The following questions were asked of each candidiate for Iberia Parish Council District 10. Here are the answers for Carl Meche exactly how they were received:

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

1. I believe without a doubt that the three biggest issues facing Iberia Parish and my district are the following: Drainage concerns throughout Iberia Parish and in my district are a top priority. My district is prone to flooding, especially when we are faced with the possibility of a hurricane and large rainfall amounts. I would like to see flood protection levees throughout Iberia Parish, which in my opinion would help flooding from occurring in people’s homes. This won’t happen overnight, but funding should be sought now. Maintenance of drainage channels should be done DAILY. We have equipment sitting idle that should be cleaning drainage ditches and channels. When elected, I will work with the council to implement a better approach to addressing this.

2. Sewerage – I believe that we can improve the quality of life for all residents in Iberia Parish and in my district by seeing to it that everyone has the opportunity to participate in a sewer system that is functional. We can’t continue with the way our sewer district is presently operating. I would like to see and be part of a master plan to address all sewer needs throughout Iberia Parish. Through cooperation with all elected officials on a local, state and federal level, this vision can be accomplished.

3. Jobs, jobs and more jobs! Only by improving our infrastructure in Iberia Parish can we maintain and create new jobs. We need to get off our rear ends and market and sell Iberia Parish to newcomers. We have a great education system, and offer many resources to companies wanting to relocate. They won’t come unless we offer incentives and unless we ask them to come.

2. What are thoughts about tax increment financing district? Should voters decided taxes in such a district?

TIF Districts – I am against the creation of these districts and believe that the voters MUST decide taxes in these districts. Why should we let some big shot company or developer get rich off of these districts?

3. Are there areas of spending in parish government that could be reduced? What areas of spending in the parish government should be increased?

I served as a police juror and can tell you that there are some mandated costs that parish government are responsible for. We can’t reduce our costs to these programs. We must increase our budget for drainage efforts. Most people think that they pay taxes for road improvements, but that is not the case. I would like to review the budget when elected, and make recommendations as to where potential cuts can be made. We should reduce travel budgets, and unwarranted expenses as needed. This is not a lot of money, but at least it’s a start. When elected, I will not be jaunting off to Hawaii or any other lavish locations on the premise of going to a convention, with the taxpayer picking up the tab.

4. What are thoughts about consolidating some parish and city services?

I believe that we must consolidate some services, and believe that we could realize some savings. We have duplication in some services now, and I see a benefit in consolidating. When elected, my first order of business will be to introduce an ordinance to start the process.

5. Do you support recycling? If you do, do you have any ideas how to increase participation?

Recycling – The fact of the matter is that participation is very low. I believe in recycling and in order to increase participation, we must educate our young children in the school. We should fund an education program and get the parents involved in the process. If a child comes home form school and tells mom and dad that they need to recycle, maybe it will have an impact on their parents. Some people aren’t receptive to change, but education is the key. The waste company should be a good corporate citizen and help financially as well.