Colfax’s 1st Black female mayor outlines priorities in exclusive interview

COLFAX, La. (KALB) - In her first television interview since making history as Colfax’s first Black female mayor, Timika Hamilton-Price shared her vision for the town she grew up in.

“That humbled me. I can be used as an example for little girls that look like me,” Hamilton-Price said. “Being the first African-American female for the Town of Colfax, I would have never dreamed that in all my years.”

The former alderwoman said she is ready to get to work.

“I want to move Colfax forward. That’s my plan,” she said.

Utility billing and water system improvements

At the top of her priority list is fixing the town’s utility billing issues, which have frustrated residents for months.

“It’s not going to happen overnight. But we are going to work to get it rectified,” Hamilton-Price said.

She also said improving the town’s water system is a major focus. Colfax currently holds a D rating from the Louisiana Department of Health for its water system.

“It’s not that your water is dirty or your water is bad. We have old infrastructure,” she said.

Hamilton-Price said the town is almost complete with the replacement of new water lines.

“So, we do know that next year we look forward to a higher grade,” she said.

Road conditions and economic development

Poor road conditions have also been a concern for Colfax residents.

“That’s being done now as well. We have street overlay projects. So we’re coming to the conclusion. So the majority of our streets that were identified have been overlaid,” Hamilton-Price said.

The mayor wants Colfax to join the Grant Parish Chamber of Commerce to help attract new business and economic development.

“We need them in order to help attract businesses. So, we’re going to start with beautifying the town. We don’t have an ugly town,” she said. “It’s just a matter of some upkeep. Just some little minor things that we can do, make it appeasing to somebody coming in.”

Hamilton-Price said her administration will be guided by four principles: unity, transparency, honesty, and progress.

“We have an open-door policy. As of July 1, whatever you need, you give us a call. We may not be able to fix it. We don’t have all the answers, but we’re willing to research and find what we can do. I’m including bringing the community together to do that,” she said.

Hamilton-Price declined to comment on her recent DWI arrest and referred back to a statement she released on June 9.

She officially takes office on July 1.

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