It’s Time to Rebuild the City We Love
I’m running for Council At-Large because I believe we can rebuild our city together. I believe we deserve better from city government. It is time to restore New Orleans to its glory, ensuring that all of us are excited to live, work, and raise a family here. For six years, I’ve served our city as a State Representative. I founded the STEM Innovation Caucus and was elected Chairperson of the the House Democratic Caucus. I am known for my ability to build bridges and work well with everyone in advancing solutions to Louisiana’s problems. Now, I am prepared to do the same in City Hall.
I’m committed to working with all citizens, organizations and neighborhoods to build a brighter New Orleans. Our best days are ahead of us, and I am asking that you stand with me so that, together, we can make our vision for New Orleans a reality. I’m Matthew Willard, and I would like to serve as your next Councilmember At-Large.
Let’s Get to Know Each Other
During the next few months, I’ll be going all over the city to listen to your needs and ideas. I hope you will take the opportunity to meet me where you live and work.
I was born in New Orleans East and raised in Gentilly. I attended elementary school at Corpus Christi, went to Stuart Hall for middle school, and graduated from Jesuit High School. I received my Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of New Orleans.
My father, Dominic, is a small business owner. I spent my summers as a teenager working on construction sites with him. My mother, Terrie, is a retired public school teacher, and I grew up doing my homework during her UTNO meetings. I am the grandson of education and civil rights leaders Dr. Elliot and Mary Jane Willard and the nephew of former City Councilmember Cynthia Willard-Lewis. Public service runs through my blood, and I have a passion for serving my community.
Hard Work Ahead — And I’m All In
I’m not afraid of working hard, and we have some tough work to do. Over the past few years, City Hall has slowly eroded into an institution seen as an obstacle to progress, not an engine for it. We are a city that shines and impresses visitors from across the world with our diversity, culture, and talent. It is time to restore that feeling in New Orleanians.
We deserve to feel safe in our homes and cars. Our children deserve a quality education that prepares them for a good job right here at home. We deserve good streets, working street lights, reliable trash collection services, and a drainage system that does not become overwhelmed on a rainy day, triggering another boil water advisory. We deserve better than blight and discarded tires in our neighborhoods.
We deserve a City Hall that works for the people. Every New Orleanian deserves the chance to live in a city that thrives. I’ll fight to make sure that is the New Orleans we live in. A great place to visit, but an even better place to live.
