Several people from Bogalusa ties have been named to committees and staff positions within Gov.-elect John Bel Edwards’ administration.

Former Bogalusa Mayor Toye Taylor will serve as Edwards’ deputy chief of staff for intergovernmental affairs.

Taylor has also served on the Bogalusa City Council and as Washington Parish President. He currently serves as the Assistant Director of Municipal Affairs at the Louisiana Municipal Association.

From 2008-2012, he served as Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs for the Office of the Governor.

Chief Deputy Mike Haley of the Washington Parish Sheriff’s Office was named to Edwards’ Public Safety Transition Committee.

This committee will make recommendations to reduce generational poverty challenges that result from chronic incarceration; address the continued presence of Louisiana State Police in New Orleans and the proper funding of State Police salaries and retirement from outside of the Capital Outlay Budget; and assess the ways in which we protect life, property, and public safety under state authority during times of natural disaster and other emergencies.

Also, another person with parish ties was recently named to Edwards’ K-12 Education Committee.

Mary Jones, director of curriculum for Washington Parish Schools, was named to the committee.

This committee will examine issues pertinent to public education including curriculum, assessments, funding, and teacher, school and district accountability.  The committee will also be tasked with developing strategies to promote high quality educational choices for all students.