Campaign
Learn More About Betty's Campaign
Qualifications
EDUCATION
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Master’s Plus 30 Degree Hours, ULM
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Master of Education with a Major in Business, ULM
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B.S. Degree (Business & Office Education), ULM
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Librarian - Library Science Certification, ULM
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Valedictorian – Wisner-Gilbert High School, Wisner/Gilbert, LA
E X P E R I E N C E
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Elected Official - Former President & Member (2018-2022 & 2022-2026)) – Monroe City School Board (MCSB)
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President & Member of Trustee/Board of Control, Ouachita Parish Public Library System (OPPLS)
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State President 2019-2021, Louisiana Federation of Democratic Women (LFDW)
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State President (Two Terms), Louisiana Association of Business Educators (LABE)
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Faculty Member (Retired) – Univ of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM) (formerly NLU Northeast LA Univ) – College of Business and Social Sciences, 1982-2017
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Teacher, Ouachita Parish School District (OPSB), 1974-1982
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Co-Chair, 2018 Louisiana NAACP State Conference; Host Site: ULM
Community Accomplishments
WHAT BETTY HAS ACCOMPLISHED IN THE COMMUNITY
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Monroe City School Board: (1) Led Instituting Health Education Curriculum; (2) Led Increasing 4H school sites; (3) Led Enhancing Curriculums Increasing Literacy
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Especially Reading Literacy); (4) Led Creating Policy for Disadvantage Business Enterprises/Minority Businesses
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Ouachita Parish Public Library System: Secured $7.5M Renovation Project (Main Library Branch); and $6M New Library for the Southside (Carver McDonald Branch)
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First Black Faculty Member, ULM, College of Business 1982-2017
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Member, Governor John Bel Edwards’ Transition Committee (Children and Family Services Division) 2015
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Recipient, NAACP Louisiana State Conference, Community Service Award
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Member, White’s Ferry Road Church of Christ, West Monroe, LA
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Family: Spouse Deceased (Elbert G. Cooper); Two Children (April (Spouse: Montrell Alexander) & Juston (Spouse: Tenisia Williams) Cooper; and Three Grandchildren (Cooper, Jerzey, & Ace Alexander)
Platform
MISSION STATEMENT
"We Must Ensure a Brighter Future for all our Beloved Citizens."
CRIME
Betty Ward-Cooper is on a mission to guide Monroe towards a more vibrant, secure, and prosperous future. She is dedicated to addressing the pivotal concerns that hold significant importance for our city, commencing with the reduction of violent crime and the establishment of a safer environment for all residents. Betty advocates for a comprehensive strategy in crime reduction, emphasizing authentic community policing that involves placing police officers within the community. This approach entails working closely with citizens to tackle crime and improve overall quality of life. Additionally, Betty supports collaborations with other law enforcement agencies and proactive initiatives targeting the underlying causes of crime in the community, viewing them as tangible and effective solutions.
YOUTH DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS
Betty is deeply committed to the welfare of our youth and envisions a close collaboration with our school system to create and sustain year-round programs specifically designed for at-risk youth. I am committed to allocating a minimum of One Million Dollars annually in grants to churches and non-profit organizations within the city. These funds will be directed towards providing educational, workforce development, and recreational opportunities, empowering our young residents to realize their full potential. Betty strongly believes in the significance of proactive investment in our city's youth, emphasizing the importance of fostering their development from the outset rather than dealing with the consequences of incarceration later on.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Economic development is a cornerstone of Betty's platform. Her vision includes expanding economic opportunities for all of Monroe, with a particular focus on the Southside, where revitalization efforts can spark growth and prosperity.
SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Betty is equally passionate about supporting small businesses, encouraging emerging entrepreneurs to build capacity and foster entrepreneurship that drives local economic growth.
DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISE(DBE)
Betty recognizes the importance of diversity and inclusion in economic development. She is committed to working diligently to increase the participation of Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) in the city's initiatives, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance at success.
AFFORDABLE HOME OWNERSHIP PROGRAM
Betty Ward-Cooper is dedicated to making homeownership more accessible through affordable homeownership programs, particularly for first-time buyers. She envisions a Monroe where families can achieve the dream of owning their own homes.
PUBLIC WORKS
Efficiency in city services is another critical aspect of Betty's platform. She aims to improve public works and enhance the delivery of city services, particularly in communities that have long been neglected, ensuring that all residents benefit from a high standard of living.
ESTABLISH SEMI-ANNUAL COMMUNITY MEETINGS IN EACH COUNCIL DISTRICT
Betty also believes in open communication and accountability. To ensure that
the voices of citizens are heard, as mayor, she plans to establish semi-annual
community meetings in each council district, to provide a direct platform for
residents to express their concerns and ideas. Betty is committed to a brighter
future for Monroe, one that is safer, more prosperous, and built on the
principles of inclusivity, empowerment, and accountability.