Johnny Pecoraro

When making the decision to run for Mayor, Johnny Pecoraro’s friends questioned if he had lost his mind, to which he replied “That may be the case, but I’m not going to stop until I have given it my best run because I know I will make a difference for the good of Hammond!”

Regarding Johnny’s Mayoral goals, he has vision for the City of Hammond which will bring the city to the next level. Johnny explains “Crime is a major concern we must address utilizing experienced leadership which I will hire on day one of my administration. Additionally, crime cameras,

proper lighting, and state-of-the-art equipment to combat our crime issues. We must not be held hostage in a town of 22,000 people by even one so-called gang.”

Johnny has operated a business in downtown Hammond for 18 years and states, “Love for retail has always been my passion. One of my priorities is to attract both the retail and commercial businesses that are the best fit for our community’s needs. I also believe in the respect of neighborhoods when commercial buildings are brought here. For instance, Medline is great for the city, but I would have ‘respected the community’ with a different look of the building on the visible sides that face the neighborhood.”

Having traveled extensively, Johnny appreciates when towns and cities prioritize and take pride in their assets. “I want Hammond to be a destination city with improved lighting like Fairhope, Alabama, and Natchitoches. We are an oasis of a city just two touchdowns behind, and I will put us on the map even better than before.”

Taking Hammond to the next level doesn’t only apply to safety, aesthetics, and business growth. He states “I am a firm believer in term limits. ‘Time for Change’ has been one of the strongest issues I campaign on. I would work to change the city charter back to 8-year limits for any Mayor, “This election is not about my opponents, this election is about YOU; my fellow citizens and neighbors, and your confidence in the goals and visions I believe our city needs now. I also believe the most underappreciated assets in town are our airport and Southeastern Louisiana University. I have a great relationship with SLU, and I understand the importance they have to the success of our city.”

When Johnny first considered running for mayor, his mother was his first champion. “My mom as many of you know died the night I announced my candidacy for Mayor. We had great talks the week before she died, and she said it best. ‘Do what you have always done and show your love for the city you love by making it better and more beautiful than it is now. You have been blessed your whole life with making things better and more beautiful. Don’t stop now’.”

So, here’s to you mom, we are doing our best to do exactly that. My love for Hammond is why I am in this race to prove to everyone that I can and will achieve all my visions and goals for the city I call home -- Hammond, America.

Johnny is dedicating this run for mayor to his mom, who said, “I will always be by your side in spirit.” Johnny states, "I won’t disappoint you or her, and you have my promise and commitment to 'Taking Hammond to The Next Level.'”

"My roots run as deep as the Oak tree roots, which I stand on today. I am fortunate to know what family means, and I am so thankful that my grandmother understood the value of “Red Gravy Sundays” which held our family together. Family is everything, and I hope to work with our local churches and local organizations to keep this tradition alive.

I'm blessed to remember downtown Hammond when the Christmas parade came all the way downtown. I remember working at Ferrara Shoe Store while attending college and shopping downtown every Saturday at J.C. Penney’s, FW Woolworth, TG&Y, Sears Roebuck and so many more great stores. I remember the Ritz and Columbia Theaters and leaving my bike unchained and leaving my front door open all the time. I can promise you the Christmas parade will come back down the main street the entire route. There will be another Italian grocery store and a downtown bakery. I owe this to my ancestors to finish the dream or maintain the dream they came here for. Together, we will make a difference and take Hammond to the NEXT LEVEL. The time for CHANGE is here…!