Gonsoulin seeks re-election to D-8 seat on Parish Council

Incumbent Iberia Parish Councilman Ricky Gonsoulin has announced he intends to seek re-election to the District 8 seat on the council this year.

Gonsoulin, a sugar cane farmer, is completing his first term on the Parish Council and touted his support of fiscal responsibility during that term.

“As a councilman, I bring to the table confidence, knowledge and open-minded consideration to resolve issues brought forth by residents,” he said in his candidacy announcement. “My goal is to improve the quality of life for all citizens, while moving Iberia Parish forward through communication and cooperation.”

Gonsoulin, a lifelong Iberia Parish resident, graduated from New Iberia Senior High School in 1980 and later earned his bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now University of Louisiana at Lafayette) in 1990. He would later graduate from the LSU AgCenter Leadership Program in 1995.

In addition to being on the Parish Council, Gonsoulin also serves on the board of directors for the American Sugar Cane League and as president of the Iberia Parish Farm Bureau.

Gonsoulin touted the completion of the Tete Bayou project and general reduction of millage rates as part of the work he’s done throughout his first term.

He asked those who have supported him throughout his first term to continue to do so in a grassroots-style way.

“This support is the reason I desire to seek another term as your parish councilman,” he said. “I treasure the friendships I have made and thoroughly enjoy working for you.”

District 8 runs from the northeastern border of New Iberia into rural Iberia Parish.

Qualifying for the election is Tuesday through Thursday. Election day is Oct. 24