I am Deidre Ledbetter, and I am a candidate for the elected position of Mayor Pro Tem for the city of New Iberia. I am now serving my second term as City Councilwoman for District 4. I am only able to serve 2 consecutive terms in my current capacity and I want to continue the journey, with Mayor Freddie DeCourt, in moving New Iberia forward.

In addition to my experience as a City Councilmember for 7 plus years, my background includes other aspects that have been beneficial. My career as an educator encompassed 33 years, serving as a special education teacher, special education counselor and Title I specialist. My Educational portfolio includes a B.A. in Special Education, M.A. In Guidance/Counseling, Education Specialist in Education Administration and Supervision and a Ed.D. in Education Leadership. My husband and I have been co-owners of an Electrical Contracting business for 39 years. I am very well prepared and qualified to hold the office of Mayor Pro Tem.

During my first term in office, Mayor DeCourt and the Council together addressed 3 important things that set New Iberia on the right track. We brought New Iberia out of a deficit, reinstituted the New Iberia Police Department, and developed a city-wide master plan. Without these 3 things, New Iberia would not be where it is today and continuing to move forward.

I have worked diligently to review, revise, and implement city ordinances to bring New Iberia into the 21st century, for the 7 plus years of my tenure. The city’s Master Plan was developed by each Councilmember, working with the mayor, to present future upgrades and projects for each individual District. Many projects in District 4, improvements to Bank Avenue Park, sidewalks on Dale Street from Lewis Street to Jefferson Terrace, phases I and II of the drainage project on Jefferson Terrace, have already been completed. Other projects are still in the works but will be started or completed as soon as possible. Things are on the move in District 4 under my leadership.

My goals as Mayor Pro Tem, will be to: continue working with the Ordinance group as the leader; work with my fellow Councilmembers to identify and address concerns citywide; complete ongoing and start new projects that are beneficial to the city; and work cohesively with the mayor in assisting with operations of the City. Additionally, I will work to complete a project from the city’s master plan in each district and a city-wide project during my first term as Mayor Pro Tem.

Hopefully, this has given each citizen an opportunity to know just a little more about me. Know one thing if nothing else, that I am committed to moving New Iberia forward in every way that I can. Thank you, New Iberia, for being the community that I love and want to continue to serve as your Mayor Pro Tem. I am humbly asking for your vote on or before November 5, 2024, Deidre Ledbetter #24.