Sharon Weston Broome: Leadership and Legacy as Mayor-President of Baton Rouge
Sharon Weston Broome has served as the Mayor-President of East Baton Rouge Parish, navigating the complexities of municipal governance, infrastructure development, and political challenges. Her tenure is marked by a commitment to parish unity, public safety enhancements, and significant investments in the region's transportation and drainage systems.
The 2016 Election and Path to Office
After reaching term limits in the Senate, Broome became the first candidate to announce her run for Mayor-President in 2016, seeking to succeed Kip Holden. Her campaign centered on inclusivity, specifically advocating for the representation of college students and low-income residents, while pushing for more accessible healthcare across the parish.
The nonpartisan election process began on November 8, 2016, where Broome secured 32% of the vote in the first round. Following this, she received the endorsement of fellow candidate Denise Marcelle. In the runoff election held on December 10, 2016, Broome faced Republican State Senator Bodi White. Broome won the election with 59,737 votes (52%) compared to White's 55,241 votes (48%). She was officially sworn into office on January 2, 2017.
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First Term Governance and Administration
Budgetary Priorities
As Mayor-President, Broome is tasked with proposing the annual budget to the East Baton Rouge Metropolitan Council. Throughout her first term, she consistently prioritized public safety and law enforcement. Key budgetary actions included:
- 2018 Budget: Allocated funds for police department salary increases and new vehicles for both police and fire departments.
- 2019 Budget: Unanimously approved by the Metro Council to fund new law enforcement equipment.
- 2021 Budget: Proposed increased pay rates for police officers and the hiring of additional EMS personnel.
Departmental Appointments
Broome's administration saw several key appointments. In 2018, she appointed Murphy Paul as the Baton Rouge Police Chief, fulfilling a campaign promise to replace the retired Carl Dabadie.
However, the administration faced a setback in April 2017 with the appointment of Troy Bell as the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). Bell resigned from the $144,000 annual position after less than a week when it was revealed he did not possess the master's degree in public administration listed on his resume. James Llorens served as interim CAO while Broome pledged to implement a more rigorous vetting process for future appointments.
Policies, Infrastructure, and Legal Challenges
The BRAVE Program and Administrative Issues
The Baton Rouge Area Violence Elimination (BRAVE) program faced scrutiny in 2017. Metro Council member Buddy Amoroso requested investigations by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor and the Office of the Inspector General to determine if BRAVE contracts met federal funding requirements. Consequently, Broome suspended all contracts issued between mid-June and mid-July 2017. Additionally, District Attorney Hillar Moore sought the recovery of confidential informant names that had been erroneously released by the Mayor-President's office.
Infrastructure and MoveBR
To address transportation needs, Broome proposed a half-cent sales tax in August 2018 to fund the MoveBR roads program. She opted for a sales tax over a property tax to distribute the financial burden more equitably, despite the regressive nature of sales taxes. Voters approved the measure on December 8, 2018.
Launched in September 2019, MoveBR encompasses over 70 projects aimed at reducing traffic congestion and improving pedestrian safety. Furthermore, Broome focused on the parish's stormwater master plan following the devastating 2016 floods, securing $15 million in funding from FEMA and the Louisiana Office of Community Development in 2019.
The St. George Incorporation Conflict
A significant point of contention was the effort to incorporate St. George, previously an unincorporated area of East Baton Rouge Parish, into its own city. Broome opposed the move to maintain a united parish. Despite her opposition, residents voted in favor of incorporation in October 2019. Broome filed a lawsuit to block the move; while a lower court initially agreed, the Louisiana Supreme Court overturned that ruling in April 2024, legally allowing St. George to incorporate.
The 2020 Re-election
The 2020 election took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, which limited public gatherings and altered campaign strategies. Broome faced a challenging field of seven candidates—the most for an incumbent in nearly thirty years.
The race culminated in a runoff on December 5, 2020, between Broome (Democrat) and former State Representative Steve Carter (Republican). Broome won with 57% of the vote to Carter's 43%, making her the first woman to be re-elected to the position of Mayor-President in East Baton Rouge Parish.
Key Facts
- First Female Re-elected: Sharon Weston Broome is the first woman to be re-elected as Mayor-President of East Baton Rouge Parish.
- MoveBR: A comprehensive infrastructure program consisting of 70+ projects funded by a voter-approved half-cent sales tax.
- Stormwater Funding: Secured $15 million from FEMA and the Louisiana Office of Community Development for flood mitigation.
- 2020 Victory: Won re-election with 57% of the vote in a runoff against Steve Carter.
- St. George Ruling: The Louisiana Supreme Court ruled in April 2024 that St. George could legally incorporate despite Broome's legal challenges.
| Election Year | Opponent (Runoff) | Broome's Vote % | Opponent's Vote % | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Bodi White | 52% | 48% | Won |
| 2020 | Steve Carter | 57% | 43% | Won |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the MoveBR program?
MoveBR was designed to reduce traffic congestion and improve street conditions for pedestrians through more than 70 different projects, including the construction of new roads.
How was the MoveBR program funded?
The program was funded by a half-cent sales tax, which was approved by voters on December 8, 2018, as an alternative to a property tax.
Why did Sharon Weston Broome oppose the incorporation of St. George?
Broome opposed the incorporation because she believed it was important for the parish to remain united rather than splitting into separate city entities.
What happened with the appointment of Troy Bell?
Troy Bell resigned as Chief Administrative Officer after less than a week because it was discovered that he did not actually hold the master's degree in public administration he claimed on his resume.
How did the COVID-19 pandemic affect the 2020 election?
The pandemic forced candidates to use smaller events and reduced public engagement due to restrictions on public gatherings, significantly altering traditional campaign strategies.