Poll

Over the last ten years the digital landscape has substantially evolved. Gone are the days when the majority of individuals received their news from daily newspapers and the periodic local newscast. Now we live in a world where the majority of individuals have access to all the information they could ever want at any time, day or night. People receive their news on Facebook and Twitter more so than anywhere else. This has substantially changed the way candidates can connect with their constituents. In fact, connectivity has altogether opened up the possibility for candidates to interact with individuals in a much more intimate and personal manner. In particular, social media has made it so that candidates can share a wide variety of content with a diverse number of people. Now it doesn’t take extensive town hall meetings for citizens to voice their questions and concerns. Instead, someone looking to ask a candidate a question can simply post it on Facebook or Twitter and receive an answer in close to real time.

The Patrick Williams campaign embraces this shift in campaign strategy with open arms. Patrick Williams has made it his objective to be a social media pioneer in the Shreveport/Bossier area and actively works to reach out to the citizens of Shreveport. The result of this has been a campaign that has tapped into the heart of what Shreveport really needs. Never before have we been able to confirm the needs of the constituents in the way that we can today. This has given rise to the IAmWithPatrick social media campaign. At it’s heart, this campaign is designed to allow citizens of Shreveport to express their solidarity with Patrick Williams and his vision for Shreveport by creating badges and hashtags that rebroadcast his message across individuals social networks. This new way of broadcasting support and spreading campaign media has already produced a visible following that is sure to grow as the campaign continues over the coming months. Not only is the IAmWithPatrick campaign taking place on Facebook and Twitter, but also Google+, Linkedin, Youtube, Instagram, Flickr, Blogger, and WordPress. Please consider liking Patrick Williams Facebook page and putting up the IAmWithPatrick badge to voice your support for Patrick and his dream for a healthy and thriving Shreveport.

It’s Mardi Gras season in Louisiana!

While the tradition of Twelfth night reveling can be traced back to medieval Europe, Mardi Gras has been a continuous tradition in Northern Louisiana, namely Shreveport, since the 1990’s when a huge parade of twelve Mardi Gras floats took the streets. It is now one of the biggest attractions and most successful celebrations in the Shreveport-Bossier area. Based on the tourism bureau, the parades increase year after year, helping to grow Louisiana’s income as well as Shreveport’s local economy through food, drinks, and hotel reservations, while also providing fun and family-friendly activities for the community. This local income is usually estimated to bring in over $8 million in direct revenue each year for the city of Shreveport, which is directed from overnight visitors, day trip visitors and locals. These parades also help bring in people from all around the world including as far as Finland. Over forty floats run each year and are supported on a volunteer basis, with many local companies serving as float sponsors.

Patrick hopes to continue this support and participation throughout the community not just through Mardi Gras season, but also all year long. This extreme direct revenue helps boost Shreveport’s economy from the slow decline that it is in, which is a focus that Patrick will be working on if elected Mayor.

Here is Patrick out supporting our local Krewe’s for this years’ parades, as well as the Krewe of Centaur Mardi Gras Ball.