Benton, Louisiana prepares for spirited mayoral race as two candidates vie for leadership

Benton, Louisiana Gears Up for a New Mayor

The peaceful town of Benton, located in the heart of Bossier Parish, is buzzing with excitement as it prepares for a new mayor to take the reins. With the resignation of the current mayor, the stage is set for two spirited candidates, James Friday and Kenneth Shiflett, both Republican contenders vying for the position. As both men brace themselves for the upcoming election, they are keen to share their visions for the future of Benton.

A Familiar Face: James Friday

James Friday comes into the running with more than 16 years of experience on the Benton Council. In a recent discussion about the election, he expressed his hopes for continuity within the town’s leadership. “The mayor that is presiding now is resigning due to some issue that he has, so I’m taking his position, hopefully,” Saturday noted with a smile. He highlighted the importance of training and guidance for the three new aldermen who would be serving alongside him. “They’re going to need some training and some explanations of what’s going on in the town and how to do town business,” he explained.

Friday feels confident about maintaining the town’s positive trajectory. “If elected mayor, we got a great community. I hope to maintain the status quo of what we’re already doing. As far as keeping up the infrastructure, we have done that for the past 16 to 20 years,” he said. Drawing from his previous experience under various mayors, he credits Benton’s success to reliable leadership. “We’ve had great leadership with the two past mayors, maybe three past mayors that I’ve served under, plus council members that I’ve worked with,” he added.

A Business Savvy Challenger: Kenneth Shiflett

On the other side of the race is Kenneth Shiflett, a local business owner with firsthand experience in the economic landscape of Bossier Parish. His business acumen is a point he emphasizes as he campaigns for mayor. “My business background is enough to allow me to make decisions and listen to folks and see what we need to do as a town and move forward on it,” Shiflett stated confidently.

Shiflett’s vision for Benton includes a strong focus on community safety and enrichment for the youth. He mentioned collaborating with law enforcement to ensure a secure environment for all residents. “Trying to bring safety to the town, working obviously with the law enforcement agency but also doing things for the kids,” he elaborated. One of his ideas involves the enhancement of local recreational facilities. “You know, we got a ballpark back there, there’s a water ditch. You might be able to do something with that for the kids with bicycles and skateboards, maybe some kind of swimming pool possibly,” he suggested, painting a picture of a vibrant community hub.

What’s Next for Benton?

The upcoming election is an exciting time for Benton. Choosing between James Friday, the seasoned council member, and Kenneth Shiflett, the business owner with new ideas, will be a decision that could shape the future of the town. Voters will weigh the candidates’ experiences, ideas, and community visions as they make their choice.

As the town gears up for this significant change, one thing is clear: the residents of Benton are passionate about their community and eager to see the next chapter unfold. The future of Benton, with its rich history and close-knit community, will undoubtedly benefit from the enthusiasm and dedication of whoever takes on the role of mayor.

Stay tuned for more updates as this mayoral race develops!