Dist. 53 credentials differ

Candidates for the Louisiana House of Representatives District 53 seat identify hurricane protection and jobs among their top priorities as they vie for a position opened with the term-limited departure of state Rep. Damon Baldone.

Theresa Ellender practices electrolysis and touts herself a life-long Republican. She is involved in organizations associated with her profession and political philosophy.

Lenar Whitney also voices her long-term relationship with the Republican Party and identifies herself as a common sense candidate.

Billy Hebert, who currently sits on the Terrebonne Parish Council, is an accountant by profession and contends that he switched from being a Democrat to the Republican Party following implementation of the deepwater drilling moratorium.

Ellender said for her hurricane protection and drainage are primary concerns, that once properly addressed would prompt economic growth. “I’m not going [to Baton Rouge] as a lone voice,” she said. “I’m going to work in conjunction with parish government and in unison with the delegation from this area to bring back funds to continue the hurricane protection projects.”

Hebert agreed on the need to continue building on the Morganza to the Gulf project. “I believe a state rep should secure funding for a completion date and have it completed before the next storm,” he said. Hebert said he would also want to secure Interstate 49 completion and the designating of the current U.S. Highway 90 as a hurricane evacuation route.

Whitney views job creation and revisions to the tax structure with the reduction of sales taxes and franchise taxes as her top concerns. “Jobs are No. 1 and bringing back economic development to Terrebonne Parish,” she said.

As for why each candidate believes they have an edge over the others, Ellender said she understands the workings of government. “I’m the only small government conservative running,” she said.

Hebert said he has 23 years experience in appointed and elected government positions and knows how to work through the system to satisfy voters. “I have proven experience and results,” he said.

“I have an industrial background with working industry fabrication sales and finding jobs for others,” Whitney said. She added that in the job market offers her insight necessary to fill the state house seat.

Meet the Candidates

THERESA ELLENDER

AGE: 52

PARTY: Republican

OCCUPATION: Electrolysis

EDUCATION: University of Alabama

FAMILY: Married

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Louisiana State Board of Electrolysis Examiners

BILLY HEBERT

AGE: 65

PARTY: Republican

OCCUPATION: Accountant, business owner

EDUCATION: Nicholls State University

FAMILY: Married with three children

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Waterworks Board; Bayou Cane Fire Protection District; Terrebonne Parish Council

LENAR WHITNEY

AGE: 52

PARTY: Republic

Occupation: Business Owner, Sales Representative

EDUCATION: Nicholls State University

FAMILY: Married, two children

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: None