BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
Editor’s Note: This is the final article which covers the St. Landry Parish Federation of Democratic Women Forum held last week at the Opelousas Civic Center. This story includes comments from several of the candidates scheduled to run for seats on the Opelousas Board of Aldermen who presented their platforms and views during the event.
Floyd Ford, incumbent candidate District B
Ford emphasized his efforts to revitalize areas of the city, including North Park and several residential properties. Ford said the city needs to improve the salary structure for some workers who now earn $8.20 per hour. In addition the city should also seek pay raises for police officers who start out earning $13 an hour and fire fighters who make $9 an hour for their beginning pay.
Theresa Thibodeaux, candidate District C
Thibodeaux pointed out that she has been a businesswoman and this is her third time seeking to win an election. Thibodeaux said her main goal if elected will be to see the city progress, especially in attracting more businesses for Opelousas.
Madeline Edwards Rosette, candidate District D
Rosette urged voters “to step out of their comfort zones,” and become more involved in assisting the city to improve. “You need to ask yourself what am I doing for my community. (Improvement) starts with us and I want to make a difference,” said Rosette.
Sherell Roberts, incumbent candidate District D
Roberts said she has been part of a unified effort by the Board to work together. Roberts said she and the Board have supported city administrations in order to obtain grant funding and pointed out that there have been road improvements inside her election district. “As your alderwoman, I have always answered every call,” Roberts added.
Chasity Davis Warren, incumbent candidate District E
Davis-Warren said she has spent about $20,000 to $30,000 of her own money to build a recreational park within District E. In addition during the summer Davis-Warren said that she has funded instructional summer camps for children. Davis-Warren said she will continue to seek more funding for infrastructure within District E.
Jacqueline Martin, candidate District E
Martin previously served several terms as the District E alderwoman. Martin said that while she was in office, she was always accessible to constituents and provided mentoring programs for children inside District E, as well as sponsoring community assistance events. Martin said one of the biggest needs is to provide safety for citizens.
Marvin Richard, incumbent candidate for alderman at large
Richard said his biggest achievement is that he has worked hard. “I know what I’ve done. Roads are being done now. Maybe that’s not as many as we would have liked, but it’s the first time in 15 years that something is being done.” Richard said the city needs to become more unified. “Let’s stop trying to beat one another down on social media,” Richard added.
Milton Batiste III, incumbent candidate District A
Batiste said that he really doesn’t have a specific political platform. “My platform is the people,” Batiste said. Batiste said that half of his life has been involved with public service, as a teacher, coach, school administrator and central office administrator in two school districts.
