I worked hard to see it become a success. As the years progressed, I made a choice. I decided that instead of expanding my restaurant with multiple locations, I would focus on the one location and get more involved with the community through charity work and eventually politics. Earning my BA in history from McNeese initially sparked my interest in politics.<\/p>\n Today, God and my family come first. Second is my public service. This work gets me excited; it gives me such a sense of fulfillment and joy! Thinking about our ideas for Lake Charles is what prevents me from going to sleep at night and encourages me to wake up early in the morning. Being on the Police Jury has offered me invaluable knowledge and education about the inner workings of government. I have loved the experience; however, I can do so much more for Lake Charles as our mayor.<\/p>\n Infrastructure is our biggest challenge. We must make investments in our drainage, roads and aged sewer lines. When we talk about infrastructure, we must not only think about the necessities for today and tomorrow. We must lift our vision and think about what this city will need five years, ten years, even twenty years down the road. Drainage is a Calcasieu Parish problem, not simply a Lake Charles problem. Water does not know where a drainage district boundary ends or where a city limit begins or ends. We cannot solve this problem by looking at it only as an \u201cinside the city limits\u201d problem. Under our administration, we will commit to an enhanced, full-scale assault on our drainage crisis. Through budgeting priorities, we will dedicate ourselves to capital improvement drainage projects. We will also continue and enhance our partnerships with the parish, state, and drainage boards. We will make better use of green spaces, creating temporary retention areas that only hold water during heavy downpours. The state, city and parish already own a great deal of land. We must make better use of these assets to act as a weapon against our drainage crisis. Most importantly, we shall always rely on science and engineering to pave the way to solving our drainage problem, not conjecture and not political motivations.<\/p>\n Lake Charles can do more with municipal bonds. Waiting to pay cash for projects rather than using our bonding power is akin to \u201ctripping over dollars to save pennies.\u201d Municipal bond rates are at historic lows, and we must take advantage of this climate. We desperately need road, drainage and sewerage upgrades today, not five or ten years from now.<\/p>\n Citizens deserve to feel safe and protected in their community. Under our administration, we will continue investments in upgraded technology and training. Enhanced community outreach is also essential. Citizens need to feel like they and law enforcement are in this together. To further ensure quality law enforcement and fire protection, we must pay them what they deserve. We will not be satisfied with average. Through budget priorities, we will increase pay for both fire protection and law enforcement. Better pay equals better retention. Retention is vital in these departments. Unless our fire department receives the investment it deserves, we risk a downgrade of our city fire rating. We cannot allow this to happen.<\/p>\n We must never be complacent with economic growth. We cannot tie our city to the price of one commodity. This sets up a constant \u201cboom and bust\u201d scenario. Economic diversity is key, and as your mayor, every day I wake up, I will be fighting for more jobs, better paying jobs, for our residents. Specifically, we will focus job creation in the areas of medicine, clean energy, tourism, aeronautics and technology.<\/p>\n We can spark North Lake Charles development by offering the right incentives for investors. The lakefront and the I-10 corridor are absolutely the spark that can create a fire of economic activity in North Lake Charles. Our lakefront deserves development. We are not taking advantage of our beautiful lake. This is a no-brainer! We are losing revenue from I-10 drivers. We have approximately 80,000 cars a day that pass up Lake Charles on I-10. We need to grab that tax revenue! Our plan for lakefront development will follow certain criteria:<\/p>\n \u2022 City should maintain ownership of the dirt. This allows investors to get involved with less up-front capital and will allow the city to maintain control of our lakefront for generations to come.<\/p>\n \u2022 Begin with a \u201cPhase One\u201d project to turn dirt and allow multiple, local investors to build on our lakefront. We must begin with a \u201cquality\u201d investment rather than focusing on quantity. Quantity will come after quality.<\/p>\n \u2022 City shall maintain architectural oversight to make sure the project is cohesive.<\/p>\n \u2022 Our lakefront must be food and beverage centric and family friendly.<\/p>\n Development of our lakefront and the I-10 corridor is one way in which we increase revenues without increasing tax rates. Our high sales tax rate hurts citizens and businesses alike. We can find ways to increase revenue without increasing tax rates. We will strive for more tax payers vs. higher tax rates; we will strive for better budgeting priorities vs. higher tax rates. We must attract people to want to live in Lake Charles and spend money in Lake Charles.