DENHAM SPRINGS - Three candidates are on the ballot for mayor in Denham Springs. And in this election, voters will choose a new mayor for the first time in more than a decade.

Gerard Landry has held the job since 2014 and decided not to run for reelection. The next mayor will take office in January.

Republicans Jim Gilbert and Ben Harris and no-party candidate John Cavalier are running.

Cavalier owns a bookstore in the Historic Denham Springs Antique Village and sits on the city's planning and zoning commission.

After the Great Flood of 2016, he helped gather public input and contributed to writing the recovery plan that was adopted by the city. Cavalier said that was one of many different plans created by the city. If elected, Cavalier wants to use those plans, along with his entrepreneurial skills, to create a master plan that includes infrastructure upgrades and plans for responsible population growth.

"We have aspects here and there, but I think we need something that really brings it all together and encompasses an entire vision for the city," said Cavalier.

Republican Jim Gilbert is a city councilman and spent nearly four decades in the petrochemical industry. He also served in different roles for Livingston Parish Fire Protection District #5 and as a former Chief of Staff to the Livingston Parish President, where he helped develop a drainage master plan after the flood. He said he wants to create a system to track the progress of goals set by the city. Gilbert also wants to build on the work already done to help reduce flooding and attract more businesses. 

"I've been a part of the solution from the past, so I have extensive knowledge of flooding and that is the one thing that's going to drive Denham Springs in a positive direction," said Jim Gilbert.

Republican Ben Harris has worked for the city's water department for nearly 25 years, including several years as superintendent. He is also a reserve police officer, certified by the Peace Officer Standards Training Council. Harris wants to lower flood insurance rates and create a comprehensive city master plan that focuses on infrastructure improvements before new economic development.

"The main thing is taking care of the residents and the infrastructure and worrying about commercial later, but taking care of what we got right now," said Ben Harris.

A mayoral forum with all three candidates will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 19, at the PARDS L. M. Lockhart Park in Denham Springs. The event will include a meet-and-greet and a Q-and-A session with questions submitted by voters.