Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

My name is Gerald Brown. I have the honor and pleasure of serving as the Mayor of Richwood, LA. I ran for office so that I could work to make financial, structural and strategic advancements in Richwood, my hometown. Thankfully with the help of the Board of Aldermen, our staff, our community partners, our legislative delegation and last but not least our citizens we have made many strides and look to continue to build on taking positive steps forward both seen and not so seen. It is indeed the best job I have ever had in my life. That being said, being a mayor is not an easy job and in many ways it can be a thankless one. This leads me to my reason for this writing in support of the campaign to Re-Elect Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo.

Mayor Mayo has been a great friend and mentor to me in my 3 plus years in office. While we lead very different communities with his being a much larger one, he has never treated me with anything but respect. He has allowed me to ask questions, seek advice and even to vent. He has included me in discussions and partnerships that have benefited Richwood. While we may not always agree we have yet to be disagreeable. I've seen him in many different settings and he represents Monroe well. As my friend Judge Marcus Hunter says, "We're better together." Mayor Mayo has demonstrated that in his professional relationship with me.

On a more personal level, I have a son who recently had major surgery(liver transplant). Mayor Mayo rarely begins a conversation with me without asking about him and how he is doing. He's prayed with me and encouraged me during some trying times. Phone calls and text messages with him are often more about the personal than the professional. Its men like this that I hope are leaders in every community. His experience is valuable, and his dedication is inspiring.

A mayor should be to make tough decisions that aren't always popular with everyone. He should be a good communicator. He needs to surround himself/herself with smart people that reflect his/her vision for their community. Mayor Mayo embodies these qualities. Gerald Brown. Mayor – Town of Richwood