<\/p>\n I have worked hard my entire life. The restaurant business can be brutal. Similarly, I understand being mayor of Lake Charles will be the toughest challenge yet in my life. I will be a full-time mayor. Mayor Roach has left a great legacy. I consider him a friend and mentor. I ask for your prayers, your support and your votes. This race is not about me; it is about all of you. I will not let you down. Every day I wake up, I will be fighting for you. Give me this opportunity to work for you. There is a new day dawning in Lake Charles, and you will be proud of your next mayor.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n JOE BANKS<\/b><\/p>\n Our current administration has put a Master Plan together to address these flooding and draining issues that was voted on by the citizens of Lake Charles. It is important for the next mayor to stay true to the plans voted upon by our citizens. However, there should be a back-up strategy just in case those plans prove ineffective. Any good mayor would have other options for such an important issue, as I do.<\/p>\n I believe Lake Charles would benefit from a practice called \u201cMirror and Match.\u201d This is a method in which we look to other cities that share similar conditions to ours who have successfully reduced flooding and pump back-ups. As mayor, I will collaborate with these city officials accordingly, then give our local engineering firms and\/or engineering students at McNeese the chance to shape those plans to fit the current conditions of our city. Why spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on research that has not been proven to work yet?<\/p>\n Trees and vegetation also act as natural sponges that absorb any run-off water, so let\u2019s keep our city as green as possible! Some of our present neighborhoods could benefit from open ditches being closed. We can temporarily help flooding issues with these simple plans while we work on pushing the long-term plans into action.<\/p>\n All of Lake Charles\u2019 citizens can agree that no one is happy with the conditions of the abandoned property along our lakefront. I do not see why we are waiting for bids by big, outside development companies to create something out of this property. These properties are big enough to have multiple developments or multi-use structures. Imagine having commercial river-walks where several businesses can come together to offer entertainment, dining and shopping. Imagine the increase in tourism that we would see if we had a 3 or 4 star hotel downtown. It would only take our local developers and business owners a matter of months to build something together rather than waiting years for development. It is time for our city to stop talking and start turning out real projects. Having a zoo and\/or water complex would benefit the city in many favorable ways.<\/p>\n As mayor, these type of projects are a priority. Lake Charles is the perfect destination for everyone: families, retirees, outdoorsmen, businessmen and entertainers. Let\u2019s continue to grow as a city while keeping in mind a steady pace for population control.<\/p>\n As mayor of Lake Charles, I want to make sure the citizens have a voice and are empowered. With my experience in the public school system, I believe we need to make our formal education institutes equal and increase the quality of education in every area of the city. Let\u2019s make sure all of our citizens are well-rounded in civic education. What goes on in City Hall needs to be transparent to the community. Citizens should be informed about what we are doing and have access to information that opens up opportunities for them. I want to see the people of Lake Charles succeed in taking ownership in their city. I want to connect the educated, advantaged citizens in Lake Charles with those that are not as fortunate. I will introduce programs that will help encourage our local businesses in the hiring of people from disadvantaged groups, such as veterans. As mayor of Lake Charles, I plan on being a voice for the 1%-ers.<\/p>\n Residential health and safety are essential when talking about the quality of life for our community. Relationships with law enforcement are an important factor in our city. As mayor, I can encourage and remind law enforcement and emergency response departments to treat all citizens like neighbors, like we did, for example, when I hosted the Safe City Summit. Other factors, like constant changes in housing, income levels and other economic levels, also affect the relationship between the police and the people they protect. There should be continued and frequent public forums for citizens and officers to voice their concerns to each other.<\/p>\n As for personal health, I would like to start a Get Fit Lake Charles movement, as I mentioned in previous public appearances, which promotes a healthy lifestyle. Personal health has a lot of connections to the quality of life in Lake Charles. Healthier citizens mean less are abusing drugs. It means less are struggling with depression or low self-esteem. And they are more outgoing and seek different ways to enjoy their city. Personal health may be a key to helping with the rate of crime and with economic growth. As your mayor, I would help City Hall promote a healthy lifestyle for our people.