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Next up: register online by Saturday, Nov. 21.
Raise the Standard. Stronger Community. A Better Future.
Get a yard sign, volunteer, or host a meet & greet.
My name is Jesse Eugene Smith, and Arcadia has always been more than just a place on the map to me. It’s home. It’s where my family has deep roots, where I’ve built relationships, and where my wife, Rachel, and I are raising our two sons, Rory and Denver.
As a husband and father, I think often about the future we’re building for our children. I want them to grow up in a community where families feel safe, businesses have opportunities to succeed, and people take pride in the place they call home.
My Christian faith is the foundation of who I am. I’m an active member of Temple Baptist Church in Ruston, where I teach adult Sunday School and help organize and lead men’s retreats. These experiences have taught me that leadership isn’t about recognition or holding a position. It’s about serving others, listening, being dependable, and doing what’s right, even when it’s difficult.
Professionally, I’m the owner of a Shelter Insurance agency in Ruston. Before becoming an agency owner, I spent years working in sales and leadership roles, gaining experience in customer service, managing responsibilities, and building relationships. Owning a business has strengthened my understanding of financial responsibility, accountability, and the importance of making decisions that affect others. I believe those principles are just as important in local government.
Public service also has a special meaning in my family. My grandfather, Eugene Smith, served as mayor of Arcadia for 16 years. Growing up with that connection to our town gave me an appreciation for the responsibilities that come with serving a community. I’m proud of his legacy, but I’ve always believed that a family name alone doesn’t earn someone’s trust. That trust must be earned through integrity, hard work, and actions.
My decision to run for Town Council District 3 came from wanting to be more involved in Arcadia’s future. I’ve seen the potential our town has, but I’ve also heard the concerns of residents who want better infrastructure, stronger financial management, improved communication, and greater accountability.
I don’t claim to have every answer, and I know meaningful change doesn’t happen overnight. But I believe in asking questions, listening to different perspectives, working with others, and following through on commitments.
Above all, I’m a husband, father, Christian, business owner, and neighbor who wants to see Arcadia succeed. My commitment to this community isn’t defined by an election. It’s reflected in how I choose to serve, both today and in the years ahead.
Reliable water service is a basic necessity for every family and business in Arcadia.
My priorities include evaluating our aging infrastructure, improving long-term planning, addressing maintenance needs, and pursuing available funding opportunities.
We must take care of the infrastructure we already have while preparing for future growth.
One of the biggest concerns I’ve heard throughout this campaign is the financial condition of our town.
I believe we need a thorough understanding of our revenues and expenses, responsible spending priorities, and greater transparency in how taxpayer dollars are used.
Our ability to improve services and grow economically depends on building a sustainable financial foundation.
A stronger economy begins with a town prepared for growth.
By improving infrastructure, managing our finances responsibly, supporting existing businesses, and encouraging new investment, we can help create opportunities for Arcadia’s future.
Taking pride in Arcadia means caring for our neighborhoods, maintaining public spaces, and addressing concerns that affect residents’ quality of life.
I believe we should review existing ordinances, encourage consistent enforcement, improve communication about public safety, and work together to maintain a community we’re proud to call home.
Residents deserve to know what’s happening in their town and have accessible ways to communicate with their elected representatives.
I want to encourage greater transparency, improve access to public information, and establish better ways to document and follow up on community concerns.
I believe serving your community starts long before holding public office.
One project I’ve been excited to be part of is working with the established organization Citizens for a Better Arcadia. I came up with the idea for a community website that would help keep residents informed and make it easier to communicate concerns directly to council representatives.
That idea became citizensforabetterarcadia.com, a website residents can use today for community updates, announcements, and reporting issues.
I’m also working toward developing a community app that would bring together news, events, local business information, emergency alerts, and community reporting tools.
Through my Shelter Insurance agency, I’ve also been working on a scholarship initiative to support graduating seniors, along with sponsoring community events and activities.
These efforts are part of my ongoing commitment to giving back, both in Arcadia and the surrounding communities. My commitment to community service doesn’t begin or end with an election.
On November 3, our campaign finished first in a three-candidate race, falling just two votes short of winning outright.
The runoff election is scheduled for Saturday, December 12, 2026.
I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to share concerns, ask questions, and participate in this election. I believe meaningful progress requires cooperation, responsible decisions, and a willingness to listen.
Thu, Nov. 12
Last day to register the paper way.
How to registerSat, Nov. 21
Last day to register through GeauxVote online.
Register onlineNov. 28 – Dec. 5
8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Sunday, Nov. 29.
Ways to voteTue, Dec. 8
By 4:30 p.m., online or through the Registrar of Voters.
Voter PortalSat, Dec. 12
Polls open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Find your polling placeDates from the Louisiana Secretary of State. Questions about your registration? Call the Bienville Parish Registrar of Voters or check the Voter Portal.
Great communities are grown, not given. Lend a hand, share the word, or put a sign in your yard.
