Dec. 8 vote to decide levees, local leaders

Terrebonne voters to decide Morganza sales tax
November 28, 2012
Another year, another budget shortfall
November 28, 2012
Terrebonne voters to decide Morganza sales tax
November 28, 2012
Another year, another budget shortfall
November 28, 2012

Just when you thought election activity was over for awhile, here is a reminder – it is not.


Presidential selection, state constitutional matters and term limits being set for school board members were among the decisions made by Tri-parish voters on Nov. 6.


Yet, one more visit to the polling place holds significance from Congressional to municipal representation, freshwater cost coverage and storm-surge protection for Lafourche, St. Mary and Terrebonne citizens.

Leading the ballot in all three parishes is a decision between Democrat William C. Dupont, of Plaquemine and Republican Mitch Theriot, of Raceland. Both men seek a bench seat on the 1st Circuit Court of Appeals, Dist. 1, Div. B.


Voters in Lockport will decide between Sharon Robichaux Guidry and Ralph Sapia as they both seek Div. 8 Town Council membership.


Golden Meadow voters will choose two people among Mike Billiot, Troy Dufrene, Lindberg “Bap” Loraine Jr. and Pricilla Mounic to set on that town council.

Voters in the Bayou Lafourche Fresh Water District are being asked to accept or reject a 2.11 millage tax for 20 years, and the North Lafourche Conservation District is asking voters to consider a 1 percent sales tax for the next 20 years.


St. Mary Parish voters will be among those in the newly drawn 10-parish 3rd Congressional District as Reps. Charles Boustany and Jeff Landry face-off for a return to Washington.

In Morgan City, candidate businessmen Lee Dragna and Frank “Boo” Grizzaffi will see voters select that community’s next mayor.

The proposed adoption of a half-cent sales tax to finance completion of an interior Morganza to the Gulf storm surge protection system awaits a decision from Terrebonne Parish voters.

Electon turnout during the Nov. 6 contest was 69 percent for both Lafourche and St. Mary parishes. Terrebonne Parish participation, at 66 percent, was lower than its neighbors and Louisiana’s 67 percent, but all three parishes exceeded the typical turnout that averages 56 percent.

Unfortunately, runoff elections tend to have lower participation among qualified voters than general balloting – almost 50 percent less.

It does not matter how important an issue is, the trend finds that fewer people actively decide, for better or worse, how life will be for the non-participating majority.

By policy, we will not endorse nor discourage any candidate or cause appearing on a ballot in this column.

However, we do recognize critical elements that require as much public participation as possible. Do not let someone else decide your fate for you. Vote.