Who Wants to Serve on Caddo Commission in Shreveport?

The Caddo Parish Commission will interview the candidates who have applied to fill a vacancy on the panel next week.

Five people have submitted applications to serve as a Commissioner for District 8 now that Jim Taliaferro has resigned his Parish seat to serve on the Shreveport City Council.

Grace Anne Blake, Ron Cothran, Lea Desmarteau, Jason Frazier and Frank Thaxton  submitted applications by the Dec. 31 deadline. All five of these candidates will be interviewed by the Commission during a special meeting set for 4:30 p.m. January 12. The candidates will have time to introduce themselves and take questions from commissioners.

Why This Will Be on Ballot Twice this Fall

The Parish Clerk sent us more information about the election saying "the fall election will have a ballot choice for District 8 Interim and another for Regular District 8 commissioner. This is odd, but it's the result of the timing of election years not lining up with charter timing requirements.

Meet the Candidates:

• Blake, a Caddo Parish native, business owner. Currently owns Avalon Hair Salon.
• Cothran, retired military, former transportation director for Dayton public schools and Partnership for Youth coordinator.
• Desmarteau, business owner, community volunteer and sleep management specialist. Currently, founder and owner of WellNecessities Inc.
• Frazier, former military, former Shreveport police executive officer and bi-vocational pulpit supply pastor. Currently, a health, safety and environmental training specialist for Calumet Specialty Products’ main refinery in Shreveport.
• Thaxton, a Caddo Parish native and business owner. Currently owns and operates Home Luxe, a retail lighting and flooring company.