<\/p>\n Finally, the city budget of Lake Charles is public knowledge and available for all of its citizens. However, it is not very comprehensible for the everyday person. This goes along with my plans to empower our citizens. This relates to keeping the people educated and informed on issues which concern the city budget. As a successful small business owner, I run my businesses as effectively and efficiently as possible. Therefore, the budget of the city would reflect those same values in order for us to succeed as a community.<\/p>\n Simply put, I am here to unite our city for change. Thank you for \u201cBanking on Banks!\u201d Thank you for your vote on March 25!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n ELIGHA GUILLORY<\/strong><\/p>\n Having the opportunity to meet the mayor of Oklahoma City, Mick Cornet, at the 2017 Chamber Banquet, I was inspired by this extraordinary leader who helped build a world-class city. I believe we can do the same thing with our comprehensive platform, practical approach and marketable plan.<\/p>\n As home to the new clean-energy capital of the world, I realize that steam is the essential element at the heart of energy industry. STEAM is also the power behind Team E. My STEAM Plan is a catalyst for a greater Lake Charles, and it will focus on our Shoreline, Transportation, Economic Development, Arts and Culture and Municipal Infrastructure.<\/p>\n <\/b>Shoreline<\/strong><\/p>\n Our lakefront is the prize jewel of our community and I want to ensure that this is true for all current and future generations. The lakefront belongs to the people of this city, and I envision developments that will keep it that way.<\/p>\n Anchored by a major sports retailing experience, our shoreline must be completed with ample green spaces, bike trails, walking paths, wildlife and water features \u2014 all for family-friendly enjoyment. There must be a space designed with each generation in mind. I also envision concert pavilions, community marketplaces and a food truck plaza that will provide revenue generation opportunities for local business owners as well as tax revenue for the city.<\/p>\n This attractive anchor, complemented by the recent and future infrastructure enhancements along the interstate, will lead efforts for new businesses downtown and throughout our area\u2019s corridors.<\/p>\n <\/b>Transportation<\/strong><\/p>\n We must engage in a comprehensive enhancement of our transit system. I want to create a program where people will want to ride mass transit. Our citizens\u2019 lives do not end at 6 p.m., and neither should their public transit system. We must expand our operation\u2019s hours and routes to match the lives of our community, providing options for our residents and visitors. The new Transit Center is a shining example of how we must continue to invest in enhancing the lives of our residents.<\/p>\n I will work with regional agencies to create programs that will expand our services in the future to trollies and commuter trains traveling major thoroughfares, and even providing rides to many local refineries. This is a proven solution to traffic congestion in many growing cities.<\/p>\n <\/b>Economic\u00a0Development<\/strong><\/p>\n As the only mayoral candidate who has worked in city government, I offer unique insight into how our government works and how it can be of greater service to you. I will ensure that all of our residents from Goosport to Graywood are the benefactors of strategic investment and excellence in service.<\/p>\n It is important that as our vision for this city becomes a reality that the dreams of our citizens do too. By enhancing the city\u2019s Small Business Opportunity Program, we will help to enhance the entrepreneurial spirit here that drives economies around the world. To do this, we must dissolve barriers and streamline our permitting and licensing processes. My administration will digitize many of our services and increase electronic efficiencies for our business community.<\/p>\n As we prosper, we must not forget the responsibilities of prosperity. We must address concerns such as homelessness, recidivism and the need for youth mentorship. From my experience in community services, I know that these challenges can be addressed through strategic relationships with non-profit organizations throughout our city.<\/p>\n <\/b>Arts And Culture<\/strong><\/p>\n Everything we do must enhance our quality of life. I will lead the effort to create a community that we all will be proud to call home \u2014 a place we love. Lake Charles is home to some of the best restaurants, museums, tourist attractions, art galleries and shops. I want to assist our arts community with cultural and economic districts and provide creative space to showcase talent.<\/p>\n Just imagine the character and culture of downtown flowing throughout the entire Ryan Street and Enterprise Boulevard thoroughfares as well as culture-based, family-friendly experiences for all ages throughout this city.<\/p>\n I envision arenas and sports centers, amphitheaters and festival areas. Lake Charles will be a place that people will want to visit, want to live in and want to retire in. As ambassador, I will work tirelessly to promote our great city, first to our residents and then to the world.<\/p>\n <\/b>Municipal Infrastructure<\/strong><\/p>\n The greatest asset to our city\u2019s infrastructure is our employees. Our investment must begin here. We will continue to foster positive and beneficial working relationships with our city employees in order to meet the demands of a growing city. We will ensure public safety personnel are well trained, equipped and supported to provide a secure community.