The mayor’s race in Slidell is heating up and this time, there are just two names on the ballot. Police Chief Randy Fandal and City Councilman Bill Borchert are going head-to-head for the city’s top job.
We went to talk with voters. Many Slidell residents told us they’re less concerned with politics and more focused on progress. Some, however, didn't even know there was a special election in October.
From safer neighborhoods to better infrastructure, many say the next mayor needs to put day-to-day quality of life front and center.
“I would like to see better roads and litter abatement,” one resident told us.
Others pointed to Slidell’s growth, saying the city needs a leader who can balance expansion with preserving the community’s character.
Both Fandal and Borchert bring public service backgrounds, one from law enforcement, the other from city government. But voters say the title matters less than the results.
"I live just outside of Slidell but right in my backyard is the abandoned North Shore Mall. We'd like some of the progress out there."
This election is to fill the vacancy left with former Mayor Greg Cromer resigned to take a position in Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry's administration. Borchert has been serving as interim mayor.