will host the event on the campus of LSU Shreveport, expanding access for voters who cannot attend in person.

Why the forums matter

These candidate forums give Shreveport residents a transparent view of each contender’s stance on key issues such as infrastructure, public safety, and support for traditional families. By providing a venue for open dialogue, the city reinforces its commitment to informed, faith‑centered civic participation.

Voters are encouraged to attend the upcoming televised forum or watch the live stream to further evaluate the candidates before the upcoming election.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.