By: Wes Merriott, sobo.live
By all appearances, the District 5 race in Bossier City has become a contest between a lavishly funded political insider and a grassroots newcomer championing reform. Vince “Big Money” Maggio, an incumbent favorite of the city’s well-connected old guard, started the year with $8,000 in his campaign account. Between Jan. 1 and Feb. 17, he pulled in $26,100 in donations, loaned himself $25,000 at zero percent interest, and spent $10,100 on signs, advertising, and fundraising. In the process, Maggio ended up with more than $48,900 left to spend—an amount exceeding the combined campaigns funds of the city’s at-large candidates (Chris Smith, Craton Cochran, and Lee “Gunny” Jeter.)
Maggio’s financing reads like a directory of Bossier’s political elite. His notable contributors include the campaign accounts of Assessor Bobby Edmiston ($2,000) and City Councilman David Montgomery ($1,000). He also received $1,000 from Maddog Interests (Maddox and Hughes Insurance), an entity that has neglected to file its annual report since 2023, as well as $500 from Patrick Jackson’s law firm—Jackson being the attorney for the Bossier Parish Police Jury. The list continues: Greg Hall ($1,000), Sam Pullig ($2,000), Bossier City Engineer Ben Rauschenbach ($500), and City Attorney Charles Jacobs ($250). This formidable roster underscores Maggio’s deep ties to the political establishment.
One might wonder why a City Council candidate for a district of only 6,400 residents needs such a sizable war chest. Some suggest Maggio’s campaign is reacting to a palpable sense of vulnerability. Accusations of malfeasance circulated in a citywide letter-writing push to the district attorney, dampening Maggio’s popularity. With public confidence eroding, it seems he is hoping his vast financial resources will steady his foothold in District 5—a strategy reminiscent of other big-budget campaigns that ultimately failed to secure victory.
Enter Ruth Pope Johnston. A political newcomer and strong proponent of Bossier City term limits, she has raised less than $2,000 for her grassroots effort. Despite the modest finances, her campaign has been anything but inconspicuous. Day after day, Johnston and her army of stalwart supporters walk the streets, knock on doors, and meet citizens where they live and work. She paints a vibrant picture of a more accountable government, pledging to represent everyday people rather than powerful interests. Johnston’s eagerness to engage residents stands in stark contrast to Maggio’s glossy advertising blitz. Her approach recalls an era when politicians earned votes through face-to-face interactions instead of flashy endorsements and massive spending.
District 5’s showdown could echo a cautionary tale from national politics. Recall how Kamala Harris reportedly outspent Donald Trump nearly 3-to-1 in November—yet still faced a disappointing defeat. Money, for all its glitz and promise, never guarantees victory. Perhaps Maggio’s tens of thousands will paper over his problems, but it might also seem to highlight them in neon lights.
In the end, the outcome of this high-stakes local race will rest with the people of District 5. Will they pick the entrenched political figure flush with cash, or the grassroots newcomer who has walked their neighborhoods and listened to their concerns? On March 29, the voters will decide which vision for Bossier City prevails.