LETTER TO THE EDITOR THE TIMES

PETER CLAVER GAVE US A GOOD EXAMPLE OF HOW WE SHOULD TREAT OTHERS
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Swamp tour legend "Black" Guidry dies
September 26, 2017
PETER CLAVER GAVE US A GOOD EXAMPLE OF HOW WE SHOULD TREAT OTHERS
September 26, 2017
Swamp tour legend "Black" Guidry dies
September 26, 2017

September 18, 2017

To all Citizens of Terrebonne Parish:

Last Wednesday, September 13, 2017, I attended the Terrebonne Parish Consolidated Government Council meeting, and I want to begin by thanking those council members and our Parish President who believe in the quality of life efforts and advocacy of the Houma-Terrebonne chamber of Commerce. The mission of our Chamber is “Uniting Community and Building a Better Terrebonne.” This is exactly the purpose of our efforts towards the recreational system, especially the Bayou Country Sports Park (a.k.a. Field of Dreams). Becoming more vigilant about how we spend the tax payers’ money and the recreational facilities we maintain and develop are paramount to attracting indus try and workers to our area.


I recently had a conversation with a local physician who is in the midst of expanding his clinics. The majority of the conversation was on how difficult it was for him to recruit new specialty doctors to our area simply because there are little to no cultural activities in the area. We do provide some recreational activities for children in sports, however we are lacking in activities for others, the parents and older generation.

The ordinance presented during the meeting by Councilman John Navy was to have been a way to concretize the oversight of Recreation District 11 where there is much to be done. I believe the boards of the recreational districts are doing the very best they can with the information they have available. What the chamber is asking is for the parish government and the recreational boards to broaden their horizons and think beyond the way it has always been done.

Our parish president, Gordon Dove, and council members, John Navy, Arlanda Williams, Darrin Guidry, and Al Marmande have the vision of a broader quality of life and were trying open the doors to this vision. Also at the meeting, Mr. Dove requested Recreation District 2-3 use some of its $3.9 million on deposit and help fund a portion of the Bayou Country Sports Park in its district. We understand that confirmation has been given and by April 2018 the girls’ softball fields will be operational. That is just the first small step before the full Master Plan vision of the park is completed. This community park needs the support of the entire community in all the recreation districts.


I’d like to give a special shout out to Councilman Al Marmande, who in the face of adversity from members of the recreation district in his area, chose to vote for the ordinance. He cited that he felt this was for the betterment of Terrebonne Parish and was going to vote for the good of the Parish and not just his district. My hope is we all adopt an attitude of “the common good.” What’s best for our community? Can we unite in building a better Terrebonne, not just a better district?

Just how can we build a better recreational system for Terrebonne Parish?

• Adopt the philosophy that recreation is a quality of life issue for all age groups.


Be open minded about the ancillary benefits for economic development with a well-run, well developed recreational system.

Give up defensiveness, financial oversight is a way to be frugal and responsible with the taxpayer’s money.

Become transparent, inform the public – have nothing to hide.


Currently additional tax proposals for recreation cannot be supported.

Follow a strategic plan for maintenance and expansion.

Let’s work together – moving recreation forward.


The Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce is committed to improving the quality of life in Terrebonne Parish. We will continue to post updates on our website, www.houmachamber.com. We call on all citizens to get involved, partner with the chamber, and unite our community.

In the spirit of Community, Kate Theriot, MPS, BCC 2017 Houma-Terrebonne Chamber Board Chairperson