The final state representative forum was well attended on Tuesday night.

Improving health care, education and the economy are the general objectives of five of the six candidates for state House of Representatives District 96.

Candidates Terry Landry, Raymond “Shoe-Do” Lewis, Eric Martin and Nary Smith were in attendance on Tuesday night for the second evening of political forums sponsored by the Greater Iberia Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Iberia and The Daily Iberian at the South Louisiana Community College. Candidate Vincent Alexander of Breaux Bridge did not attend.

District 96, a minority-majority district, emerged from a legislative special session held in the spring to redraw House district lines as a result of 2010 Census data.

It includes portions of Lafayette, St. Martin and Iberia parishes and has an approximately 57 percent black voter registration.

Representing minority constituents in Baton Rouge is a priority, Landry and Martin both said, with Landry noting that minorities are often disenfranchised in the Legislature over big corporations and special interest groups.

But all five candidates said providing fair representation for all residents in the tri-parish district is there top priority.

With three parishes vying for state funds for projects ranging from infrastructure to education, candidates were asked how they would ensure fairness over favoritism.

“Thinking regionally” instead of locally, Landry said, must be the mindset to make sure tax dollars are fairly distributed.

Looking at the economic status of each municipality in the district to measure the need for funding is a method Lewis said he would use to “not leave anyone out.”

As a representative, Smith said he would issue surveys to local government bodies to measure the monetary needs within the district.

As a newly established district, House District 96 has more of an advantage and “power” in Baton Rouge, Martin said, and requires a candidate with integrity that can be trusted to have the residents’ interests in mind.

This sparked a rebuttal from Landry, who said his integrity is impeccable, and that District 96 was established through the 1964 Voting Rights Act and created “for minority representation.”

Martin, who is the only white candidate in the race, responded by saying that if he did not feel he could properly represent minorities in the district he would not have chosen to run for the House seat.

When asked how the district could generate more revenue, Potier said a closer look at the state budget is needed and rather than making cuts to education start with government administrative positions “at the top.”

Lewis and Smith echoed Potier’s recommendation to look at cutting government administrative jobs rather than cutting state education, which Lewis called was on a “course of destruction.”

In moderation, Martin said, privatizing some government operated systems such a prison could alleviate excessive state expenses.

Landry, however said he was in opposition to any sort of privatization particularly of the penal system, which he called “barbaric.”

“The government is supposed to work for the people, not for profit,” he said.

When asked what attributes make them the best candidate to serve as the House district’s first representative, each candidate gave differing answers.

Martin said his ability to relate to all people, regardless of race, culture or economic lines and his understanding on how to politically operate in Baton Rouge makes him an ideal candidate.

“You can’t to go Baton Rouge be the Lone Ranger,” Martin said. “I understand the needs of the people in this district. I plan to lead the way, not learn the way.”

Lewis, Smith, Potier and Landry reiterated first and foremost that they are not seeking political gain, but a chance to fairly represent their district.

“I am not a politician,” Smith said. “But I listen and I hear the pain of the people.”

“I’m not tied to lobbyists or special interest groups. I’m just an ordinary guy who wants to see good government work for ordinary people,” Lewis said.

Landry said his career history has allowed him to understand how government is supposed to operate, thus the representative seat is “tailor made” for him.

“I am the only candidate who worked in every agency in state government,” he said. “I know what this office is about and I know the needs of its people.”

As a longtime elected official, Potier said he has “been there” in Baton Rouge positioned on committees and lobbying for better education.

“I’ve been helping the needy for years and will continue to help the needy. I’m not here to be a politician.”

 

Terry Landry, – “Education, education, education,” which he said can spark economic growth and improve health care.

 

Raymond “Shoe-Do” Lewis – Education, healthcare, employment/economic growth.

 

Eric Martin- Supporting existing businesses while promoting economic growth, the completion of Interstate 49, education, healthcare.

 

Richard Potier – Healthcare, education, economy. Promoting economic growth. Abolishing state standardized testing.

 

Nary Smith – Focusing on unemployment, ensuring funding for education and healthcare. Looking at other options to shore up funding options besides raising taxes. Repairing Louisiana 31.