It has been more than a month since East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Melvin “Kip” Holden announced in his State of the City address his plans to involve student government presidents in Baton Rouge with his administration “in working with us to assure young leaders’ viewpoints are incorporated in our forward planning.”
However, University Student Government President John Woodard still has not heard from the mayor’s office concerning this planned collaboration.
Woodard said he was not frustrated by the mayor’s lack of contact and he understands Holden has a rigorous schedule.
“He’s got quite a long list of initiatives,” Woodard said. “The man’s busy.”
However, the lack of correspondence between Holden’s administration and local student government presidents has not deterred Woodard from reaching out to the mayor’s office.
Woodard said he called and spoke with William Daniel, Holden’s chief administrative officer, last week to discuss how the mayor’s office can better serve the needs of LSU’s campus.
“I wanted to get on the same page,” Woodard said. “I wanted to have a better understanding of what the mayor’s office is trying to accomplish and see whatever the mayor’s office can do to help LSU.”
Woodard said he and Daniel have yet to meet face to face.
Holden acknowledged Wednesday he has not contacted the student government presidents yet and said to “give me until after Mardi Gras” to take care of the issue.
“I need to jump on that fast,” Holden said.
“I need to jump on that fast.”