BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
Editor’s Note: This is a final article which highlights debated issues between two of the four mayoral candidates who appeared at the St. Landry Parish Democratic Women’s Forum at the Delta Grand last week. Incumbent mayor Julius Alsandor and candidate Donald Broussard presented their views from questions presented by a parishwide high school student forum.
Candidates Charlee Lear and Matthew Leday did not attend the forum.
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What is a project that will help change the city?
Alsandor: “The downtown area needs some TLC. That involves changing of ordinances and then there are individual property owners. I will say that some who own property downtown need to be more responsible.”
Broussard: “The cornerstone is education. About a year ago there were several private investors who were ready to make a commitment and invest $20 million that would create three opportunity zones and make a presentation to the administration. They never got the chance to do that.”
What are some things that are necessary to move the city forward?
Broussard: “We need to create a path to home ownership with the help of money from the USDA. We have families who are struggling to pay the high costs of energy. CLECO will no longer have a monopoly on utilities in this city. We will after I am elected get CLECO to the table and negotiate a contract that is fair and equitable or buy from groups somewhere else.”
Alsandor: “The facilities for our young people at both parks have undergone improvements. We have made improvements to the athletic fields in addition to the civic center.”
Describe your support for public education.
Alsandor: “I am in our schools every day. The city is sponsoring a Halloween for children.”
Broussard: “The people of this city said no to poor Black, White and Hispanic children during an election in March. Now there are two new schools that are being built that will help our students prepare for 21st century careers.”
What are some revitalization projects that you support?
Broussard: “The Downtown area is like a ghost town. It’s depressing. We are going to revitalize by making Downtown an opportunity zone. You do that by obtaining private capital and private investment.”
Alsandor: “I have to disagree. The Downtown area is not a ghost town. There are private businesses that are now operating. We plan to hold persons accountable and work with the DDD to attract private investment.
What about better road conditions in the city?
Alsandor: “We are completing the largest street project in the city in almost two decades. There are 12 streets that are part of the current plan and next year there will be another $3.4 million spent on our part to make sure those projects keep going.”
Broussard: “We are going to get grants of which there will be $2.2 billion available and another grant from rural America available.”
What is available for youths?
Broussard: “We will have two new schools that will be built with partnerships with private groups. We plan to join with the YMCA for our youths. There is $50 million available from private partners that are available.”
Alsandor: “We plan to put Astro-Turf fields similar to what has been done in Broussard and Youngsville. We have had soccer programs, Biddy Basketball. All sports that are available can be played in Opelousas. On November 17 we will host the first annual flag football championships in Opelousas.”
