Harrison, Castay list jobs, coastal erosion as priorities

One of many political newcomers during the Oct. 22 primary election has placed his sights on the Louisiana District 51 House of Representatives seat held an incumbent legislator.

Howard Castay of Morgan City is preparing to face off with state Rep. Joe Harrison of Napoleonville.

Jobs and flood protection highlight Castay’s list of priorities as he seeks his first-ever public office position. He said both issues can be dealt with by creative thinking.

“One of the things I plan on doing [to enhance employment prospects] is increasing tourism by working with the Louisiana Travel Promotional Association,” Castay said. “Another thing is to work closely with [the Terrebonne Parish Economic Authority] as well as the St. Mary Parish Chamber of Commerce, the St. Mary Parish Industrial Group, and the Houma, Thibodaux, Assumption and Lafourche Chambers of Commerce. We need a network to showcase the area and we got to pool our efforts.”

A second issue for Castay is the combination of flood protection and coastal restoration. With this he envisions incorporating concerns with celebrity influence.

“I think that Hollywood seems to have gotten seriously involved in rehabbing housing in New Orleans from [Hurricane] Katrina,” Castay said. “I don’t know if anyone has made contact with those folks about getting involved in coastal restoration.”

The political challenger said he would also support efforts to take sediment from the Atchafalaya River in Morgan City and transfer it to needed marshland areas of Terrebonne Parish.

Harrison also identified coastal restoration as a concern and coupled it with meeting needs of the seafood industry.

As chairman of the BP Claims Committee, Harrison said he intends to make sure District 51 lands its rightful share of promised financial compensation. “We have to stand our ground because the government is looking at dividing [BP funds] equally,” he said.

Harrison said that addressing insurance costs is another concern that must be addressed in Baton Rouge, with solutions made for settling claims and avoiding frivolous lawsuits.

Castay said because he has not been involved in politics, he is not interested in increasing his government pay. “I’m there to fight for what is right,” he said. “I’m fighting for the little guy.”

Harrison said his knowledge in both the public and private sector offers him and edge in the working of state government. “If you know the basics of government on the local level, you can understand what we need in the state,” he said. “I write a substantial number of bills, but they have substance and are not the ones like naming the state cookie or other bills that just take up time.”

Both candidates believe their combined business and civic involvement offer an edge that others might not have. Each also contends he is best equipped to lead for the next legislative term.

Meet the Candidates

HOWARD CASTAY JR.

AGE: 48

PARTY: No Party

OCCUPATION: Business owner

EDUCATION: LSU

FAMILY: Married, three children

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: None

JOE HARRISON

AGE: 59

PARTY: Republican

OCCUPATION: Financial planner

EDUCATION: Nicholls State University

FAMILY: Married, two children

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Assumption Parish Police Jury, Assumption Parish School Board, Louisiana Republican Party Central Committee, State Representative District 51