Tyrin Truong, (born June 10, 1999), in Mandeville, Louisiana, is the current and youngest Mayor of Bogalusa, Louisiana.[1][2] He is a graduate of Washington University in St. Louis.[3] He is the grandson of a Vietnamese immigrant who fought in the Vietnam War and his mother is a U.S. Army veteran. He also has a young son and is planning on getting engaged.[4]
Tyrin Truong | |
|---|---|
 Tyrin Truong in 2023 | |
| Mayor of Bogalusa, Louisiana | |
| Assumed office January 8, 2023 | |
| Preceded by | Wendy Perrette |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 10, 1999 Mandeville, Louisiana |
| Website | Official Website |
Early life and education
editTyrin Truong was born on June 10, 1999, in Mandeville, Louisiana. His grandfather was a Vietnamese immigrant who fought in the Vietnam War, and his mother is a U.S. Army veteran. Truong graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in African and African American Studies, minoring in Political Science.[3][5]
Political career
editIn 2022, at the age of 23, Tyrin Truong was elected as the mayor of Bogalusa, Louisiana, defeating the two-term incumbent Wendy Perrette.[4] His victory marked him as the youngest mayor in the history of Bogalusa. Truong decided to run for office after hearing numerous complaints about the quality of life in his hometown, including crime, a lack of youth programs, and struggling businesses.[5]
Policies and initiatives
editYouth Crime Initiative
editTruong has been actively addressing the issue of youth crime in Bogalusa, focusing on community engagement and preventive measures.[1]
Economic development
editTyrin Truong has launched several economic initiatives aimed at revitalizing the local economy and creating job opportunities in Bogalusa. One notable program is "Better Bogalusa," which provides educational and recreational activities for the city’s youth.[5]
Financial compliance
editIn April 2024, the state legislative auditor reported that Bogalusa was not in compliance with state audit laws, which affected the city's ability to receive state and federal funds. Truong cited the lack of proper transition from the previous administration as a significant challenge and has been working to rectify the situation.[6]
Police department reforms
editFaced with crime and financial problems, Truong proposed dissolving the city's police department and transferring responsibilities to the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. This proposal was part of a broader effort to reform law enforcement and address budget constraints.[7]
References
edit- ^ a b Poulter, Brandon (2023-04-30). "Bogalusa's youngest mayor confronts youth crime problem". Louisiana Illuminator. Retrieved 2023-10-02.
- ^ Oswald, Stephanie (2023-09-29). "Meet Mayor Tyrin Truong: Bogalusa's hometown hero". WGNO. Retrieved 2023-10-02.
- ^ a b "From Student Union to City Hall". Arts & Sciences. Washington University in St. Louis. 2023-03-06. Retrieved 2023-10-02.
- ^ a b Palermo, Jeff (2022-11-10). "23 year old ousts two term mayor of Bogalusa". Louisiana Radio Network. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
- ^ a b c Source Staff, Source (2023-03-06). "Back to Bogalusa". The Source. Washington University in St. Louis. Retrieved 2023-10-02.
- ^ McDaniel, Mike (2024-04-22). "Bogalusa not getting state money due to lack of compliance". WWL. Retrieved 2024-06-23.
- ^ "Facing crime and financial problems, Bogalusa weighs dropping its police department". Ground News. 2023-12-01. Retrieved 2024-06-23.