Willie Twiner has announced that he is a candidate for Police Juror to represent Ward 5, subject to the action of voters at the March 23 special election.

In making his announcement, Twiner issued the following statement to the voters of Ward 5: “Let me first begin by expressing my sincere condolences to the family of June Fowler. I had the opportunity to meet him a couple of times on the campaign trail last fall and he was a kind man each time. As reflected by the parish following his death, he was a man greatly admired by many and our prayers continue to be with his family.

I would also like to thank the many voters who cast their ballot for me during the October 14 election. Your vote was greatly appreciated and I once again ask for your support, along with all others, for the special election set for March 23.

For those who might not be familiar with me, my name is Willie Twiner and my family, Wanda, Brett, Cherie, Jerry and I have made our home at 2683 Evelyn Blvd., north of Jena Junior High School, for the past 48 years. After prayer and consideration, I have decided to announce my candidacy for Police Juror in Ward 5 – ballot #65, in the March special election.

My mission statement is that I pledge to treat all my constituents with equal service and to maximize all our allotted funds to maximum benefit for everyone in Ward 5.

Since 1978 I have been self-employed, owning several businesses, including Twiner Oil and Gas and Twiner Drilling Corporation. We have leased property in LaSalle Parish, and using our own equipment of bulldozers, drilling rig, trucks and trailers and crews, have cleared well locations and drilled oil and gas wells.

For the past 23 years we have owned and operated Metals and Auto Recycles in Alexandria where we employ up to 35 people buying materials from local people and helping the local economy.

Currently, we also own Xpress Oil Exchange and Car Care in Jena serving LaSalle Parish.

Due to all of my experience in the business world and the fact that this has allowed me to successfully manage money, businesses, people and equipment, it has prepared me to effectively better serve the residents of Ward 5.

In 1984, while attending church services, both Wanda and myself had an encounter with God as we both experienced the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Since that day, our lives were forever changed!

We attended Christ For The Nations Bible College in Dallas, TX and served as Assistants to the Pastor at SouthGate Assembly of God in Alexandria. Our job description included welcoming new visitors and home and hospital visitations along with praying for the sick and other needs.

We later came back to our home church, Maranatha Assembly of God in Jena, where we continue to serve in that capacity serving people, teaching classes and serving as a deacon, for the past 39 years. We also now have a one-onone ministry to all who need a touch from God, through laying on of hands and praying for the sick (Mark 16:15-20).

I am looking forward to serving the residents of Ward 5 as the new Police Juror and want to thank everyone in advance for your consideration and support.

If you have any questions, please contact me at (318) 316-1132 and if you would like to have a yard sign to place on your property we would be honored to provide those to you.

Thanks again for your consideration and support.”