It is an honor and blessing to advance to a runoff election for the City of Natchitoches Council-at-Large position against incumbent Betty Sawyer-Smith.

Kudos to fellow candidates Harold Bayonne and Dennie Boyt for running a solid, hard-working campaign. Like me, they ran for this office to make a difference and influence needed change for citizens in all corners of Natchitoches.

It is noteworthy that the vote of well over one-half of those who went to the polls for the March 23 primary – 61% to be exact – reflected desire for a change in the council-at-large position. I am now even more motivated to win this election!

I respectfully request your vote – either during early voting April 13-20 or on the April 27 Election Day – and ask that you consider the following:

• I will be accessible and available to citizens in all corners of Natchitoches. My cell number is 318-663-5459 and my email is gsjb1022@gmail.com. Those who collaborated with me, both on-campus and around the country, as the NSU Athletic Director for 26 years before retiring two years ago can speak of the fact that I am a good listener and am responsive.
• My wife (Susu Williamson Burke) is a Natchitoches native, and I have lived here for nearly 40 years. My “why” for running for office can be described in four words – “I Believe in Natchitoches.” I want to see our beautiful and historic city realize its maximum potential.
• Between my own research and listening to residents while knocking on over 2,000 doors across our city, I am well-versed regarding the issues/concerns which face our community.
  • Crime must be curbed (see links at the top of this website for two columns regarding crime). People should not be living in what is often referred to as a “charming town” yet be in fear of an elevated level of criminal activity and especially by teenagers.
  • Infrastructure – especially utilities and roads – must be improved. The initial utility increase has begun – and the good coming out of that is an increase in salary to hopefully retain law enforcement and fire public servants – but is the second increase necessary? Should any increase of that kind be initiated by a vote of the city council, or should the community have the opportunity to weigh in?
  • Economic development is critical to increasing the city’s tax base but that only happens if a) issues like crime and infrastructure are addressed so that companies feel comfortable moving their employees, and their families, to Natchitoches and b) a strategic (the Natchitoches NEXT plan is a step in the right direction) must be developed and consistently executed to attract new business to town.

Finally, as Councilman-at-Large, I will be the mayor pro tem and as such, will interact with the mayor on a regular basis. My perspective will be shared with the mayor and that perspective will be what I am hearing from the citizens of Natchitoches.

All for One. One for All. ALL FOR NATCHITOCHES!