Dist. 2 candidates talk drainage

All four candidates in the crowded race for a council seat in Lafourche Parish’s 2nd District said the top issue is improving the drainage system.

As Louisiana continues to succumb to coastal erosion, even Lafourche’s northernmost district is feeling the effects and is starting to see issues with saltwater intrusion and floodwater draining.

Jared LaJaunie, a 31-year-old business owner from Chackbay, said he would implement “common sense” approaches like dredging canals and adhering to a plan that would install pump stations to work in a system. “It wouldn’t be a silver bullet, but it would be a start,” he said.

LaJaunie is the youngest of the four contenders, something he said works in his favor.

“I’m younger than most of the candidates, and I think that will be to my benefit,” LaJaunie said. “I think I can bring a different perspective than what’s been there in the past. I think I’ll bring some fresh ideas and a new energy to the Council that hasn’t been there in a long time.”

Michael Delatte, the two-term incumbent, said the parish is already working to improve the drainage system and he intends to “keep on the course we’re on.”

“We have six new pump stations planned in my area for 2012 that are going to go up, and we need to maintain what we have and address the flooding problems that we have as they arise because flooding will always be an issue in Louisiana,” Delatte, 55, said.

Delatte said his experience makes him the best choice. He said he understands the behind-the-scenes aspects of serving on the Council, such as finance, politics, and dealing with state and federal entities in an appropriate and patient manner.

“Some people don’t understand that you have to be patient in government and you have to keep chipping away at it,” he said. “If there were quick fixes, it would have all been done years ago.”

Jonathon Rodrigue, an equipment operator and sugar cane transporter, said he hasn’t seen enough progress during Delatte’s tenure to be satisfied.

“Sugar Ridge was in the same condition eight years ago as it is now,” Rodrigue, 57, said. “There is water everywhere. The cane fields are under water. The Choupic area, you’ve got levees that are halfway finished and there is no drainage pumps.”

Rodrigue said he would address every concern of his would-be constituents, and that’s what he feels makes him the right choice.

“My actions speak louder than words,” he said. “I’ve worked hard all my life. Nobody has ever given me anything. That’s what I bring to the table for the people of our community.”

Brady Brock, a 49-year-old electrician with Dow Chemical, said the key to solving the drainage issues is to maintain the current system. “They need to start cleaning the canals and all the tributaries going to it, and they need to upgrade pumps,” he said.

Brock said his professional experience makes him the best candidate to solve the drainage woes.

“I have electrical mechanical background and I’m an electrician,” Brock said. “I’m pretty good as far as hydraulics. Plus, I have several people I know in politics. That would help get the grants on the state level.”