Meet the candidates

I was born and raised in New Iberia. I was educated in Iberia Parish public schools. I entered the U.S. Army after high school and served one year in Vietnam. I worked as a New Iberia city policeman for one year and later worked for Shell Oil Co. for five years. I was accepted to the Louisiana State Police. I was appointed superintendent of State Police and deputy secretary for Public Safety. I am a member of the Democratic Party. I am 60 years old and have been married to my wife Sharon for 26 years. We have three adult children. I know I am the best person for this seat because of my 27-plus years in state government and my appointment as superintendent of State Police.

What specifically can you do to get funding to get Interstate 49 on track?

The I-49 project is a federally funded project that will require most of the funding to be provided by our federal tax dollars. It will require a collaborative effort by all of the stake holders in the state to lobby congress for the funding. I am not convinced that the current route that has been presented is the best plan, because of the cost and the elevated section in Lafayette.. We really need to look at other plans and start thinking regionally and do what is best for all of Acadiana.

What specifically can the Legislature do with looming health care plans to assure that funding will not dry up for other important programs, such as education and coastal erosion?

Health care is vital to any community that is seeking growth and a good quality of life for its citizens. It is my sincere belief that good health care starts with a good education. We have to provide our citizens with information on preventive care and place our emphasis on community health clinics so that our emergency room doctors can work on emergencies, which is a major strain on cost.

What role should the Legislature have in balancing the necessity of regulation of industries that impact the environment so that companies are held accountable but are not over-regulated?

Government’s role should be to insure that the public safety and the environment be protected at all cost. The regulators role is to provide industry with the information and requirements to comply with the law. Government’s role should be to assist industry in its efforts to comply. The public’s safety has to be first and foremost.