Baton Rouge Union of Local Police 237 Endorses THRIVE EBR Ballot Initiative

BATON ROUGE, LA - Thursday, October 2, 2025 - The Baton Rouge Union of Police Local 237 has formally endorsed the THRIVE EBR initiative, joining other community leaders and organizations in supporting the plan that will appear on the ballot on November 15, 2025.

In a letter to Mayor-President Sid Edwards, Union President Brandon L. O'Neal announced that the membership of Local 237 voted to back THRIVE EBR, citing its promise of "greater local government efficiency, an improvement in services to our citizens, and cost savings that can be passed on to the taxpayer."

"Local 237 believes in and stands behind this plan. Local 237's membership is excited to see a fresh start with new ideas," wrote O'Neal. "We hope you remain aware that our membership appreciates your administration's support of our members and your focus on the well-being of police officers."

The Baton Rouge Union of Police endorsement underscores the initiative's potential to improve services and strengthen partnerships between local government and law enforcement.

Other prominent agencies/officials who have endorsed the THRIVE EBR initiative include:

• All twelve Metropolitan Councilmembers
• Wade Evans, Mayor of Central
• Dustin Yates, Mayor of St. George
• David McDavid, Mayor of Zachary
• Office of the East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney
• Baton Rouge Professional Firefighters Association
• East Baton Rouge Parish Republican Party
• East Baton Rouge Democratic Party
• Louisiana American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations
• East Baton Rouge Parish Library System
• EBR Council on Aging
• EBR Mosquito Abatement and Rodent Control

Mayor-President Edwards expressed appreciation for the union's support, noting the importance of collaboration with first responders.

"I am grateful for the endorsement of the Baton Rouge Union of Police," said Edwards. "Their trust in the vision of THRIVE EBR reflects our shared commitment to a safer, more efficient, and more effective local government that delivers for the people of East Baton Rouge Parish."

The THRIVE EBR initiative will be on the ballot for East Baton Rouge Parish voters on November 15, 2025. The plan consists of three separate millage renewals by the EBRP Library System, the Council on Aging, and the Mosquito Abatement and Rodent Control agencies that address critical infrastructure needs and pay down existing debt without new taxes.