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Four candidates vying to become the next mayor of Hammond
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HAMMOND — On Jan. 1, the city of Hammond will have a new mayor for the first time since 2015, as four candidates vie for the seat in the upcoming November election.
The field includes Hammond City Council members Carlee White Gonzales and Kip Andrews, former City Administrator Lacy Landrum and 2022 mayoral runner-up Tracy Washington Wells.
Wells said she believes in Hammond and its potential for social and economic growth.
"I decided to run again because I believe in Hammond. I believe in the people, the prosperity, the potential and our promise," Wells said.
When speaking with voters, Wells told WBRZ that crime—particularly among youth—remains a top concern.
"Particularly juvenile crime, so we need to get that under control, and so the plan I have for that is to be proactive instead of reactive. A New Police Chief will be selected. In addition to that, expanding our youth education and programs because we have to have something for the children. Some type of intervention," Wells said.
Having worked in the 22nd Judicial District Court, the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, the Department of Children and Family Services and the Food and Drug Administration, Wells said her background makes her the most qualified candidate.
She also highlighted municipal infrastructure and government transparency as key priorities.
"Right now we have an issue with our lighting; we're so dark. It's an issue that the citizens have voiced their opinion on. Additionally, bringing City Hall to the people. Transparency, what does that look like? A digital dashboard where citizens can go online and see where their tax dollars are being allocated," Wells said.
Former City Administrator Lacy Landrum is also focusing on digital transparency and public infrastructure, proposing a portal on the city’s website so residents can track spending.
"Our streets need repair. We need to find a way to modernize our water and sewer system, and I'm committed to installing smart water meters, so that you get 15-minute intervals back on what's going on and so that your water bill will be right every month," Landrum said.
Landrum said her experience managing municipal operations, large infrastructure construction projects and a staff of more than 330 employees sets her apart.
"I'm also committed to doing a full asset and capacity study for our water and sewer systems that will help guide us for the next 20 years. I also think it's important to have an open city checkbook online so that you can see how your taxpayer dollars are being spent," Landrum said.
Looking ahead, Landrum outlined her vision for the city’s relationship with its residents.
"I hope we have a Hammond where you feel plugged in, I hope we have a Hammond where you feel like City Hall is addressing your needs and communicating with you and staying on top of things that are happening in your neighborhoods and projects that matter to you," Landrum said.
City Councilwoman Carlee White Gonzales, who has served on the council for eight years and practiced law for 17, said improving communication between city officials and the public is central to her platform.
"We've had a serious communication breakdown under the previous administration, and I hope to bring that back to the table where the council and the administration can be communicating better, but also how the city is outputting that communication to the public. "They will see me. They will hear from me, and I will be accessible."
Gonzales noted that public safety is frequently brought up by voters.
"Policing and public safety. The first way to handle that is going to be a new chief, so the search for a new chief and the hiring of a new police chief is going to be the first priority of the new Mayor, so we'll address that by having a robust search," Gonzales said.
WBRZ asked Gonzales what she envisions for a successful Hammond.
"A plan for strategic growth so that we can make sure that we keep that hometown feel, while having the economic development that the city wants to see," Gonzales said.
Councilman Kip Andrews envisions continued economic and educational expansion for Hammond, pointing to goals for the end of a four-year term.
"I would like for us to continue our partnership with Southeastern. I would love to also see different jobs that are brought here, the investment that those companies and different jobs will make into our education system. I would like to see our education system grow." Andrews said.
Andrews, who has served as council president for five years, emphasized community investment and workplace morale.
"Some of the things that I would like to address are our infrastructure. Building up the neighborhoods in our city, which need to be worked on. Building up the morale inside of our city with the employees and also building a loving atmosphere, being more accepting of all backgrounds."
He also addressed crime, proposing federal grant funding to boost law enforcement presence.
"One thing is to help in certain areas with crime. I think that we need to address those areas by being able to provide different grants that we need with federal dollars that we could address for more overtime or more police presence in those areas," Andrews said.
If no candidate receives more than 50% of the vote in the November election, the top two finishers will advance to a runoff in December.
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