With the aid of his fellow cohorts, freshman legislator Rep. Patrick Williams has managed to win state legislature approval that would provide for future pedestrian safety at a north Shreveport busy highway.

     Williams, who recently replaced Cedric Glover as the District 4 representative, now awaits a decision by state highway transportation officials as to whether a crosswalk or signal light will be placed in the 4600 block of North Market Street.

     During the past nine months, two children ages 9 and 11 have died after being struck by vehicles as the children attempted to cross the busy street. In the most recent accident, 9 year old Jermaine Henderson died on June II. Samantha Johnson died at the scene after she was struck by a vehicle on September 28 of 2006.

     Williams proposed legislation originally asked that lawmakers place a signal light at the North Market intersection. At that time, Williams said he was aware that District A City Council member Calvin Lester also had requested that officials at the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) place a signal light there.

     Traffic studies reveal that most motorists disobey speed laws along North Market where a public library and convenience store are located.

     Williams also proposed that an elevated crosswalk be constructed along a stretch of North Market, which is state highway.

     On the senate side, Williams said he is pleased that Sen. Lydia Jackson successfully amended his resolution to ask that the DOTD evaluate and construct an appropriate "safety modification" at the North Market location.

     "This was a collaborative effort," Williams told the Sun. "We don't have a time table yet as to when a safety modification will be placed there. We won't let this sit there. We will move on this. We had to do something."

     On March 31, Williams, who defeated Larry Ferdinand to earn the right to serve out Glover's term in the legislature, said he never thought about the fact that he was a freshman in House.

     "God has given me favor," said Williams. “I was able to establish myself down there. I was able to attach to other people, saving a life is worth anything that we do."

     Williams, who was appointed to the House and Governmental Affairs Committee, is seeking a four-year term as the, District 4 representative in the October 20 elections.