November 19, 2019 / (Monroe, LA) Monroe resident and business owner Friday Ellis announces his candidacy for Mayor for the City of Monroe. Ellis, who is a local small business owner, will challenge incumbent Jamie Mayo in next April’s election.
Ellis worked for five years in the City’s Engineering Department as a Construction Inspector and has been a vocal proponent of small business growth and an advocate for specific plans to improve the city helping retain our youth and families. He is a veteran who served in the United States Marine Corps.
“Our city is at an important crossroads. Two of our most critical issues, crime and flooding, are growing concerns. Do we continue down the path that led us here, or do we change course? I believe that our community needs a revival — an economic revival, a community revival, and a spiritual revival — for us to grow,” said Ellis. “We need leadership who will work to unify our city. We need a mayor who will bring people together — a leader who will reach across racial, political and parish lines to bring our region, city and community together.”
“As leaders we must be passionate about our residents, our culture, and natural assets that make our community unique. We must also ensure that no one is forgotten, that every citizen is given an opportunity to thrive. It is our responsibility as a community to create that environment, and it will be my priority as mayor to ensure it happens. I’m running for mayor because I believe our best days are ahead of us and together we can build a city full of hope and promise.
We must refocus our efforts to actively secure the funding and support we need to attract industry, train the best workforce, retain our local businesses, and begin improving our roads, lighting, technology and other infrastructure,” Ellis said.
Ellis has been a visible figure in supporting entrepreneurship, building relationships, and bringing fresh ideas for improving Monroe’s business ecosystem. “Friday Ellis has demonstrated the ability and willingness to work constructively with others, regardless of where they live in Monroe, through accountability and transparency to bring a solutions-based approach to solving problems. He enlisted in the Marine Corps immediately following the destruction of the Twin Towers on 911, so that he could go where he was needed most. Monroe needs him and his courageous leadership now,” said Monroe City Councilman Michael Echols.
“It was a pleasure serving with Friday Ellis. His work ethic was unmatched. His leadership capacity was tremendous, and he was beloved by all of his Marines. I have no doubt that Friday will be an amazing leader for the city of Monroe.”- MSgt Christopher Garcia (USMC, Ret.)
Ellis, operates a Monroe-based retail cigar business in Monroe’s Garden District, they also produce their own line of cigars in Nicaragua that are sold globally. Ellis says the relationships built as a small business owner, experience as a project manager for the City, and service in the Marines Corps, has given him critical insight into the prioritization and process gaps that are holding Monroe back from achieving its full potential.
Ellis is not only active in his community but is also involved in various business and civic organizations throughout the State. Just recently, Ellis was named Louisiana Business and Industry (LABI) “2019 Free Enterprise Champion.”
“Thank you, Friday for all of your hard work and dedication to improving the lives of your family and community. The State needs more men like you, as always ‘Thank goodness it’s Friday.’” – Steven Waguespack, President & CEO, Louisiana Business and Industry
Ellis is someone who demonstrates exemplary commitment to the State’s economy and local communities. Ellis is a member of the Monroe Chamber of Commerce, Louisiana Catalyst Incubator (Board Member) and a 2019 Graduate of “Leadership Louisiana” coordinated by the Council for a Better Louisiana (CABL).
Ellis has been married for 18 years to Ashley Ellis, and they have three children, Friday III, Asher, and Aurie.