by: Dr. Kirkpatrick Williams

In a passionate response to growing concerns about recent executive orders from the White House, Commissioner Gregory Young made his position clear during a recent vote on three resolutions (18.2, 18.3, and 18.4), which he and several of his fellow commissioners supported with a resounding affirmation. The vote, held during a meeting yesterday of the Caddo Parish Commission's regular session, centered on resolutions opposing federal actions. Commissioner Young stated, “I am sure Trump and some of the Republicans will not like what we did yesterday, but I think if you conduct a scientific poll of the people throughout Louisiana, one would find that not just in District 2, many, many people are not happy with the decisions of the current federal administration.”

When asked why he voted in favor of the resolutions, Commissioner Young grounded his decision in his personal experiences as foundational to his principled stance. Commissioner Young explained, “The attempts to strip funding and support from these institutions threaten the very fabric of American stability, especially for seniors, veterans, disabled citizens, and low-income families.” He further stated, “I can never forget where I came from and how many of these threatened programs served as bridges over my troubled waters”.

Commissioner Young explained, “The reason I decided to run for office as the Commissioner of District 2 is because of my life experiences and education. I had to vote yes, because I feel that in light of what's going on within our country, we need to send a clear message that all Americans don’t agree with the direction the country is headed. For Commissioner Young, the votes were not just procedural; they were a moral stand against what he sees as systemic erosion of essential institutions that support working-class and marginalized Americans. I made it my ambition to ensure that these people's voices are heard. I think that the challenges that lie ahead will be fulfilled by the grace of God.”

He added that these federal actions represent more than just budgetary decisions; they are, in his view, part of a broader strategy to dismantle the middle class and concentrate power among the wealthy elite. As for whether his vote reflected the will of his constituents, Young believes that there are unheard voices. “There’s a large number of people in Louisiana, white, black, other ethnic groups, young, and old, who depend on the support now being threatened by executive orders. Their needs don’t always make headlines, but I represent them too. And I’m making sure their voices are part of the conversation.’

When asked for final thoughts, Young quoted a lesson from his graduate school days: “Always look for the resistance.” He sees himself as part of that resistance, pushing back against reckless executive orders and advocating for those whose well-being is being threatened.
“When history tells the story of this era,” Commissioner Young concluded, “I want it said that I stood firm against chaos, that I fought for accountability, and that I served as a voice for the people who needed it most.”