Randolph announces bid for 3rd presidency term

Lafourche Parish President Charlotte Randolph has announced that she is seeking a fourth term in office, citing a desire to further what she cites as unprecedented success in the parish’s economic growth.

“The northern part of our parish has seen a tremendous increase in new subdivision development with hundreds of new homes,” Randolph said in a prepared statement announcing her candidacy. “Our central area has significant new home development plus over $200 million dollars in new industrial infrastructure. South Lafourche continues to shine with essential billion-dollar oil and gas activity at Port Fourchon, the Leonard Miller Airport and the continued growth around Highway 3235.”

Randolph said she can easily stand on a record of accomplishment, and noted that businesses and residents “are currently paying a lower overall tax rate for parish services than when I took office. Yet the number of projects has increased tenfold.”

The primary election will be held Oct. 24.

Over $100 million in investment on streets, pumps stations and drainage paid for with local taxes and also money from state and federal sources was cited by Randolph as further proof that her administration has continued meeting the needs of the parish throughout her tenure.

“New bridges cross Bayou Lafourche in Larose, Gheens and Thibodaux, thanks to our work with area legislators,” Randolph said. “We’re currently working with the state and the port commission for an industrial airport corridor in Galliano.”

The parish’s favorable bond rating, Randolph said, has been an important factor in what she cites as success.

“This has allowed us to finance new projects and refinance older projects at a much better rate, saving taxpayers millions of dollars,” she said.

Recreation programs including the highly-praised Lafourche on the Move for seniors, walking tracks and boat launches are abundant, Randolph said, and coastal restoration projects have flourished, over $250 million worth currently underway. Randolph said her ability to work well with state and federal officials has contributed greatly to some of those, and that her continued stewardship of the parish will result in more for the same reason.

“With progress, challenges remain,” Randolph said. “And I am committed to putting forth the time and effort to continuously improve our great parish. The next four years will be very important for Lafourche Parish, with the fluctuations in the price of crude oil and the resulting layoffs, and budget problems in Baton Rouge and Washington. Experience will matter.”

Randolph said she welcomes public forums, and is inviting all candidates who may be seeking her job – or others – to help coordinate a series of such gatherings throughout Lafourche.

“I first ran for office in 2003 because, like many people in Lafourche Parish, I was disappointed with the direction of our parish and of our parish government,” Randolph said. “Since then, Lafourche has moved from a parish in turmoil, no budgets, no administrators, very little work being done, to a parish others look to model. We can look to the past and see how far we’ve come … There is only one true goal, to do what is right for Lafourche.”