The following questions were asked of each candidiate for Iberia Parish President. Here are the answers for Errol “Romo” Romero exactly how they were received:

1. What are the three biggest issues facing Iberia Parish? What specifically should be done to address each?

Unifying the parish – We’re tired of hearing about our parish and city officials fighting instead of working together for Iberia Parish. I will restore cooperation. My first initiative will be to hold quarterly open meetings rotated throughout all communities in Iberia Parish.

Sewerage and Drainage – To progress we need to expand our sewerage and drainage infrastructure. Tax dollars were negligently wasted on a now-abandoned wastewater treatment facility. Iberia residents’ pleas for help from persistent flooding have been ignored. I will work to expand our state-of-the-art sewerage facility increasing efficiency by keeping everything under one roof, and I will establish a drainage program to prioritize and address our needs.

Economic Development – I will eliminate the bureaucratic red-tape that is prohibiting growth. Businesses are forced to jump through too many hoops. I’ll bring all departments to the table for one-stop shopping, including local banks to assist with financing.

2. Do you see a benefit in consolidation of parish and municipal government? Are there opportunities for Iberia and New Iberia to operated conjoined services? What are they and how would you propose it be done?

There’s a benefit to a consolidation of resources. For example, the city has a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility that has room for expansion, and by keeping everything under one roof we can be more efficient in meeting the needs of our residents and businesses.

Also, I will create a public works database for all municipalities to participate in so that we can work together for the betterment of the entire parish. When drainage needs to be addressed within the municipalities of Delcambre, Jeanerette, Loreauville or New Iberia there’s no reason for parish-owned equipment to sit idle. Likewise, if equipment is sitting idle in New Iberia but is needed elsewhere, it should be available for use in helping other communities within our parish. And, our city and parish park systems and permit offices could benefit from sharing organization and resources too.

3. Turf wars have led to increased legal fees paid from parish and city coffers. What would you do to improve relations and cooperation between city and parish governments?

I’m not asking you to take a leap of faith on me. I’m asking you to look at my proven record of sound judgment and ability to bring people together for the best interest of our parish. When I first announced my candidacy in February 2011, I said I wanted to restore cooperation and end all the infighting much of which has been caused by my opponents and resulted in needless lawsuits.

My first initiative will be to hold open public meetings and open up government to the people. By implementing quarterly town hall meetings and rotating them in the different communities throughout the parish, you, the public, will have the opportunity to voice your ideas and concerns on issues important to our families and our community. This dialogue will be critical to shaping our parish’s future.

4. Acadiana Regional Airport has been touted as an economic development jewel, yet in the years since the parish has had control over it, little development has been done. What specifically would you do to develop the ARA as a place ready for business development?

I’m hitting the ground running even before election day arrives. I already have been in contact with a group interested in locating a prospective manufacturing company at ARA. In addition, our airport is ideal for attracting a cargo aviation sector by emphasizing ARA’s direct rail spur connections with the Port of Iberia, ARA’s intermodal access and ARA’s geographical convenience along the Gulf Coast region. But, our airport’s sewerage needs have been neglected and must first be addressed in order to promote the airport. Right now, we have multi-million airplanes landing at ARA, and when pilots and passengers deplane, they’re forced to use port-o-lets. That’s unacceptable.

My lifetime experiences in dealing with these types of projects as a contractor and on a state government level puts me ahead of the learning curve to offer solutions to grow existing businesses and attract new ones.

5. What are your ideas of where parish government can get money to address its many needs, such as drainage, infrastructure and hurricane protection? Please be specific.

We can’t afford to keep pouring money into failed projects like the now-abandoned wastewater treatment facility. I will make sure projects are well thought out so it doesn’t happen again. Also, I have a well-documented record of being a good steward of your tax dollars, and I’ll make certain we tighten our belt to control spending habits. To make certain you know how your tax dollars are being spent, I’ll make available online the parish’s budget for each month.

Furthermore, my experience over the years has allowed me to make great contacts at the state and federal level that will help maximize grants or match-funding opportunities. When coupled with the severance tax that Iberia parish will begin receiving in 2012, I will implement investment and saving strategies that will give our parish a greater ability to address our needs.