BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
(Editor”s Note: This is the first of three stories from a political candidate forum hosted Wednesday night by the St. Landry Parish Democratic Political Action Committee at the Delta Grande in Opelousas. This story focuses on the Nov. 8 Opelousas Board of Aldermen candidates that each spoke for a limited time during the event. Each of the incumbents has challengers for their positions.)
Milton Batiste III, incumbent Alderman District A
Batiste said he is not a candidate who adheres to political platforms. “Being an alderman is a team sport, working together to get things done. I think it’s important (for voters) to ask what has that person done in a leadership role. Why is that person running (for office)? Why do you want to vote for that person?”
Floyd Ford, incumbent Alderman District B
Ford was adamant that Opelousas should be treated like a business. “I want to fight for this city. I want to run this city more like a business.If you have a business, you don’t want it to have a poor credit score. I think (in Opelousas) we need to build up that credit score. I want new jobs, better education. I think the best motivation is to look at the city’s credit score and improve it. We need to be able to compete with Carencro, Broussard and Youngsville.”
Theresa Thiobdeaux, candidate District C
Thibodeaux told the audience that she is one of 10 children, but the only sibling in the family who chose to stay in the Opelousas area. “Since 1989 I have been in Opelousas,” said Thibodeaux, who has sought to become an alderwoman during the last three municipal elections. Thibodeaux said that she is committed to service to the community. Thibodeaux also stressed her availability.
Madeline Rosette, candidate District D
Rosette said her life has always been service-oriented. Rosette said that she currently works as a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) for children in St. Landry and Evangeline parishes. Rosette said that in order for the city to move forward, Opelousas needs to develop a more unified mentality.”I advocate for children; that’s my job. I also want to advocate and help the elderly, They also need help,” said Rosette. Since some individuals work at night, Rosette added that she wants to find other ways for persons to access Board of Aldermen meetings.
Sherell Roberts, incumbent District D
Roberts noted that she has been on the Board for eight years and during that time she has always been available to the public. “I know I answer every call and I inquire about what needs to be done.” Roberts said she has been active in helping the city obtain grant funding and has had a number of dilapidated buildings and homes torn down in District D. Roberts said that several streets in District D have undergone repair while she has been in office. Roberts said COVID-19 restrictions did much to hinder the progress of the Board during the first two years following the 2019 election.
Jacqueline Martin, candidate District E
Martin reminded the crowd that in 2007 she was elected as the first woman to serve on the Board of Aldermen. In addition she was also a mayor pro-tempore. Martin said that several roads and bridges within District E are either impassable or in need of repair. “I want to work for the safety of our residents and help with obtaining roads and bridges,” Martin pointed out.
Chasity Davis Warren, incumbent District E
Warren said that building new bridges or repairing roads are important, but they are something that won’t “happen overnight.”
Warren said that she has established several businesses in District E that are staffed by residents from the district. Also Warren said that she has created a place where children can go for mentoring and recreation.
