Tyrin Truong

Tyrin Truong
Tyrin Truong in 2023
Tyrin Truong in 2023
Mayor of Bogalusa, Louisiana
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 8, 2023
Preceded byWendy Perrette
Personal details
Born (1999-06-10) June 10, 1999 (age 25)
Mandeville, Louisiana
WebsiteOfficial Website

Tyrin Truong (born June 10, 1999) is an American politician serving as the Mayor of Bogalusa, Louisiana. Elected in 2022 at the age of 23, he is the youngest mayor in the city's history.[1]

Early life and education

Tyrin Truong was born on June 10, 1999, in Mandeville, Louisiana. He graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a degree in African and African American Studies, minoring in Political Science.[2][3]

Political career

In 2022, at the age of 23, Tyrin Truong was elected as the mayor of Bogalusa, defeating the two-term incumbent Wendy Perrette.[4] Truong decided to run for office after hearing numerous complaints about the quality of life in his hometown, including crime, a lack of youth programs, and struggling businesses.[3]

Policies and initiatives

Youth Crime Initiative

Truong has been actively addressing the issue of youth crime in Bogalusa, focusing on community engagement and preventive measures.[1]

Economic development

Tyrin Truong has launched several economic initiatives aimed at revitalizing the local economy and creating job opportunities in Bogalusa. One notable program is "Better Bogalusa," which provides educational and recreational activities for the city’s youth.[3]

Financial compliance

In April 2024, the state legislative auditor reported that Bogalusa was not in compliance with state audit laws, which affected the city's ability to receive state and federal funds. Truong cited the lack of proper transition from the previous administration as a significant challenge and has been working to rectify the situation.[5]

Police department reforms

Faced with crime and financial problems, Truong proposed dissolving the city's police department and transferring responsibilities to the Washington Parish Sheriff's Office. This proposal was part of a broader effort to reform law enforcement and address budget constraints.[6]

Personal life

Truong has a young son and is planning to get engaged.[4] His grandfather was a Vietnamese immigrant who fought in the Vietnam War, and his mother is a U.S. Army veteran.[2][4]

References

  1. ^ a b Poulter, Brandon (2023-04-30). "Bogalusa's youngest mayor confronts youth crime problem". Louisiana Illuminator. Retrieved 2023-10-02.
  2. ^ a b "From Student Union to City Hall". Arts & Sciences. Washington University in St. Louis. 2023-03-06. Retrieved 2023-10-02.
  3. ^ a b c Source Staff, Source (2023-03-06). "Back to Bogalusa". The Source. Washington University in St. Louis. Retrieved 2023-10-02.
  4. ^ a b c Palermo, Jeff (2022-11-10). "23 year old ousts two term mayor of Bogalusa". Louisiana Radio Network. Retrieved 2024-03-24.
  5. ^ McDaniel, Mike (2024-04-22). "Bogalusa not getting state money due to lack of compliance". WWL. Retrieved 2024-06-23.
  6. ^ "Facing crime and financial problems, Bogalusa weighs dropping its police department". Ground News. 2023-12-01. Retrieved 2024-06-23.