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Parish President’s Forum Presentation • March 19, 2008 • Lutcher
As I thought about our topic of discussion today, I realized just how vital government operations are to the development and success of a vibrant business community.
I took office in January. As I prepared for my new job as Parish President, my staff and I put together a list of eight goals that will guide the administration for the next 4 years.
We looked at the parish and its customer service to citizens with a fresh set of eyes and found lots of room for improvement.
It’s true that everything important to the regular citizen – drainage, infrastructure improvements and levee protection, for example, are only more important to businesses. Without accountability in government, a community’s business climate can only suffer.
St. Charles Parish indeed is a family place where people enjoy both working and playing. And that’s really the underlying key to a robust economy. But I wanted to expand on a few of the topics in the video as well as some economic development projects:
- One is the West Bank hurricane protection levee. We are in the process of getting permits from the Corps of Engineers to complete this project. Its completion will give business owners the confidence to expand in our hurricane-prone parish.
- Another is infrastructure. We are diligently working on problems on the West Bank. We are in the middle of an 18 million dollar project to redo drainage canals and pump stations, and we are changing main trunk lines in the water system.
- We’re also looking at some long-range goals to enhance quality of life. The extension of Earhart Boulevard to I-310 and Highway 3060 from Hwy. 90 to the railroad tracks would make it easier to move goods in and out of the parish. We’re also looking at construction of a bike path along the levee on the West Bank to match what exists on the East Bank. And there’s the very important problem of working with DOTD to find the right barrier method for the canal that runs along Hwy. 61. The fatal accidents in this area need to come to an end.
- And I can say that our water is the best-tasting in the state. On March 10 a sample of tap water from the east bank of St. Charles Parish won the taste test at the Louisiana Conference on Water Supply, Sewage and Industrial Waste. We’ll now go on to compete against water from Arkansas and Oklahoma for a regional title.
- We are meeting economic development challenges head-on. We are helping existing and potential businesses learn about the local workforce through a survey currently being conducted by the River Region Economic Development Initiative. With several plant expansions in the works, we have to be sure local employees will fit the needs of industry. Training providers will be sure they are teaching the right skills to our labor force. With a low unemployment rate of 4 percent, anyone should be able to find work in St. Charles Parish.
- We’re also working on a public deep water terminal on the West Bank to service industry in the area. Our Economic Development Department has been working with the port of South Louisiana for years to get this accomplished. It is close to becoming a reality.
- And we’re trying to become a bigger part of Hollywood South. We are working with film-industry groups to update our infrastructure to make it easier for the film industry to set up shop here.
In St. Charles Parish we already have a great business atmosphere. Major industry like Shell, Dow and Monsanto are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to business opportunities in our parish. Due to post-Katrina population growth, small businesses are flourishing, with new ventures popping up weekly.
Over the past 3 years, over 4 billion dollars worth of business projects have either been announced or started in St. Charles Parish.
But it’s the attention we will pay to infrastructure and quality of life and that will keep a highly skilled workforce living within our boundaries, with help from our award-winning public school system. Our future is certainly bright.
David J. Vial, M.D. Patient Care Center Grand Opening • April 19, 2008 • St. Charles Parish Hospital
Thank you. Today is a beautiful day, but not just because of the great weather. We have all come together to witness the dedication of the beautiful building behind me. It’s taken many hours of hard work to get here. But as you can see today, it was all worth it. This is truly a first-class health care facility for St. Charles Parish. We all have a lot to be proud of.
This expansion is a result of strategic planning by the hospital board and its supporters. I know first-hand just how important planning can be. But planning is nothing without people willing to follow through.
With that said, I’d like to, first and foremost, thank the citizens of St. Charles Parish for helping fund this project. You approved tax proposals both before and after Hurricane Katrina for the hospital. Thank you for sharing their vision.
Also, to former parish president Mr. Albert Laque – Thank you for providing the leadership necessary to jump-start this expansion.
And none of this would have been possible without St. Charles Parish Hospital CEO Fred Martinez, hospital Board of Commissioners Chairman Tommy Lorio and all the members of the Board. Please enjoy this day as a celebration of your efforts.
Also, thanks to Senator David Vitter for being with us on this very important day.
Lastly, let’s not forget the shining example of the man this building is named after – Dr. David J. Vial. Dr. Vial was born and raised in St. Charles Parish, went to LSU for medical school and then came home. He devoted his life to serving the people of St. Charles.
