Williams takes another shot at citywide office

By Christopher Tidmore
Contributing Writer

Former District Attorney candidate turned Council At-Large contender Jason Williams recollected a story from his college years. The spirit of that memory, the local defense attorney believes, should inspire the Orleans electorate to support him in the February 1st primary. “In my red-shirt junior year playing college football at Tulane University we only won a few games. The following year a new coach was hired and directed nearly the same team to an undefeated season. This is a life experience that has taught me that fresh approaches and new ideas can be game changers.”

“I am offering myself for public service because living in the best city in the world should not be as burdensome or cumbersome as endeavors such as starting a business, renovating a house, trying to earn a living and trying to get home safely currently are. By executing a vision that puts the servant aspect back into the concept of public service, I will ensure that city government is no longer the obstacle that limits our citizens.”

WILLIAMS

Williams outlined three main ways to accomplish that end. “My first plank will be economic development. I will take the lead in spurring creation of and maintaining well-paying jobs by supporting long standing industries, addressing the needs of new entrepreneurs, encouraging and supporting local businesses, partnering with business leaders to be pro-active and looking for new development ideas in addition to fostering existing business growth.”

“My second campaign plank,” he continued, “is to integrate budgets and strategic plans across all criminal justice agencies to produce a criminal justice system that functions as a whole to reduce violent crime in this city. My third plank is to significantly fund youth and family service programs that have been grossly underfunded for the past two administrations.”

“I am not running for the trappings of elected office or as a career builder,” Williams emphasized to the voters. “I am making a personal and financial sacrifice to serve the people of this city in an effort to improve our quality of life. New Orleans has been burdened by politically minded, status quo leadership that is stubbornly tied to the ways of the past. It is time that we have a city council person that thinks beyond our borders and beyond the usual platitudes to grow this city to its fullest potential.”

The local attorney faces Cynthia Hedge Morrell and Ernest “Freddy” Charbonnet in the February 1st primary for the Division 2 Council At-Large seat currently held by Jackie Clarkson.

This article originally published in the January 6, 2014 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.