BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) — As we approach Election Day, Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome highlights projects she’s accomplished over her last eight years in office and shares how she plans to build on that momentum if elected again for a final term. “I must start off by saying a lot can happen in eight years and a lot has happened," said Broome, Democrat candidate for EBR Mayor-President. You may know her as Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome, but off the campaign trail, you can find her reading books, dancing, listening to music and playing the piano. “I often say I'm just a woman who's just on an extraordinary journey as mayor-president," said Broome. Broome is also a mother, grandmother and wife who loves to spend time with her husband Marvin; especially, during one specific time of year. Top East Baton Rouge mayoral candidates say they’re confident connecting with voters “I love crawfish season. When it's over, I'm depressed," said Broome as she laughed. After eight years in office, she’s seeking re-election for what could be her third and final term. “I don't think any other mayor, if we do our research, has had the number of challenges that I've had to face," said Broome. Some of those challenges include the pandemic, police reform, the aftermath of the 2016 flood and other natural disasters. To continue her stride in improving blight in the city, Broome says, “One of my visions is to have a riverfront development.” Part of that vision includes retaining and attracting younger people to the capital region. Louisiana early voting sees record in-person voting, big drop in Black voter turnout “There is a group of students at LSU who have already put a design in place to help launch our creativity around what can take place on the downtown riverfront," said Broome. Of her many projects, Broome says she’s created the largest infrastructure and roads project in the history of Baton Rouge, MOVEBR, totaling a billion dollars. “We have over 60 projects that are either completed or in the design phase," said Broome. The Democratic candidate says she has receipts to back up the work she’s done and will continue to do. “I can show our citizens that because of the drainage work that we have done, that they now have a 20% decrease in their flood insurance. You will soon, because of light synchronization, see your traffic cut down, traffic time cut down by 10 to 15 minutes," said Broome. Election 2024: Meet Dina Johnson and Tia Mills, who are running for East Baton Rouge Metro Council District 2 On a different note, Broome says although Baton Rouge has the strongest economy in the state, this area has an 18.5% poverty rate. That’s nearly 6% higher than the national average.  “Poverty is connected to crime. And so, our safe, hopeful, healthy initiative is a program that helps us address those high zip code areas where we see elevated crime. We bring resources. We bring conversations," said Broome. Broome says Baton Rouge saw a decrease in violence in 2022 and 2023. She believes her programs, like Summer of Hope, and those mentioned above played a role in the downward trend. “But beyond that, they get experience working in a company or with an organization that helps expand their vision about their potential and the possibilities. Because we know that if we educate our students, we elevate them," said Broome. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now BRProud Daily News SIGN UP NOW During this last term, Broome appointed a director of homelessness prevention. “The goal is to get 200 of those individuals in housing, and she is already making her mark," said Broome. Broome says she hopes to leave behind tangible evidence that the city-parish are in a much better place than when she first took office. “I love North Baton Rouge, South Baton Rouge. I have always worked to make us one Baton Rouge. And I'm going to continue to do that with everyone's help.” said Broome. In the words of Broome, although this is an intense election cycle, the best is yet to come. “You know me. I'm no stranger to you, and I look forward to us working together to move Baton Rouge forward," said Broome. Latest News Eggnog before Thanksgiving? Stores bring holiday cheer early amid rising demand 5 ways to deal with family during the holidays 15 unconventional Christmas albums from the past 50 years Mariah Carey co-wrote 'All I Want for Christmas Is You' Ranking the best Christmas movies: 'Die Hard,' 'A Christmas Story,' and more