I’d like to encourage any young people listening to me today to follow Dr. Vial’s lead. If you are planning a medical career, consider coming home to practice. Your skills can do so much good for the people of our state and parish.
Again, thank you for having me. Please enjoy all the activities and have a great day.
State of the Parish • April 3, 2008 • St. Charles Business Association
It’s always exciting for me to meet with members of our parish’s business community. The things you accomplish day in and day out are why we we’re so proud to call St. Charles Parish home. As a former business owner, I know the trials and tribulations of managing budgets and employees. Business is tough. It’s do-or-die.
So is government. I’ve always believed government should be run like a business. And in the three months since I’ve taken office, we’ve implemented a comprehensive planning program to achieve specific goals to make our parish better and stronger than it’s ever been.
A business wouldn’t dare operate without a plan. Neither should our parish. Here’s a short video outlining my administration’s goals for the next four years.
You’ll notice that we’ve placed a high importance on levee protection. The completion of projects like the West Bank levee is vital to our parish’s future. It will also give business owners the confidence to expand in our hurricane-prone parish.
Infrastructure is another major hurdle. Currently we’re in the middle of an 18 million dollar project to redo drainage canals and pump stations. We’re changing main trunk lines in the water system.
We’re also looking at some long-range goals to enhance quality of life. The extension of Earhart Boulevard to I-310 and Highway 3060 from Highway 90 to the railroad tracks would make it easier to move goods in and out of the parish. We’re also looking at construction of a bike path along the levee on the West Bank to match what exists on the East Bank. And there’s the very important problem of working with DOTD to find the right barrier method for the canal that runs along Hwy. 61. The fatal accidents in this area need to come to an end.
One of my goals includes a diverse economy. That means doing all we can to promote current businesses and help prospective businesses locate here.
There are several large businesses ready to come to St. Charles. There will be announcements coming in the next 6 months.
As always, new business means a trickle-down effect for our local companies. Economic Development Director Corey Faucheux and I always keep you in mind. We stress using local vendors as much as possible.
That just goes to show that it’s relationships that matter. Through Corey’s office, the parish is in constant contact with entrepreneurs and corporate leaders ready to make commitments to St. Charles Parish. Economic Development is a competitive business within itself. These days, businesses won’t come to you – you have to go to them.
But we have to keep up our end of the bargain. That means providing a qualified workforce to fill jobs locally. We’ve partnered with other parishes in the River Region to conduct a workforce study, which is going on as we speak. With several plant expansions in the works, we have to be sure local employees are able to fit the needs of industry. Training providers will be sure they are teaching the right skills to our labor force. Everyone should have the opportunity to work. And with the current unemployment rate of just 4 percent, we’re finding that to be true.
We’re also working on a public deep water terminal on the West Bank to service industry in the area. Our Economic Development Department has been working with the port of South Louisiana for years to get this accomplished. It is close to becoming a reality.
And we’re trying to become a bigger part of Hollywood South. We are working with film-industry groups to update our infrastructure to make it easier for the film industry to set up shop here.
Lastly, and maybe most importantly, 2008 is a tax reassessment year. I know tax cuts can help the business community in a variety of ways. Millages have actually gone down consistently for about the last decade. My administration will take an honest look at the parish’s current financial situation and make every attempt to lessen tax burdens on business and industry.
That being said, I’d like to ask your cooperation in making St. Charles Parish as inviting as possible. Do some Spring cleaning. Spruce up your buildings. Pressure wash, paint, clean out flower beds, restripe parking areas, cut the grass. Every little bit helps, and it shows how much we care.
Also, please keep St. Charles Parish at the forefront when advertising. Mention that you’re located here. Keep in mind the spirit of community this place is known for.
In St. Charles Parish we already have a great business atmosphere. Major industry like Shell, Dow and Monsanto are only the tip of the iceberg. Due to post-Katrina population growth, small businesses are flourishing, and we welcome them.
Over the past 3 years, over 4 billion dollars worth of business projects have either been announced or started in St. Charles Parish.
But it’s the attention we will pay to infrastructure and quality of life and that will keep a highly skilled workforce living within our boundaries. Our future is certainly bright.
Bayou Senior Olympics Awards Ceremony • April 23, 2008 • Luling VFW Hall
Let me begin by welcoming those of you from neighboring parishes. We have honorees from St. John, St. James, Ascension, Terrebone, Lafourche and St. Charles Parishes with us this morning. Congratulations on all your accomplishments.
