Ronnie Migues

Oil industry worker Ronnie Migues has announced his candidacy for the District 3 seat on the Iberia Parish Council in this fall’s election.

Migues, 72, said he hoped to fill what he considers a void in “honest and intelligent leadership” in Iberia Parish.

“I fear that with the current dysfuctional administration we have in place, we may not be able to move forward in a more positive direction,” Migues said in his candidacy announcement. “Not until we elect people who actually want to serve the people that elected them and earn their respect will we achieve progress in Iberia Parish.”

Migues came out in support of proposed changes to the parish Home Rule Charter also on this fall’s ballot, including a measure to reduce the council from 14 members to nine.

Claiming that all five of Iberia’s elected parish presidents have in some way violated the charter or state law, Migues also said the Parish Council should work to replace the elected parish president’s post with a council-appointed parish manager.

Migues said he also supported tougher anti-littering ordinances, more tax incentives for “mom and pop” businesses and continuing the ban on gambling in the parish. In an effort to promote accountability, he said he also favored requiring Parish Council members host at least three “town hall” meetings annually with their constituents.

District 3 includes the areas surrounding Spanish Lake and the Acadiana Regional Airport, reaching south to Louisiana 14 past U.S. 90 and into the northern part of New Iberia.

Qualifying for the election is Sept. 8 to 10. Election Day is Oct. 24.