Richard Seeks Changes
BOBBY ARDOIN
St. Landry Now.com Editor
Joey Richard has focused on Opelousas and the St. Landry Parish community for several years and by next year, the Landry Street barber may have the opportunity to solidify his ideas for change.
It’s been no secret that Richard, who now has his own hair-cutting business, plans to run this year for the District 40 seat in the Louisiana legislature.
That goal was presented again on Tuesday as Richard somewhat outlined his plan for improving parish wide conditions economically and socially.
Richard hasn’t reached the point where he is handing out election cards with his photo and his name.
However if he does represent most of St. Landry while in Baton Rouge, Richard explained that he plans to focus his legislative efforts on improving gun violence and infrastructure issues such as water quality, water leaks and improving streets.
As a small business owner who once worked as an apprentice barber and then became certified, Richard said he identifies with the problems associated with grass roots economic efforts.
Richard said that it’s apparent that the parish and Opelousas especially need to eradicate some issues in order for businesses to locate locally.
“Businesses aren’t going to be eager to come because of the gun violence. The solution for that is you have to get to these kids early. I have books in my shop right now that I give books to kids who are coming in,” Richard said.
There’s a caveat to taking a book out of his business, Richard added.
“If that kid who took a book comes back, then I’m going to ask him to tell me what that book’s about,” said Richard.
Richard said he’s also concerned about mental health issues parishwide.
“I want to find ways to get people help before a problem gets too far,” said Richard.
Richard said he decided to pursue more community involvement six years ago after escaping a house fire that resulted in the death of two of his children.
After the blaze, Richard said he remembered the help that Individuals in St. Landry provided for him and his family as they attempted to recover from tragedy.
“People like you are the ones who helped us and after the fire I decided that I would do all I can to provide help in the community,” Richard said.
That path included becoming more politically active as an elected member of the Louisiana Democratic Party Committee, said Richard.
In order to become a committee member, Richard had to run for the position, an experience that he said has been helpful as he expands a political career.
