Terrebonne Dist. 1 reshaped by re-districting

Term-limited Terrebonne Parish Councilman Alvin Tillman will complete his 12-year stint representing District 1 at the completion of this year. He leaves open that position to a field of five newcomers to elected office, each preparing for the Oct. 22 primary election.

A group of life-long Terrebonne Parish residents, the five Democrats include Edward Davis Jr., John Navy, Clark Nixon, Daniel Turner and Tyrone Turner Sr.

Identifying what they view as the most pressing issues for District 1, the majority of these candidates agreed that crime and drainage concern them the most.

As part of his personal community involvement in the fields of education and business, Navy said he had already been working with law enforcement to address crime in hot spot areas of the district.

“I’m looking to increase police patrols and activate the [Houma Police] substation on the east side,” Navy said. “I’d also like to put cameras in hot spots.”

Tyrone Turner said if elected he also intends to work closely with the Terrebonne Parish Sheriff’s Office and Houma Police Department in deterring crime.

Nixon suggested that addressing crime involves making a lasting impression on area youths. “We need an outreach for the kids,” he said. “I would establish recreational activities.”

Regarding drainage, Tyrone Turner suggested that offered the opportunity he would keep an open mind when it comes to solutions. “I’m going to find out what can be done,” he said.

Daniel Turner said that he views drainage as his main issue and wants to investigate federal avenues to cover local needs. “I would get federal money to straighten out the problem and work with people that have the expertise to get it done,” he said.

Navy said that he views dealing with drainage as starting on the most basic levels. “We need to help our drainage department to improve maintenance like cleaning culverts and removing debris,” he said. “We have approved drainage projects, but our pumps are outdated. We need to improve changing our pump stations and looking at building better levees.”

Davis said the does not consider one issue more significant than another, but wants to address crime, drainage and affordable housing based on where it is most needed.

“I want to address all problems equally,” Davis said. “I would operate with what I call the Three P’s. I got the patience to know the issues don’t get resolved overnight. I can be persistent with the issues. And I have passion to know what you are doing for the community affects the whole district.”

When it comes to what separates each man from the field of contenders in this race, Davis said he wants to encourage community-based activities. “I want to get people out meeting their neighbors,” he said.

Nixon said he wants to be a role model, and Daniel Turner said his being an active participant in community activities offers him insight.

Tyrone Turner said as a former detective for the Terrebonne Parish sheriff’s Office and a retired firefighter he has an understanding of public service, and Navy said his working as a guidance counselor and business owner offers him insight in working with a variety of people.