Harry Crochet
May 5, 2011
T-PT wins 4th Newspaper of Year honor
May 9, 2011
Two Republican contenders have officially announced their individual intentions to seek state level public office, each for the first time, and have an eye on the term-limited District 21 Senate seat being vacated by Democrat D.A. “Butch” Gautreaux.
Sugar cane farmer Bret Allain, 52, of Adeline, and Tri-Parish Times owner Darrin Guidry, 45, of Houma, both point to economic advancement as a priority in their campaigns and note that it tops the region’s agenda.
Allain represents an established agricultural family line along Bayou Teche. He is an LSU graduate and has participated in business ventures that include land development as well as the oil and gas industry.
“[We need] more economic development for all the district,” Allain said. “That’s going to be my No. 1 thing.”
Allain serves on the Interstate 49 Task Force and contends further development and a national interstate designation for that roadway would substantially help in attracting industry to the region. He is also a member of the Agricultural finance Authority.
Married to his wife, Kim, for 25 years, they have three children and are members of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Baldwin.
Allain said his many years as an experienced businessman and common sense are the top elements he brings to the race.
Guidry threw his hat in the ring with a platform of economic development, increased flood protection and improved education.
“After touring the district and speaking with hundreds of citizens, the message has become loud and clear, we need someone in the Louisiana Senate who fights for conservative principles, leads our economy back to strength and builds an effective government … I am that person,” Guidry said in a printed statement.
Guidry is owner of the Guidry Group, which publishes the Gumbo Entertainment Guide and the Tri-Parish Times.
Originally from Patterson, Guidry is a graduate of Central Catholic High School in Morgan City, and made his career in broadcast and print media.
Guidry serves on the Terrebonne Levee and Conservation District board and is on the Terrebonne Economic Development Authority Board of Commissioners. He has been active in a number of business and civic-related organizations.
Guidry and his wife, Pamela, have been married 18 years and have one son. They are members of Maria Immacolata Catholic Church in Houma.
“I will fight the Obama Administration’s attempt to cripple our oil and gas industry with moratoriums, permitoriums and higher taxes,” Guidry said.
Upon announcing his candidacy, Guidry turned over management of the Tri-Parish Times and Gumbo Entertainment Guide to his wife, and daily operations to Managing Editor Shell Armstrong.
Gautreaux has filled the District 21 state Senate seat since this election in 2000. Before that, he served in the state House of Representatives from 1996 until 2000.
Gautreaux has been listed as being a self-employed industrial contractor since 1977.
