Ortego announces candidacy for Ward 3 alderman

Gabe Ortego is announcing he is a candidate for Eunice Ward 3 alderman in the Nov. 6 election.
His announcement includes the following:
I am originally from Opelousas where I graduated from Opelousas Catholic High School, then attended LSU in Eunice and the University of Louisiana in Lafayette (ULL). I have lived and worked in Eunice for the past 10 years. I am currently employed as the General Manager of Lakeview RV Park and Beach.
For nine years, I was employed as a deputy clerk for Eunice City Court and served under the Judge Lynette Y. Feucht and the Judge Terry Hoychick. While employed with Eunice City Court, I was appointed to represent Eunice on the St. Landry Parish Children and Youth Services Planning Board and the St. Landry Proud Committee, developed to combat the problem of underage drinking and abuse of prescription drugs throughout St. Landry Parish. While serving on the board and committee, I was involved in the organization of St. Landry Parish’s first “Prescription Drop-Off” program, held on the steps of Eunice City Hall.
I also served commissioner and as commissioner in charge for St. Landry Clerk of Court from 2010-2017 ensuring the integrity of our local election process.
At 18 years old, I was elected to the Opelousas Little Theatre Board of Directors. I held that position for five years, in addition to serving three years as secretary on the Executive Board.
I have been a member of the Eunice Players Theatre for the last 12 years, participating as a performer, director and host of the annual Irving Awards ceremony. I was elected to the board of directors in 2008. I am currently serving my fifth year on the Executive Board as vice president.
I am a company member of the Acadiana Repertory Theatre of Lafayette, which is Acadiana’s only “new works” theatre. Acadiana Rep produces developmental productions of new plays and works directly with playwrights from across the United States. I have served as secretary/ treasurer on the board of directors since 2016.
Earlier this year, I was elected to the Eunice Chamber of Commerce Board as a representative of Lakeview RV Park & Beach. As a current Board member, I assisted with the organization of this year’s annual World Championship Crawfish Etouffee Cookoff Festival.