<\/p>\n Water doesn\u2019t stop at the city limits, so we must utilize a regional strategy that first addresses drainage obstruction and enlightens the public on the damage that trash and vegetation have on drainage.\u00a0 Secondly, we must incorporate retention ponds or detention areas into our future developments that are both beautiful and innovative.<\/p>\n We will also put into place a strategic plan to identify problematic drainage and sewer lines, and replace them where needed. We will look at roads that commonly flood and seek permanent solutions.<\/p>\n We will also examine ways to grow our boundaries through new strategic and balanced developments while ensuring that we will maintain the most cost-efficient way of expanding and increasing our city\u2019s population and services.<\/p>\n Over the past 150 years, our city has been the beneficiary of major energy, entertainment and healthcare investments. It is time to make an investment in ourselves. This STEAM Plan will use creative and comprehensive financial solutions that correspond with the specific ideas and projects. Financial models that have been proven elsewhere will be identified and considered, such as Tax Incremental Financing, Enterprise Zones, New Market Tax Credits and Municipal Bonds.<\/p>\n It\u2019s time to begin moving forward to build a greater Lake Charles. On E-Day, March 25, vote E, #12, Eligha Guillory Jr. for mayor, and let\u2019s move Lake Charles full STEAM ahead.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n CHRIS LANDRY<\/b><\/p>\n Drainage will be a major priority of my administration.\u00a0 There isn\u2019t a city in South Louisiana that doesn\u2019t have drainage problems \u2026 it\u2019s inherent in our geographical location and there\u2019s not enough money anywhere to completely solve these problems. However, we can begin to alleviate some of them and prevent more serious problems as we continue to grow our cities. To accomplish this, it is imperative that all municipalities in the parish work together with the same goals.<\/p>\n The city\u2019s drainage system is part of a larger network or watershed. We are all aware that floodwaters ignore lines or boundaries on a map. With one master plan we can coordinate efforts with the Parish and Drainage Districts to achieve a common goal of an efficient and well performing drainage system. The master plan will both identify and prioritize capital drainage improvement projects to provide the greatest effect on the watershed for every tax dollar expended.<\/p>\n \u2022 To keep our drainage problems from worsening, the city must adopt new development ordinances related to drainage that protect the watershed from possible negative effects of new developments.<\/p>\n \u2022 We must identify and prioritize all drainage improvement projects and include regional detention areas in our plan. While these development ordinances will protect our citizens from the negative effects of new developments, regional detention is the only way to actually turn the clock back and improve our current drainage problems.\u00a0 It is vitally important that while developing these projects, we make sure they don\u2019t simply \u201ckick the can or problem down the road\u201d by solving the drainage problem in one area only to have a negative effect downstream.<\/p>\n \u2022 It is very important that the plan includes the expansion of daily efforts to keep the existing system free of debris and yard waste. As mayor, I will work closely with the Drainage Districts to ensure the cleaning of existing laterals, canals and drainage rights of way. However, it is important to realize that maintenance alone will not solve our drainage problems.<\/p>\n Transportation\/ Infrastructure<\/b><\/p>\n Because of the economic growth spurt we are experiencing, I will recommend that we adjust the current Capital Improvement Plan to look well into the future \u2026 using intervals of 3, 5, 10 and 20 years. We must be aggressive and proactive in providing the necessary drainage, roads, sewerage and water infrastructure for current and future growth.<\/p>\n The city\u2019s Master Transportation Plan cannot remain as a stand-alone plan and be truly successful. It must be an integral part of a true regional plan. Currently there are three different plans that are updated each year and they often conflict with one another. One is done by IMCAL, the second done by the parish and the third is done by the city. Citizens of Lake Charles, other municipalities and rural areas of the parish travel in and out of our city limits. Our road system must be viable, allowing traffic to flow in an efficient manner and also in good repair regardless of who has ownership of the roads in any particular area.<\/p>\n My administration will continue to work with the Parish School Board to solve the traffic problems that we are experiencing around our schools. I am also committed to completing the service roads around I-10 and I-210.<\/p>\n Because of the state\u2019s financial problems, there are a number of projects on state routes that are inside the city limits that have been delayed or not even begun. While this isn\u2019t the city\u2019s responsibility, it is certainly the city\u2019s problem. We have the necessary funds, and I will propose the city put up the state\u2019s match money in order to immediately acquire federal transportation grants to complete these much needed projects and repairs.