The following questions were asked of each candidiate for Iberia Parish Council District 8. Here are the answers for Ricky Gonsoulin exactly how they were received:

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

1. This second decade of their new millennium is shaping up to be an exciting and historic era for voters both national and locally. Voters need to voice their options that bigger government is not an acceptable answer to our very real problems. They are demanding real dialogue, creative can practical problem solving, and a process that is transparent and respresentive of the impact these decision have on their everyday lives. First and foremost Iberia Parish needs to address the issues of a levee system to protect our parish. We need to establish a financing mechanizing to initiate a plan of action to make this project a reality. Second issue is one that each and every one of us is aware of and is roads and drainage. As your parish councilman I will strive to help the residents of this parish in alleviating re-occurring drainage and/or flooding problems as well issues with our roads. I am willing to help homeowners by providing guidance and steering citizens in the right direction when the public works is unable to solve an immediate problem at hand. The first step is to try and determine the source and nature of the problem subsequent steps to resolve it. The third issues that I think should be address is for the new parish council to find some common ground on issues that need to be solved. Despite all the rhetoric that has been tossed around in the past few weeks we as future councilman do share many of the same views when it comes to issues facing the parish. We will all have very different plans and goals to resolve these problems, but need to agree on the most suitable answers that will bring the best results to Iberia Parish. Finding common ground between the elected officials will expedite the process of finding real solution to the problems.

2. What are your thoughts about the tax increment financing districts? Should voters decide taxes in such a district?

2. Tax increment financing (TIF) is an alluring tool that allows municipalities to promote economic development by earmarking tax revenue from increase in taxes in a designated TIF district. Proponents point to evidence that by developing a TIF that the district generally grows much faster than the rest of the municipality and infer that TIF benefits the entire municipality. My own analysis, using data from other TIF districts, suggests to the contrary that the non TIF areas of the municipalities that use TIF grow no more rapidly and perhaps more slowly, than similar areas that do not use TIF. An important finding is that TIF has different impacts when land use is considered. For example commercial TIF districts tend to decrees commercial development in the non-TIF portion of the municipality. I without a doubt think that a vote of the people should decide whether the parish decides to use a TIF after all it is their money that’s at stake. In its present form I am against the TIF.

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

3. When elected as parish councilman it is very important a balanced budget is approved. Parish government does not need to spend more than the revenue that is collected. If that problem does present itself then we need to initiate, the changes needed to sustain an approved budget. We want to make sure parish government is on a sustainable path for the future. Given the major effect sales tax has on parish government the budget needs to be closely monitored throughout the year and appropriate action needs to follow if changes occur. After reviewing the general fund budgeted expenditures we need to make sure the revenues are sufficient to meet expenditures over time. If cuts presents itself then all area of parish government should take a cut on a percent base so that the general fund spending reduction can be achieved. After further review of the budget I can form an opinion on areas that need to be cut or increased based on available fund and the need of that particular service.

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

4. My thoughts on consolidation of parish and city services could be a win for both governments. I think both agencies can deliver the same level of services for millions of dollars less due to economic of scale and the reduction in local overhead. The reason this has not moved fast as it should is the lack of political will. The problem isn’t that local government is too big: instead, the problem is that we have too many local governments. The future of city and parish services is not diversification but consolidation.

5. A recycling contract is in limbo right now. An argument against recycling is that there is little participation in the parish. An argument for it is it is a viable way to reduce the amount of waste headed to landfills. Do you support recycling? If you do, do you have any ideas how to increase participation?

5. I support the recycling program and agree it reduces the waste stream. I also agree that if a service is offered it needs to be used for it to be cost effective. Increasing participation in the program means that far less cans, bottles, and paper will end up in our landfills and your parish trash expense will be significantly be reduced. A successful program can also generate income and improves public image. Maybe recycling bins can feature company logos, event calenders, community slogans, or any other marking tool that will attract potential participants. A really effective recycling program should make recycling the norm. Those that do not actively recycle will quickly become the minority. Adding this element, advertising and promoting the program will often pay dividends.