Announced mayoral candidate promotes Libertarian meeting

In case you missed it, here is announced Shreveport mayoral candidate Parker Ward's most recent letter to the editor.

Essentially, Ward says, the Caddo Parish Libertarian party is organizing. It will meet at 6 p.m. June 28 at El Chico on Greenwood Road.

Previously, Ward has written about the U.S. being a republic vs. a democracy and given some observations on local politics, for instance: "Our leaders are elected to serve everyone and not just those who voted for them. I am one who believes they should listen to the majority public opinion of the people in their district."

Ward also expressed his support in 2008 for Chester T. "Catfish" Kelley in the Congressional race against now-Rep. John Fleming. Kelley, owner of Catfish Landing restaurant, provided Ward with free food and a venue for his candidacy announcement. That's something Kelley said he offers once to any local political candidate.

Teen's age looks OK for Shreveport mayor's race

I've gotten a few questions about whether Parker Ward, the teen who officially announced his candidacy for Shreveport mayor last week, actually can run.

Looks like his age won't be a problem, according to the city charter.

Here's what it says:

"At the time of his qualification for election, the mayor shall be a qualified elector and a resident of the City of Shreveport. During his term of office, he shall hold no other public office or position of public employment, except that of a notary public or as a member of the National Guard or any reserve component of the armed forces of the United States of America. If the mayor ceases to be a qualified elector or ceases to reside in the city, his office shall be deemed vacant."

So while Ward may  not have much political experience - people want leaders who operate on "prinicple," he reminded me - it looks like he meets the prerequisites.