Special to the American Press

The Calcasieu Parish Democratic Executive Committee (Cal D-PEC) has endorsed the following candidates for the March 29 mayoral and City Council elections. All endorsed candidates are lifelong residents of Lake Charles, are Democrats in good standing, are active in their communities, and believe in the potential for economic growth for the city.

For mayor, Cal D-PEC has endorsed Wilford Carter II. Carter is a graduate of Louisiana Tech where he played football and learned teamwork skills. He has served 21 years as an educator where he has taught and practiced leadership skills. Additionally, he has started two businesses. He believes that with a 51% minority population, all areas of Lake Charles deserve
equal representation and consideration. As the son of seasoned politician Judge Wilford Carter, he has been involved in politics and political campaigns his entire life.

For Lake Charles City Council District B, Cal D-PEC endorses Donald Fondel. Fondel worked in industry. He has always felt a sense of responsibility to his community. When he retired, he began to work with the community, especially after the hurricanes of 2020. He worked to inform the people of resources available to them. He believes in communicating constituents and making himself available.

Lake Charles City Council District C has three strong Democratic candidates who interviewed for endorsement: Tommy Bilbo, Amanda Johnson Fontenot and Priscilla Sam. All are deeply involved in the District and are committed to serve to improve it. Cal D-PEC found all are solidly grounded in Democratic values. Cal D-PEC found that any one of the three candidates that District C voters choose would be acceptable and therefore chose to endorse all three candidates.

Tommy Bilbo, a veteran of Desert Storm, attended LCB and MSU and has a background in industry. He has a vision of returning Oak Park to its former glory and providing economic
development.

Amanda Fontenot Johnson wants to be the voice for the district. She attends City Council meetings. She has worked for local governmental agencies including The LC Housing Authority, Recreation & Parks Dept. and The Transit Authority. Johnson believes in strong communication.

Priscilla Sam is a long-time activist in District C. She entertains complaints and acts as a liaison to solve problems in District C where she grew up and still lives. In addition to her one
biological child, she has volunteered to help raise 24 children – who have needed her help. She wants to be a change agent.

Calcasieu D-PEC continues to work for democratic values and is honored to endorse these candidates who are willing to serve and to lead for the betterment of their neighborhoods and
the city of Lake Charles. As a reminder, absentee/mail-in ballots will be mailed soon. Early voting starts March 15 and ends on March 22. Election Day is March 29.