<\/p>\n Lakefront\/ Downtown Development<\/b><\/p>\n There is no question that Mayor Roach has been instrumental in the revitalization of downtown and the Lakefront. I fully intend to continue to build on this foundation. We are more than the cornerstone of Southwest Louisiana \u2026 we are the western gateway to our state. What a wonderful opportunity to show our visitors the true meaning of Southern hospitality.<\/p>\n With a strong and vibrant downtown improving the quality of life for our citizens, we exemplify progressive thinking and a can-do attitude. The \u201cgateway\u201d will encourage growth and development in our city. It encourages new industry, and it leaves visitors with a good feeling about this area.<\/p>\n Working together, we can set goals, clean up blighted areas, encourage more mixed-use facilities and develop the Lakefront in the best possible way. In addition, I am committed to making a decision within 45 days of taking office on the two Lakefront proposals that were submitted to the city in 2015.<\/p>\n Redevelopment Of North Lake Charles<\/b><\/p>\n There are a number of programs my administration will implement to address the issue of improving this area of our community.<\/p>\n 1) I plan to work diligently to complete 1-10 service roads. This will allow commercial development to occur and we can begin to tap into those 50,000-plus consumers per day that are currently just passing through our city.<\/p>\n 2) Complete the Enterprise Blvd. to Fitzenreiter Road project. This will not only help with traffic congestion, but most importantly, will increase the traffic count on Enterprise Blvd. so businesses can develop.<\/p>\n 3) My administration will concentrate on enforcing property standards and litter control in North Lake Charles and throughout the city.<\/p>\n 4) We will be aggressively improving and expanding the adjudicated property program so we can get these properties back into commerce in a timely manner.\u00a0 I plan on handling this program in-house instead of using an out of town \u201cfor profit\u201d company. We need people running that program that have the city\u2019s best interests in mind.<\/p>\n 5) If needed, we can also create an Enterprise Zone or a Tiff District to further stimulate development in this area of the city.<\/p>\n The issues that we are facing in redeveloping this area of our community are not unique to Lake Charles. These same problems exist in almost every city in America. I believe the ideas listed above are just a beginning to achieving our goals. I plan on reaching out to other cities that have been successful in their redevelopment efforts so we can maximize our efforts.<\/p>\n Quality Of Life<\/b><\/p>\n It is very important that we have the proper infrastructure in place to support our growing community. Being stuck in traffic for extended periods of time, not having fully functioning city services, etc., all effect our quality of life. My administration will continue investing in solutions to these issues as well as city parks, recreational areas, downtown and lakefront developments and bike and walking paths throughout our community.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a known fact we lost many mature trees to Hurricane Rita with no concerted effort to replace them. I plan to involve Lake Charles in the Tree City USA program. This program is part of the Arbor Day foundation and currently has over 3,400 communities enrolled. The foundation was established in 1976 and works through public, private and corporate partnerships. It has been very successful in other cities.<\/p>\n While I believe all of these things are important and worth the investment, we must also make sure our community is healthy and safe, has adequate affordable housing, excellent schools and child care and good job opportunities.\u00a0 Cities that have a reputation of a \u201creally nice place\u201d didn\u2019t get there by accident.\u00a0 It takes a lot of hard work and planning to make that impression on a visitor. I have a plan to reach our potential and make that same impression upon visitors that spend time in Lake Charles.<\/p>\n I intend to create a committee of volunteers to investigate the establishment of a series of community gardens here in Lake Charles. The goals of the committee will be to establish a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) garden within our community, organic gardening, community building, horticulture therapy gardening and donations of fresh vegetables to those in need of food. The gardens will produce high quality, chemical free, naturally grown fruits and vegetables and provide educational and inspirational experiences to the youth and adults of our city. Volunteers of all ages will be welcome \u2014 Scout groups, youth groups, high school and college service clubs, church groups, retirees, community service workers and \u201cwanna-be\u201d gardeners. Members of my staff have met with community activists in other communities that have successful community gardens, and this is entirely doable for Lake Charles! We have area parks that are safely lighted, have water and are centrally located in residential areas that would be perfect for neighborhood gardens.