Naquin, Duhon campaign for St. Mary president

Two candidates seek the top executive position in a parish that the challenger said has been “stagnant” in terms of growth and jobs the past few years.

Paul Naquin Jr., the one-term St. Mary parish president, is running a re-election platform that focuses on flood protection, housing development and job creation. “Jobs, jobs, jobs,” he said of the top issue facing the parish.

The 70-year-old Baldwin resident said strides have been made in spurring home development and flood protection projects. The parish is currently working with a contractor who is looking to buy property in the Garden City area outside of Franklin, where 336 apartment units are being planned.

Regarding flood protection, Naquin said the parish is preparing to install a floodgate in the Franklin, Hanson and Yellow Bayou canals, and “We’re going to try to seek funds for some type of structure in Chene to protect flooding from Terrebonne, Lafourche, Assumption and lower St. Mary,” he said.

Gary Duhon, the 65-year-old challenger who pointed to a lack of growth in the parish, said he’s focused on economic development, jobs and housing development. He said a greater effort should be made in coercing people to move to the parish and build new subdivisions and apartment complexes, which would boost the economy and create jobs.

A contractor who resides in Morgan City, Duhon said he would also make an attempt to create a St. Mary-specific economic development group. “Right now, we belong to one with Lafourche and Assumption parishes, and I think it’s ineffective,” he said.

Duhon said the difference between him and his opponent is leadership. He said he helped develop a new port for Morgan City and create the St. Mary Parish Levee Board.

“I listen to all sides before I make decisions and I think I’m very fair,” Duhon said. “St. Mary Parish has been stagnant for the last few years in growth and in jobs, and I want to change that.”

Naquin said he’s the right candidate because of his experience.

“I’ve been in public service for the last 20 years,” he said. “I have the experience. I retired with Texaco after 31 years. I served on the St. Mary Parish School Board. I also own my own business, Naquin Termite Control. I am well qualified.”