Candidates for Mayor – Full Interview

Canidate Response by Question

1. You are welcome to begin with a 30-second opening statement introducing yourself and indicating the office for which you are running.

|Tom Arceneaux | Siavash Fakhriravari | Stormy Gage-Watts | Chaunta Mero | Tammy Phelps | Michael Williams | John-Paul Young |

2. What in your background or experience best prepares you to serve as Mayor of Shreveport?

| Tom Arceneaux | Siavash Fakhriravari | Stormy Gage-Watts | Chaunta Mero | Tammy Phelps | Michael Williams | John-Paul Young |

3. In your own words, what are the responsibilities of the Mayor, and what are your top three priorities for the city during your term?
| Tom Arceneaux | Siavash Fakhriravari | Stormy Gage-Watts | Chaunta Mero | Tammy Phelps | Michael Williams | John-Paul Young |

4. Shreveport’s 2026 operating budget is approximately $700 million and supports major responsibilities including public safety, infrastructure, and essential city services. At the same time, Shreveport faces significant operating and capital expenses as well as requests from city workers for pay increases.  How would you prioritize the city’s budget to balance ongoing operations and long-term investments with the city’s short-term needs?
| Tom Arceneaux | Siavash Fakhriravari | Stormy Gage-Watts | Chaunta Mero | Tammy Phelps | Michael Williams | John-Paul Young |

5. Shreveport faces major long-term water and sewer infrastructure obligations while also investing in voter-approved bond projects and other capital needs. How would you prioritize these investments, manage their costs, and communicate progress and accountability to residents and businesses?
| Tom Arceneaux | Siavash Fakhriravari | Stormy Gage-Watts | Chaunta Mero | Tammy Phelps | Michael Williams | John-Paul Young |

6. Public safety remains a major concern for residents, employers, and visitors. What strategies would you pursue to reduce violent and property crime, support effective policing, and improve coordination among law enforcement, neighborhoods, and the business community?
| Tom Arceneaux | Siavash Fakhriravari | Stormy Gage-Watts | Chaunta Mero | Tammy Phelps | Michael Williams | John-Paul Young |

7. Blight, code enforcement, litter, and vacant properties affect public safety, property values, and business confidence. What tools or policy changes would you support to address these issues while protecting taxpayers and property owners?
| Tom Arceneaux | Siavash Fakhriravari | Stormy Gage-Watts | Chaunta Mero | Tammy Phelps | Michael Williams | John-Paul Young |

8. As Shreveport attracts major new investments, how would you ensure these projects create lasting jobs and opportunities for local businesses while protecting taxpayers and existing utility customers?
| Tom Arceneaux | Siavash Fakhriravari | Stormy Gage-Watts | Chaunta Mero | Tammy Phelps | Michael Williams | John-Paul Young |

9.  What specific steps would your administration take to make Shreveport more competitive for business formation, expansion, and relocation, including improvements to permitting, development processes, and the overall ease of doing business with city government?
|Tom Arceneaux | Siavash Fakhriravari | Stormy Gage-Watts | Chaunta Mero | Tammy Phelps | Michael Williams | John-Paul Young |

10.  The Mayor must work collaboratively with the City Council and Parish of Caddo.  In what specific areas do you think collaboration is necessary and how will you work to foster it within your administration?
| Tom Arceneaux | Siavash Fakhriravari | Stormy Gage-Watts | Chaunta Mero | Tammy Phelps | Michael Williams | John-Paul Young |

11.  For more than 25 years the community has been working to finish the I-49 inner city connector. What is your position on completing the Inner-City Connector, and what role should the city play in moving the project forward?
| Tom Arceneaux | Siavash Fakhriravari | Stormy Gage-Watts | Chaunta Mero | Tammy Phelps | Michael Williams | John-Paul Young |

12. This is your final question and an opportunity to offer your closing remarks. Is there anything else you would like Shreveport voters to know about you, your experience, or your vision for leading the city as Mayor?
| Tom Arceneaux | Siavash Fakhriravari | Stormy Gage-Watts | Chaunta Mero | Tammy Phelps | Michael Williams | John-Paul Young |