<\/p>\n City Budget<\/b><\/p>\n Everyone will agree Lake Charles is on the cusp of the greatest economic boom in the history of Southwest Louisiana \u2026 a boom unmatched anywhere in Louisiana.\u00a0 We are also on the precipice of fiscal destruction if we don\u2019t make the right financial decisions and exercise our fiduciary responsibility so the taxpayers who are paying the bills are protected.<\/p>\n If we are to be successful in our efforts to maintain our growth, there must be a reasonable balance between our vision of the future and its execution.\u00a0 We must match tasks with competent qualified people \u2026 and most importantly we must match projects with available monies. We simply can\u2019t pay as we go.<\/p>\n As your mayor, my plan for Lake Charles, and its implementation, will serve as a critical guide to strategy development and execution. All commercial development and infrastructure for new industry will be thoroughly evaluated, costs determined and timelines established to assure completion within budgetary compliance.<\/p>\n First and foremost, the City of Lake Charles and the Police Jury must work together to convert shared needs into practical solutions. We must consider innovative and long-lasting approaches to eliminate duplication of services and multiple expenditures of monies for the same end result.<\/p>\n Achieving the goals in my platform is going to be costly. It is vitally important that your next mayor be fiscally responsible. There must be a careful balance between prioritizing and funding these projects and our ability to pay the bill. In these tough economic times, no one wants any increase in taxes, including myself. We have to be aggressive in addressing the needs of our community while also being fiscally responsible to the taxpayers of Lake Charles. We have to examine new and innovative out of the box financial solutions.<\/p>\n For example, my financial advisors and I have studied the current city budget and have determined we can immediately save $1,500,000 per year by refinancing some of the city\u2019s current debt. We can also increase the city\u2019s credit rating, thereby reducing future borrowing costs. We can use these savings to fund an additional $15,000,000 to $20,000,000 in capital improvements without any increases in taxes or any increase demands on cash flow. Today\u2019s economic crisis necessitates a proactive approach to solving our problems. We must utilize our creative ability and establish priorities to achieve our goals.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n GARY MONBELLY<\/b><\/p>\n Let\u2019s start with drainage, road and sewer infrastructure.<\/p>\n I see this as a long problem that will take time and money to fix. So we should not be worried about this. It will get fixed, but it\u2019s going to take years to do so.<\/p>\n We can do small things to help with the floods by stopping debris from blocking the drains, or we can also implement rain towers. Rain towers would catch rain water and release it slowly. However, this would only be used for heavy rain seasons.<\/p>\n One of my keys to fighting the cost of living is proper economical development. So, no matter whether it\u2019s the Lakefront or North Lake Charles, I plan on building a proper foundation from making sure the Lakefront can handle the traffic it would get to tax friendly zones, zip code hiring and incentives for North Lake Charles.<\/p>\n Now, as for the quality of life and the city budget, they are the main things I am worried about.<\/p>\n My hobbies are watching small local government and research and development. What I\u2019ve found is that Lake Charles is in debt, and the cost for food, housing, and goods and services has gotten out of control.<\/p>\n In Lake Charles, the average monthly housing cost is $1,029. In Baton Rouge it\u2019s $975. Lake Charles has a 10.75 tax (Lake Charles 2.50%, CPPJ 3.25%, LA 5%) and no one has a plan to reduce it. We also have a combined total budget of $154 million, but we spend $163 million. That puts us $9 million in DEBT.<\/p>\n I plan on reducing and redistributing taxes. I know it\u2019s going to take some work. But its also going take a forward thinker with new ideas, and that\u2019s me.<\/p>\n By way of proper tax distribution, proper economical development, conditional taxing and education reform, I believe I can get this done.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n DANA CARL JACKSON<\/b><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/bestofswla.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/NIC-HUNTER.jpg\")
<\/a>I\u00a0<\/b>love Lake Charles, and I love service. I want to serve. I enjoy the personal fulfillment of service. I love the people of this wonderful city. We have a beautiful fabric of diversity in Lake Charles, and we must embrace it. This city has shown me support, and I want to repay that debt.<\/p>\n<\/a>Thank you for giving me the opportunity to address these important voter issues.<\/p>\n<\/a>It has been an honor to serve alongside Mayor Randy Roach in his remarkable administration as Assistant City Administrator, and an even greater honor to be considered by so many to serve as the next mayor of Lake Charles.<\/p>\n<\/a>Drainage<\/b><\/p>\n<\/a>Before I touch on these topics, I just want to make sure everyone understands that my reason for running is the cost of living. However, I do see these concerns as valid.<\/p>\n