Frank B. Blackburn 1983-1984

Until a special election could be held in April 1984, Frank Blackburn was appointed acting mayor after Mayor Anding died suddenly in September of 1983.

Mayor Blackburn graduated from Bossier High School and attended Centenary College. He was a Bossier City Councilman & local businessman who owned Blackburn Radiator Shop for eighteen years.

Blackburn claimed that his pet peeves were “poor city streets and bad railroad crossings.” While seated as President of the City Council, he worked to alleviate traffic tie-ups at railroad crossings. He remained outspoken on such issues as drainage, road problems, and needs of the elderly.

Blackburn continued to push for funding for the construction of the first section of the Red River Parkway. He also saw the need for the continued building of the municipal complex envisioned by Mayor Anding.

Sources:

• Eric Brock, “Seven Mayors Led Bossier’s Second Half-Century,” Shreveport Times, 5 December 1998, sec. A, 13.
• “Anding dies; temporary mayor picked,” Shreveport Times, 12 September 1983, sec. A, 2.
• “Bossier Council names Blackburn acting mayor,” Shreveport Journal, 12 September, 1983, sec A, 4-5.
• “Frank Blackburn: Bossier mayor seeks smooth transition,” Shreveport Times, 25 September 1983, sec A, 3.