On Thursday, February 6th, 2025, we gathered at New Ark Baptist Church in Old South Baton Rouge for a Community Town Hall, where residents engaged in meaningful dialogue about the future of our district.
The event was a testament to the power of open communication and collective problem-solving.
A Commitment to Accessibility
Quentin Anthony Anderson emphasized the importance of public servants being present and approachable:
“What hopefully I think what public servants are supposed to do, which is coming into a neighborhood, making yourself available for those that want to learn, that want to know a little bit more about the candidate.”
This sentiment underscores our campaign’s dedication to being accessible and transparent with the community.
Addressing Voter Cynicism
A recurring theme was the community’s frustration with unfulfilled political promises. Anderson acknowledged this cycle of disappointment:
“For many years, people came into our community making all sorts of promises and they didn’t deliver… and over time we became transactional… at the end of the day from our perspective, none of them are going to do anything for us anyway.”
He emphasized the need to rebuild trust through accountability and tangible results.
The Role of Elected Representatives
Anderson articulated his vision of representation:
“You are trusting that this brother that came into your neighborhood, put yard signs up, put door hangers on your door, is thinking about your interest and can do that job for you while you’re going about your life.”
He highlighted the responsibility of elected officials to serve diligently, allowing constituents to focus on their daily lives with confidence in their leadership.
A Call for Accountability
Holding himself to high standards, Anderson stated:
“If you vote for me and in two years if I’m asking for your vote again and I haven’t delivered, then don’t vote for me again.”
This pledge reinforces his commitment to being a results-driven representative.
Viewing Elections as Professional Engagements
He framed the electoral process as a professional transaction:
“These elections, these seats, it’s not personal, it’s business. And so, I am applying for the job.”
This perspective emphasizes the importance of evaluating candidates based on their qualifications and plans for the community.
Key Policy Discussions
The town hall also delved into critical policy areas:
- Economic Justice: Anderson addressed the inadequacy of the current minimum wage:
“If you get paid $7.25 right now, you could work 80 hours in a work week and you still make less than the $15 an hour that we’re asking… to raise the minimum wage to.”
- Education Equity: He spoke on the role of public schools:
“The purpose of public schools is to make sure that even if you were born to the poorest of poor parents and you live in the poorest of poor neighborhoods, the school around the corner is still the best possible education you can get.”
- Addressing Crime Through Economic Opportunities: He linked economic desperation to crime rates:
“People only commit crimes when they feel like they need to… We know that economic desperation is at the heart of criminality. So, if you want to reduce the crime rate, address that.”
- Reevaluating Corporate Tax Breaks: Anderson critiqued the state’s approach to corporate incentives:
“There is a difference between a partner and a patsy. And what Louisiana has become is a patsy to almost every corporate interest that comes here.”
The town hall was a step forward in fostering open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving. We are grateful to all who attended and contributed to the discussions. Together, we can build a stronger, more equitable future for District 14.
Stay tuned for announcements about upcoming events and opportunities to engage with the campaign.