Delta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha (pictured) and the SGA hosted a Meet the Candidates forum in Grambling Hall on Sept. 26. The forum included candidates for Sheriff, Clerk of Court, Assessor, and Police Jurors of District 1 and 2. Courtesy photo
On Thursday, Sept. 26, 2019, the Delta Sigma Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., alongside the Student Government Association, hosted a political candidate forum in Grambling Hall for some of the candidates running for local positions in the city of Grambling.
Dr. Suzanne Mayo-Theus of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences also helped students set up the forum by helping students get in contact with the candidates to coordinate when their best availability would be.
Candidates who were present are running in several positions for Sheriff, Clerk of Court, Assessor, and Police Jurors of District 1 and 2.
With there being candidates from several positions, the audience was able to hear what each candidates platform was, as well as, what they were planning to do with the office had they won.
The arguments that were constantly brought up were centered on the quality of roads and the difficulty of implementing a consistent recycling plan.
These candidates included Troy Hughes (Clerk of Court), Walter Pullen (Assessor), Russell “Rusty” Strozier (Police Juror of District 2), Daphne Gallot-Knighten (Police of Juror District 1), and George Webb (Sheriff).
Dr. Robbie Morganfield, department head of the Mass Communication Department, led the forum as the moderator after being introduced by chapter president Major Woods. Several candidates stood out during the forum answering questions coming from the audience as well as the moderator.
Candidates were eager and looking forward to being elected so they can come in and “change the flow of things” in Grambling as well help the college students and residents. The residents of Grambling after the forum all said they were looking forward to a shakeup among their elected officials and were optimistic about the candidates who showed up.
A few of the school staff even said they were happy the event was being held because it was important for younger students who are first time voters to get their first experience of voting with a smaller more local election rather than a presidential one the first time out. Several teachers had students attend to get a taste of what they would see while watching upcoming debates for the presidency with the next year.
Early voting is open this week daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the registrar of voters’ office.
For people voting away from home, the deadline to request a ballot by mail is Tuesday, Oct. 8, and the last day to turn mail ballots in is Friday, Oct. 11. Official state elections take place on Oct. 12.