By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
[Editor’s Note: This is the second in a series profiling candidates in local elections this fall.]
Bossier Parish voters in Haughton will decide on their next mayor and chief of police in the Nov. 5 election. Here’s a look at the candidates running for these key local positions.
Haughton Mayor
Larkin E. Tidwell (R-Haughton)
“I am a devoted husband to my wife, Sherl Tidwell, and together we are blessed with five children and six beautiful granddaughters. My roots in Haughton run deep—I moved here with my parents during my early elementary school years and graduated from Haughton High School in 1982.”
Tidwell’s career took him to Phoenix, Arizona, for four years, where he worked as a district manager. In 2015, he returned to Haughton, where he’s now settled for good.
“I am a devout Christian and an active member of Church of the Cross in Haughton. Professionally, I have a background in construction, restaurant management, and hydraulic maintenance, all of which have shaped who I am today.”
Q: What are your top priorities for Haughton if elected or re-elected as mayor?
A: My top priority would be ensuring the safety and continued success of our town. I want to be a voice for all.
Q: How do you plan to address the infrastructure needs in Haughton, particularly in regard to traffic, road maintenance, and future growth?
A: We’ve grown rapidly in the last few years, and it’s only going to continue. I would collaborate with constituents to tackle each need with efficiency, effectiveness, and productivity.
Q: How would you manage this growth while maintaining the quality of life for residents?
A: Common sense, not nonsense. My goal is to establish Haughton as a destination rather than just a location, fostering inclusivity and community pride.
Q: How do you plan to enhance public safety and support law enforcement?
A: We have some of the finest police and fire departments in the state. I would ensure they receive the funding they need to continue the amazing job they already do.
Q: What role do you see local government playing in economic development?
A: I would collaborate with potential businesses to improve the quality of life for our residents. Our focus would be on family-friendly, lucrative businesses.
Q: How will you work to ensure transparency and accountability?
A: Communication is key. I would maintain an open-door policy, be available for citizens to voice concerns, and work with the city council and department heads.
Q: What is your long-term vision for Haughton?
A: My vision is to continue growing while maintaining our small-town feel. I want future generations to enjoy the same safe and secure environment that I’ve valued my whole life.
Klay Harrison (R-Haughton)
Harrison grew up in the heavy construction industry and graduated from Louisiana Tech University in 2007 with a Bachelor’s in Construction Engineering Technology. His career began in construction, but he also found a calling in ministry, serving as a pastor in the United Methodist Church. In 2009, he moved to Kentucky for further his education and, in 2013, earned a Master of Divinity from Asbury Theological Seminary.
“I’ve paused my PhD studies to focus on pastoring and addressing the challenges facing Haughton,” Harrison said. He is proud to share his journey with his wife of 17 years, Asa, and their two sons.
Q: What are your top priorities for Haughton if elected?
A: Greater fiscal responsibility, creating a strategic plan for infrastructure, addressing deferred maintenance, and working with legislators for better representation.
Q: How do you plan to address infrastructure needs?
A: Our sewer and watershed infrastructure need attention. I will create a strategic plan to develop this and address flooding issues.
Q: How would you manage growth while maintaining the quality of life for residents?
A: Planning is essential. We need a strategic plan with executable actions for addressing deferred maintenance and improving the town’s appearance.
Q: How do you plan to enhance public safety and support law enforcement?
A: I will work with our police and fire chiefs to create plans and budgets for further department development, without unnecessarily raising taxes.
Q: What role do you see local government playing in economic development?
A: I will work with landowners, realtors, and business owners to better market our town and attract commercial development.
Q: How will you ensure transparency and accountability?
A: I’d bring back monthly agenda meetings, make agendas available to the public, and live-stream town hall meetings to foster greater engagement.
Q: What is your long-term vision for Haughton?
A: I want to see more commercial growth, better fiscal responsibility, and strategic steps taken to turn Haughton into a city.
Hunter Timms (R-Haughton)
Timms married his wife, Kasey, in 2019, and they have two children, Cameron and Colsen. “Guided by faith and family, I am committed to building a better Haughton,” he said.
After graduating from Parkway High School, Timms became a police officer, later transitioning into the banking sector and starting a real estate business. He also served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 2017 to 2023.
Q: What are your top priorities for Haughton if elected?
A: My priorities include attracting new businesses, supporting existing ones, and improving infrastructure. Town beautification will also be a priority.
Q: How do you plan to address infrastructure needs?
A: We must explore state and federal funding to reduce the financial burden. I also want to develop a road maintenance schedule.
Q: How would you manage growth while maintaining the quality of life?
A: I want to improve the quality of life for our citizens by enhancing curb appeal, property values, and infrastructure.
Q: How do you plan to enhance public safety?
A: Our police and fire departments are excellent, and I will support them with better pay, training, and resources.
Q: What role does local government play in economic development?
A: We must advocate for the town, working with developers and business owners to incentivize growth.
Q: How will you ensure transparency and accountability?
A: I’ll promote transparency by using online platforms to make government operations more accessible to the public.
Q: What is your long-term vision for Haughton?
A: My vision is fiscal stability, leading to improved public safety, infrastructure, and long-term development.
Haughton Chief of Police
Todd Gibson (R-Haughton)
Todd Gibson has served as Haughton’s chief of police since January 2017 and has been with the department since 2004. He has lived in Bossier Parish his entire life. Gibson and his wife, Kelly, have been married for 24 years, and they have a son, Dylan.
Q: What are your primary goals for the Haughton Police Department?
A: To continue our strong relationship with citizens and maintain low crime rates.
Q: What strategies would you implement to reduce crime rates?
A: Trust is key. Citizens are our most valuable resource in crime reduction. Retaining experienced officers is also critical.
Q: How would you foster stronger relationships between law enforcement and residents?
A: We’ve built strong relationships through community policing. Our officers engage with citizens in various ways, from playing ball with kids to providing meals during holidays.
Q: How do you plan to handle public safety during large events or emergencies?
A: I lead from the front during emergencies and have trained in incident command. Our officers respond quickly and work closely with other agencies.
Q: How do you plan to recruit and retain officers?
A: We retain officers through strong leadership and by fostering a family-oriented department. I also personally cover shifts when necessary to support my team.
Q: What is the biggest law enforcement challenge in the next five years?
A: Funding. Haughton’s rapid growth requires additional resources, and we will work closely with businesses, legislators, and grant programs to secure necessary funding.
Richard Wheeler did not reply by the deadline.