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A former newspaper publisher and civic leader has announced plans to run for a Terrebonne Parish Council seat occupied by a sitting member, citing a need for new representation when a new parish president takes office next year.
Darrin Guidry, former owner of the Tri-Parish Times, seeks the District 6 seat now represented by Russell “Red” Hornsby, who plans to run for re-election but has not yet officially announced.
Retired school administrator Clyde Hamner and Terrebonne Parish YMCA director Angie Falgout have also announced intentions to run for Hornsby’s seat.
District 6 includes many of Houma’s newer subdivisions, running along Little Bayou Black Drive, Bull Run Road and areas near Gibson.
A primary will be held Oct. 24. If no candidate garners 50 percent of the vote plus one, a runoff will be held Nov. 21.
“Terrebonne Parish faces a pivotal time in local government,” Guidry said. “Parish President Michel Claudet will retire at the end of this year, and a new parish president will take office. Now, more than ever, it is imperative we elect strong leaders to the parish council, leaders who will work together with fellow council members and the new parish president for the future of Terrebonne, our people and our economy.”
Guidry is chairman of the Terrebonne Parish Republican Party, treasurer of the Terrebonne General Medical Center Foundation, vice chairman of projects and planning for the Terrebonne Levee and Conservation District, also serving on that organizations sales tax advisory board, and is a member of the Election Board of Supervisors.
He sought the state Senate District 21 seat in 2011 but was defeated by Bret Alain.
Guidry has in the past been vice president and a board member of the Terrebonne Economic Development Authority.
Other prior civic involvements have included the Houma-Terrebonne Chamber of Commerce, serving as a president and board member of the Rotary Club of Houma, and sitting on the South Louisiana Center for the Arts as chairman and board member.
Guidry is currently involved with real estate investment. In the past he has been manager of radio stations KCIL and KHOM.
He resides in Houma with his wife of 22 years, the former Pamela Matherne. They have two children, Darrin “D.J.” Guidry, Jr. and Brooke DeRoche Spiers. They also have a granddaughter, Anna Deroche. They are members of Maria Immacolata Catholic Church in Houma. Guidry is an active member and past financial secretary of the Immacolata Knights of Columbus.
One of the most vital roles Guidry says he hopes to play if elected is to continue enabling flood protection – as he has done with the levee board – and seeking to get property owner better storm protection and compensation from insurance companies. Involvement with the levee board at a time when crucial decisions affecting the future of Terrebonne is to Guidry a crowning achievement.
“Within the next two years, Terrebonne Parish will have a complete, interim protection system, but the fight isn’t over,” Guidry said. “As councilman, I will not rest until FEMA recognizes this protection and agrees to lower flood insurance rates for residents of District 6 and all of Terrebonne Parish.”
Guidry
