Political forum: Calls for teamwork economic growth

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Candidates in Eunice’s city election called for teamwork, economic development and a cleaner community at the Eunice Chamber of Commerce political forum Thursday at the Liberty Theater.
Candidates were given four minutes to respond to a question from moderator Kenneth Pitre.
The election is scheduled Nov. 6, but early voting begins Tuesday at the Eunice Municipal Complex.
Mayor
Incumbent Mayor Scott Fontenot and challenger Tim Smith were asked about their plan for economic growth.
Fontenot said since he was elected two and half year ago he has focused on economic development.
He went to a course on economic development and is advancing in his credentials, he said.
“We are constantly trying to lure businesses and jobs to this town,” he said.
Development on Laurel Avenue is an indication of the development, he said.
There is a plan to redevelop the La. 13 corridor through the city, which includes making it a two-lane road with a median on the south end and a roundabout at Maple Avenue, he said.
Smith said he is concerned about jobs and one place to begin is with LSUE, which can provide the needed training.
City leaders need to hustle to get industry to come to Eunice, which is a clean city, has a new hospital and a potentially great workforce, he said.
Smith said the city needs to look for industry that pays $25 to $30 an hour.
Smith said the La. 13 corridor needs to be done, but also noted “it hasn’t been done.”
There needs to be action to get people who are sitting around without work. “That’s not right. They do need jobs,” he said.
Chief of Police
Incumbent Police Chief Randy Fontenot and challenger AJ Frank responded to a question about trends in criminal activity and how to change that especially among youth.
Fontenot said drug use, particularly crystal meth, is creating an addicted homeless population.
“I think the best thing to do with the drug problem is to educate your children. Teach what the drugs are like and what can happen,” he said.
FBI crime statistics show violent and property crimes are down 50 percent from four years ago, he said.
Police pay is lagging $5 to $6 an hour behind departments in Acadia and Lafayette parishes, which impacts retaining officers, he said.
Frank said there is lack of confidence, trust and respect for the police department.
Frank said he would “tackle” the working relationship with the mayor, council and surrounding police departments.
Frank also said he wants better services for the elderly to tackle juvenile crime.
“I’m tough enough” to stop drugs, shooting and killings, he said.
Ward 1 alderman
Candidates Chad Andrepont, Tony Baltakis and Roland Miller were asked about the challenges and assets in their wards.
Andrepont said the biggest asset is the people and singled out the youth as the greatest asset.
“I’m here to work with all of them,” he said of the mayor, police chief and city council.
Andrepont noted he is the basketball coach at Eunice High School and wants “play smart and play together.”
Baltakis said the Cajun culture is a great asset.
Eunice has problems that are going to require serious people to understand what needs to be done, he said.
The LSUE history professor said some of the pipes in the city are cast iron and must be changed.
Serious steps need to be take to come up with the money to do things that need to be done, he said.
Miller, a former alderman, said he would be available to citizens.
Miller also noted he has served on the Eunice fire and police board.
The city must cleanup to attract news businesses, he said.
Ward 2 incumbent alderwoman Germaine Simpson and challenger Jackie Vallare were asked to respond to what area in their ward needs improvement and how they would accomplish that.
Simpson said she has been on the council for nine years and cited improvements, not necessarily in the ward, that include two water parks, a pavilion at the Southeast Center and a push to demolish dilapidated buildings.
Simpson said she is also working to expand transportation opportunities for people to access education and jobs.
Vallare said she is not a stranger to people in the ward that she said needs a lot of work.
“When I walk my streets they don’t know who Germaine is,” she said in one of the few personal challenges of the evening.
Vallare said has been involved with Keep Eunice Beautiful for five years and taken part in an annual survey of neighborhood litter. “Never seen Germaine on the bus,” she said.
Ward 3 alderman
Ernie Blanchard and Gabe Ortego were to respond to a question that referenced recent construction work that caused a detour and what other areas need to be improved.
Blanchard interpreted the question as about the new bridge on West Maple Avenue and said he started that project. Blanchard said he would continue to work with state Rep. Phillip DeVillier to improve Maple Avenue.
The city limits need to be expanded to increase revenue for city projects, he said.
Ortego believed the question was about the sinkhole on Maple Avenue and said it represented a situation where the city needs to become more proactive.
Ortego cited his involvement as a Eunice Chamber of Commerce board and Eunice Players’ Theater board member.
If elected, Ortego said he would get a cell phone dedicated to city business.
Ward 4 aldermen
Incumbent Alderwoman Connie Thibodeaux and challenger Donnie Fontenot were asked about their useful knowledge, experience and perspectives they would bring to the job.
Fontenot said he spent 20 years in the military and learned he couldn’t wait to come back to Eunice.
City officials need to know how the system works and its resources, he said.
Fontenot said he is organized and a team player who wants to expand his knowledge; and expand grassroots community involvement.
Thibodeaux said she has been involved in many community organizations for the last 27 years.
She said she works with the council and has proven that.
Also addressing the forum were Marion “Nootsie” Sattler, who will become alderman at-large in an unopposed race.
Also unopposed and addressing the forum was Mary Ellen Fontenot, District 13 School Board member.