Vauncille Armand
January 16, 2019
Kevin Ledet
January 17, 2019
Even, though the primary election is nine months away on Oct 12, the Lafourche Parish Ballot is already shaping up with three candidates who have announced their intentions to challenge Incumbent Pariah President Jimmy Cantrelle, for his job.
But Cantrelle. who will dose an initial term as parish president this fall, said he is not bothered by the others.
“My record speaks for itself; far instance, since I took office, I have been able to bring $500 million in Coastal Protection and Restoration Funds to Lafourche Pariah, over the past three years, while serving as a member of the CPRA Board (Coastal Protection Restoration Authority.” Cantrelle said.
“Another example is the $7 million I saved the pariah by rebuilding oar pumps instead of replacing them with new ones.”
Cantrelle said the pariah has 61 pump stations, and when he took office about 50 percent of them were working. Now. about 80 percent of them are.
Our drainage problems are one of the big reasons why I am seeking reelection. Yon cannot solve 90 years of drainage problems in just three years,” he said.
Despite Cantrelle’s record, Luci Sposito, Joe Pertitta and Archie Chaisson III believe they can do a better job.
Sposito, who currently serves as District 2 Councilman, and who served as Council Chairman in 2015, said she plans to help lobby far funds at the state and federal levels to secure bunds needed to restore and protect the state coastline. She will end her first term on the council this year.
“Every hour. Louisiana is
losing almost a football field of wetlands and that loss leaves us vulnerable to storms and threatens our livelihood,” Sposito said.
“T will also help lobby far funds to finish raising LA Hwyl.” she said, explaining that uninterrupted access to Port Fourchon is extremely important to the pariah economy and frankly, to the country.
“Again, I believe we can secure state and federal dollars because Port Fourchrm provides the United States with stout 18 percent of the nation’s oil supply”” she said.
Regarding drainage. Sposi-to said, “We have to peacefully coexist with the water that surrounds us, and I want us to develop subdivisions wisely by creating and utilizing a comprehensive plan.”
When it comes to managing the parish, she said ultimately the key to success is communication and cooperation
“To manage OUT challenges;, I plan to listen to and work closely with elected officials, business owners, residents and officials from neighboring parishes.” she said.
“A new Lafourche will be born from a relentless pursuit by all, to sustain what we have, rebuild what we’ve lost and our expectations of unlimited possibilities,” Sposito said.
Former Lafourche Parish Councilman Joseph “Joe” Fertitta believes there needs to be complete transparency in the pariah presidents office, and he said transparency is just one of the leadership skills he will bring to the job.
“Something is wrong when over the past three years, an average of 7 out of 9 councilman continually vote against what you are trying to accomplish.” Fertitta said.
“I served for 12 years as the Lafourche Parish District 4 Councilman. My experience, coupled with my leadership skills and abilities, can create a work environment that is team and consensus building.” he said.
Fertitta said in the past years, the pariah has faced many struggles such as: declining revenues, the closing of businesses a loss of jobs, a vanishing coastline and flooding.
“But the biggest overall concern expressed to me by folks from throughout this parish, is to have a pariah government that can work together to solve problems, and we haven t bad that” Fertitta said, with the present administration.
Former Lafourche Parish Administrator Archie Chais-son in. said Lafourche Parish needs to be redirected to serve its residents and the community, and not politics.
“I have a long term vision for Lafourche Pariah that will focus on economic resiliency, local tax reform, drainage improvements, coastal restoration and recreation. Each part of this plan is critical for the success of our pariah and making it a place where people want to live, work and play. It will allow us to become more financially stable and improve the quality of life for our residents,” Chaisson said.
Currently Public Works Director for the City of Thibodaux, Chaisson said. “I don’t like what I see happening in this current pariah administration. I haven’t for quite some time.” he said.
Chiasson previously served as Lafourche Parish Administrator under former Parish President Charlotte Randolph’s administration.
While the next four years are important to all of us. if s even more important that we begin to set a standard upon which we can continue to grow year after year. Setting a standard that allows our children and grandchildren the opportunity to live and thrive here Justus we do today.” he said.
‘The election for Lafourche Parish President is Oct. 12, 2019.’
