Letter: M.C. races demand attention

Dear Editor,

For too many years, the residents of Morgan City have suffered the consequences of our elected officials lacking leadership with a vision, a plan for the future that will enhance and advance economic growth, development and job creation.

“Where there is no vision the people perish.” Familiar words from the Bible indicate how important new ideas, dreams and hopes are for progress. Without leadership with a vision, a “master plan,” the residents of this city have no future as we will continue to lose population and economic viability.

Running for the office of mayor or councilman for no other reason than wanting to be mayor or a member of the city council is not a good enough reason for any voter to cast his/her ballot on a candidate’s behalf. That type of candidacy for public office is more of a personal ego trip rather than an indication of any type of leadership ability and a sincere desire to serve the best interests of the people.

One of the most effective tools of a city government is strong leadership with good judgment in the leadership process. If a candidate has positive visionary leadership ability, it allows him/her to pave the way for getting things done and to have a greater understanding of what needs to be done. Simply put, people with leadership ability know what’s broke and needs fixing and what isn’t and doesn’t.

If our candidates for mayor and the city council have no vision as to how they plan to make our community a better place where people want to come, want to live, work, play and want to do business, they should to other opportunities to occupy their time and effort.

Those who are happy with Morgan City’s status quo economic development efforts, I ask only one question: When was the last time that you drove through the Houma-Thibodaux area, New Iberia and Gonzales with your eyes open?

Each resident of Morgan City … knowingly or unknowingly and regardless of his/her station in life … has a vested interest in the 2012 election for mayor and council. A successful economic development effort and our future long-term health and quality-of-life are at stake.

We have this narrow window of opportunity, Election 2012, to do something positive to help build a thriving, vibrant community. However, if we, the voters of Morgan City, allow our city government to continue to do what our city government has always done, the residents of our city will get what we have always go, NOT VERY MUCH! And, as a result, Morgan City will never become the city it can be!!

Max Thibodeaux Jr.,


Morgan City, La.