Norman Brown
September 4, 2015
King of the Swamp: ZZ returns home; happy for experience
September 9, 2015
A Terrebonne Parish Council member who is also a long-time employee of the parish school district says she wants to continue using her office as a springboard for helping the communities she represents, and is seeking another term of office.
Arlanda Willams represents Council District 2, which includes portions of western Houma, Gibson and parts of Schriever and Gray Now in her second term, Williams was the first female chair of the parish council. She currently serves as chair of the Policy, Procedure and Legal Committee and has served on numerous boards and commissions at the local, state and federal level.
Early voting begins Oct. 10 for the primary election, which is scheduled for Oct. 24.
Williams said that while she is proud of accomplishments that have aided residents of her district, she is equally pleased that she has been able to assist with parish-wide programs that benefit everyone.
“I have always campaigned to create a virtual infrastructure for the citizens of District 2, one that would be inclusive but not limited to neighborhood stabilization, community development, economic development and creating a trust in government and law enforcement for our constituents,” Williams said. “I have been successful in garnering more than $52 million in projects and programs for the citizens of District 2 alone, not including working with Terrebonne Levee and Conservation District to make sure that $35 million of the levee tax would go toward providing protection for the citizens in the Gibson area.”
As ex-officio member of the Terrebonne Library Board of Controls, Williams worked to secure a new library in Gibson. Specific drainage projects that Williams has helped create include the elevation of La. Highway 24 in Gray, as well as others in Schriever. The Johnson Ridge area has seen improvements to gas and water lines that Williams also worked closely with planners to develop.
Williams, who has prided herself on marching to her own drumbeat during her tenure on the council while also being skilled at working with others to make community improvements happen, is confident that her experience gained thus far will bode well for residents and businesses in future parish endeavors.
Williams has enjoyed a close working relationship with Police Chief Dana Coleman, and cooperation with her from his predecessor, Todd Duplantis, resulted in extra patrols in central Houma, and continued success of neighborhood watch programs.
Time spent fostering relationships outside the parish – particularly at the federal level and with private industry – has directly benefitted constituents and the parish as a whole, Williams said, including affordable housing options.
“An example is the Comcast Internet Essentials program that allows access to children on free and reduced lunch for $9.95 a month,” she said, citing the program as “vital” to preparing children for advancement through technology.
“During my tenure I have instituted many quality of life programs along with the current administration to promote our youth and the future of Terrebonne Parish,” Williams said. Partnership with Parish President Michel Claudet’s office, the councilwoman said, was most helpful to creation of “Terrebonne Jumpstart,” which provides local government internships to college students.
“This program was designed with thought of these students returning to Terrebonne Parish after graduation and taking an active role in government,” Williams said. “This idea was developed through the Terrebonne Youth Advisory Council of which I serve as advisor to fifteen junior and senior high school students.”
A 2003 graduate of Southern University with a bachelor’s in political science, Williams also earned a master’s in criminal justice, and in 2014 graduated from Southern University A&M of Baton Rouge with a master’s in public administration.
Her campaign motto “leading with excellence and serving with grace,” is exemplified, Williams said, by accomplishments such as completion of the Satcher Institute of Health Leadership at Morehouse School of Medicine.
“I have and will remain committed to serving our district and improving the quality of life for all,” Williams said in her campaign announcement. “I will continue to work with administration to finalize critical infrastructure improvements such as drainage and sewer expansions throughout the northern portion of the parish and to secure a strong economic future for residents and businesses in District 2. As the proud mother of two, Joshua and Jere’, I am committed to making sure the future is brighter for all citizens, children, young adults, adults and seniors.” E3
Arlanda: Terrebonne District 2 Councilmember Arlanda Williams speaks at an event at the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium in Chauvin. Williams announced she is running for re-election to the council.
