Permitting, streets Dist. 5

Candidates for the 5th Lafourche Parish Council District are split on the most pressing issue facing their district. The incumbent believes the most pressing matter is the permits department, and the challenger said the Bayou Blue area he would represent needs safer roads.

Matt Matherne, 75, of Bourg, was unavailable for comment, but he did pass along a message that said he would make the permits department his top priority if elected.

“Our permits system is by far the biggest issue, and I would start to create a new permit system when I’m elected,” the incumbent said in his message.

John Arnold, 37, of Gray, said the Bayou Blue area is in need of safer roads for residents who wish to walk or ride their bikes along the streets.

“It’s a state matter that we’ve got to deal with to get it done, but it takes someone on parish council to get the whole council to stand behind him to hear the voice of the community to get our roads and levees and community safer,” Arnold said.

The challenger refused to be specific about his plans, but he said he has studied it and the public will know whenever he presents it, which he will do whether he is elected or not.

Matherne said his “experience, knowledge and ability” make him the right choice. Matherne has served three nonconsecutive terms on the council.

Arnold’s community involvement separates him from Matherne, Arnold said.

“I’m a real person that’s out here in the community doing stuff hands-on, and I’m not just doing it for the glory of being on the council,” he said. “I’m doing it to really be here to help.”

The 5th District includes Bayou Blue, Gray and Point-aux-Chenes. A detailed map can be found on the Lafourche Parish Registrar of Voters website at www.lafourcherov.org.