Sharon WestonBroome earlier this month became the first black female from East or West BatonRouge Parishes to take the District 15 State senate seat. ?She was officiallysworn in at the Baker Municipal Center.
Louisiana SenateDistrict 15 includes most of North Baton Rouge and the northwest part of EastBaton Rouge Parish, including the cities of Baker and Zachary. This districtincludes Southern University.
Broome recentlyspoke at Southern University for the Association of Women students “Women inPublic Service” program about her journey to her present situation.
“What you aremeant to do has been talking to you all your life.” Broome said.
Senator Broome(D-Baton Rouge) replaces newly elected Mayor-President Melvin “Kip” Holden, whois the first black mayor of Baton Rouge.
During herappointment, she will serve as the vice- chairperson of the Senate Committee onEducation, in addition to serving on the Insurance and Judiciary Senatecommittees.
“She is a greatleader and a great public servant,” Louisiana Lieutenant Governor MitchLandrieu said.
Broome’s agendaincludes addressing several issues pertinent to Louisiana and Baton Rouge, inparticular. Included in these issues are accountability, entrepreneurialdevelopment, affordable housing, education and literacy, teacher pay raises andhealthcare, including hospitals and clinics.
“I thank you forthe opportunity to serve you,” Broome said in her inaugural address. “Are you willingto roll up your sleeves and work with me?” she asked.
The senator alsomentioned that with the cooperation of businesses, churches, faith-based groupsand the government working together, that could equal harmony, which wouldequal change for the citizens of Baton Rouge and the state of Louisiana.
Diana Winston,chair of the Louisiana Legislative Women’s Caucus, said Broome is a role modeland there will be hundreds of women who will run for public office because ofher efforts and accomplishments.
“We beam withjoy and pride to call you Senator Sharon Weston Broome,” Winston said.
Before becominga senator, Broome served in the Louisiana House of Representatives, where shewas elected the first woman Speaker Pro Tempore in 2004. Prior to that, thebusinesswoman served on the East Baton Rouge Metro Council from 1989 until1991. Before serving on the Council, Broome chaired the House Committee onMunicipal, Parochial, and Cultural Affairs, in addition to serving on the HouseCommittee on Commerce. She is also a former broadcaster with various nationaltelevision appearances.
As a senator,Broome also serves as the public affairs manager of Georgia Gulf Corporation.She is currently an adjunct instructor at Louisiana State and Southernuniversities in Baton Rouge.
Broome is activein her church, Life Changers Christian Center Church, in Baton Rouge. She ismarried to Marvin Alonzo Broome. The couple shares three children and onegrandchild.
Charlene Smith,the mayor of Zachary credits Broome’s spiritual dedication to her careerachievements.
“It is my beliefthat Sharon Weston Broome seeks his (God) guidance and this is the reason whyshe is sitting here today.”
Broome isenthusiastic to be able to serve constituents of District 15.
“I look forward tothis assignment,” Broome. “The best is yet to come for all of us.”
