Stacey Tinsley | Bossier Press-Tribune
The Bossier Press-Tribune asked each candidate the same three questions concerning the upcoming general election on Nov. 3.
All candidates were contacted and given a deadline for response. Those responses will appear in the next two editions of the Bossier Press-Tribune and are available online at bossierpress.com.
Cynthia Carroll-Bridges
1. Tell me what your priorities will be for our area if elected?
I love Bossier City and I want to be part of its continued growth and success. I want to be a part of providing the people of our great city a safe place in which to work and raise their families. I intend to bring to the bench the respect I have for all human beings. I will insure every citizen is provided due process under the law.
2. Why are you running for City Judge City Court, City of Bossier City?
I am running for Bossier City Court Judge because I believe I would be in a position to serve the people of the community I live in with my family by providing them fair, honest and independent decisions. I am doing this for the people of Bossier City not the politics. I hope to influence all people in our community to get involved and never be afraid to go after your dreams and goals.
3. Why should someone vote for you?
A Judge’s character should be of the highest quality and should possess a strong knowledge of the law and have a strong work ethic. This is a position that serves the public and requires honesty, integrity, compassion and intelligence. The City Court Judge should be of strong moral character and able to uphold the integrity of the Court and that’s what I can offer.
Santi Parks
1. Tell me what your priorities will be for our area if elected?
Bossier City Court is the first court experience most of our citizens ever experience. This is mainly because it handles traffic matters, evictions, and small claims that are inside city limits. Because of this, my main priority is being fair and professional to everyone. I also want to run an efficient court so that we do not have a backlog of cases and shorter dockets so that individuals do not have to remain in court for many hours on traffic days if that can be helped. My other priority is to help strengthen our programs to assist at-risk youth and their parents. As a prosecutor for Bossier Parish for the last 10 years, I have seen first hand the problems with not having the right type of early intervention. The youth program is called “A Step in the Right Direction” and the adult program is called “Raising a Winner.” Both programs focus on identifying problems such as substance abuse and mental health. With outside help, I think we can reduce the number of criminal defendants in our area.
2. Why are you running for City Judge City Court, City of Bossier City?
I am a product of Bossier City and Bossier schools. I attended Louisiana Tech University and LSU Law School. After graduating from law school, my wife (a Haughton High School graduate and fellow attorney) and I decided to make Bossier City our home. We are raising our two children here in Bossier City and I want them to have the same wonderful experience that I did growing up. Bossier City is a wonderful city and as long as we elect the right people for the jobs, we will keep our great city on the right track. After Judge Tommy Wilson announced his retirement from the Judgeship at the end of this year, I felt the need to continue the good work he has done for the last 18 years. I want to ensure that my children and grandchildren will be proud to call Bossier City home.
3. Why should someone vote for you?
I am an honest candidate with integrity. I will judge a case on its facts and not allow outside influence to persuade me against following the law. I also feel that Bossier City deserves an experienced Judge who has handled thousands of criminal cases and hundreds of civil cases as an attorney and who will not be learning on the job. Having worked as a Prosecutor for 10 years, Public Defender for 3 years, and owning my own civil practice right here in Bossier City for 15 years uniquely qualifies me for the City Judge position. I will be ready on day one to get the job done. I promise to work hard and maintain the great reputation of our Bossier City Court.
