New leadership in Bossier City as mayor, council sworn-in

SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – A new era of leadership is underway in Bossier City as new council members joined re-elected members and Mayor Thomas Chandler for a swearing-in ceremony at the Bossier Civic Center on Tuesday.

Mayor Chandler ran unopposed for his second term and was optimistic about working with the incoming council.

“I am looking to work with these new councilmen for the next 4 years. We all seem like we’re going to work great together,” Chandler said.

The new council includes three returning members, Chris Smith, Brian Hammons, and Vince Maggio, as well as four new faces: Joel Girouard, Craton Cochran, Cliff Smith, and Debra Ross. The first African American woman elected to the Bossier City Council.

“I am just overwhelmed, and I just thank god for the opportunity. I’m praying that this has been an inspiration to other young men and young women to get into the business of being in politics so they can make a change,” said Bossier City Council District 2 Debra Ross.

Councilman Joel Girouard says the support from the community is a powerful reminder of why they serve.

“When I looked out in the crowd, we saw people we grew up with, we saw people we go to church with. My pastor hugged me right after this got done. This council, this mayor are visionaries, and we’re looking to the future of what’s to come, and that’s what we’re excited about,” said Bossier City Council District 4 Joel Girouard.

With a focus on progress and unity, the new council sat together for the first time Tuesday, ready to get to work.

“It’s not only just about me, it’s about the citizens of Bossier City and helping each one of them,” said Mayor Tommy Chandler.