Monroe District 3 Candidates Prepare for Run-Off Race

    It will take another election to determine who will represent Monroe's third district on the city council.


    Betty Blakes grabbed 40-percent of the vote election day while Juanita Woods came in second with 19-percent. The district three seat is currently held by interim Councilwoman Ellen Hill, who chose not to run for election. Now both run-off candidates prepare for an energetic run-off campaign.

    "There's a lot we can do and I know that I can bring that change about," says Betty Blakes.

    Juanita Woods says "Sometimes what makes some people more successful than others is that they have someone to talk for them or they know, they're connected and I want to be that voice for people in this district."

    Candidates Blakes and Woods both feel they are the best woman for the job. 

    "I know how to negotiate. I've worked on the federal, state, and local level with elected officials, so I know I can move this city forward," says Blakes. She is a long-time resident of the district and believes she knows the needs of the voters, while Woods touts job creation as her specialty.

    "I have single-handedly worked to reduce the unemployment rate here in Ouachita Parish to the tune of  over 250 people I've helped to get into living wage jobs," says Woods.

        And if you live in the district plan on seeing them both on your door step soon.

    "Now that I've listened, I'm going to go out there and listen some more," says Woods.

    "We'll send out mail-outs. We'll still call. We'll still knock on doors. It's still the same, you just have to get out there and get them," says Blakes.

        The run-off election takes place Saturday, December 8, 2012.