The Senior Olympics provides a wonderful opportunity for our community’s more seasoned athletes to get on the field and show what they can do. With activities ranging from billiards to volleyball, everyone has the chance to participate, and rightly so.
Even though we are honoring our winners today, let’s not forget what the Bayou Senior Olympics are all about. It’s about people from all walks of life, shapes and sizes coming together for one common goal – to have fun, meet new people and stay active.
So enjoy the awards and most importantly, enjoy the friendships.
Thank you for participating.
Hurricane Conference for Seniors • May 1, 2008 • Luling VFW Hall
Greeting Good morning and thank you for attending.
My administration and I want everyone to play it safe this hurricane season. That includes learning everything you can about how to prepare now, before the season starts. It’s too late to prepare once a hurricane is in the Gulf. Katrina taught us that we need to be vigilant about evacuations. So many lives are at risk. So it’s great that you’ve chosen to come out and be educated. You attending this conference will only make our jobs easier when it comes time to put our hurricane plan into action. Please communicate this information to your family, friends and neighbors so they can be prepared as well.
Again, thank you for coming out. Please enjoy the presentations.
National Day of Prayer • May 1, 2008 • Courthouse
Thank you for coming out to pray with us on this 56th annual National Day of Prayer. President Harry S. Truman new back then, as we know now, that prayer is the backbone of this nation for its faithful people. By humbling ourselves before God, we gain the spiritual strength and grace to stand for what’s right. As a public official, I could not function without the assurance I gain through prayer and a relationship Jesus Christ. I know this holds true for many citizens of St. Charles Parish, no matter their occupation.
The intent of this day is to bring people together in prayer, no matter their religious belief. So as we bow our heads today, let’s remember first and foremost that we are honoring a higher power. But let’s also remember the spirit of togetherness and harmony we are creating today. I urge you to make this day of prayer resonate with you each and every day of your lives.
HHS Honor Roll Ceremony • May 6, 2008 • Hahnville High School Auditorium
A Chinese proverb says, “Teachers open the door. You enter by yourself.”
You are here today because you’ve taken that advice to heart.
Congratulations on your awesome scholastic accomplishments. It takes will power, hard work and unmatched commitment to achieve great things in the classroom.
Staying on the superintendent’s list for one quarter is an achievement in itself. But you’ve upped the ante. Successful people always have the desire to outdo themselves. That’s what you’ve done.
I see a bright future for each and every one of you here this afternoon. You know that success in life is about acting on the knowledge and advice you’ve been given.
Congratulations are also in order for these students’ parents and teachers. Parents, you provide the love and support system necessary so your children can come to school ready to learn. Teachers, you use your skill to make sure these young people have the knowledge they’ll need to make it in our highly competitive world.
But these students know you’re only one piece of the puzzle. They’ll take on challenges, make social connections and work hard to complete the rest.
Again, congratulations to you, and best wishes for a fulfilling and successful future. Please remember your home parish of St. Charles when you take the world by storm.
Shell / Motiva Safety Award Presentation • May 6, 2008 • Norco Refinery
I’m so proud to be here today to recognize the hardworking men and women of Motiva Enterprises.
I’ve been told you’ve gone two years without an OSHA recordable injury. That’s a fantastic statistic. It’s a testament to the pride you take in your work each and every day.
Industry is a major factor in the prosperity of St. Charles Parish. It’s clear to me this group should be looked to for guidance from other industry-based communities around the country. It takes a lot of hard work, vigilant focus and great attention to detail to ensure every task is completed safely.
You ensure NOBODY GETS HURT AT NORCO, EVER because you care deeply about the safety of every person on this site. Helping your contractors break a record every day says so much about you and your commitment to excellence.
Thank you for working safely. St. Charles Parish would like to recognize this safety achievement and ask that you continue to stay safe on the job. You certainly know how!
Would plant manager Anne-Marie Ainsworth come up to receive this honor?
Civil Service Awards • May 15, 2008 • La Maison Magnolia • Norco
I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome everyone to the 26th annual Civil Service Awards.
Some of you will receive awards for attendance at work. I’m glad you’ve decided to celebrate your job instead of going to it this morning.
Others will receive awards commemorating years of service to the citizens of this parish. One breakfast won’t make up for 20, 25 or 30 years of hard work. But we certainly hope that through this ceremony, we can show you just how appreciative we are of your commitment and dedication.
Many of you are on the front lines. You deal with citizens’ concerns, issues and problems on a daily basis. And you handle those responsibilities with sensitivity and grace. I am extremely grateful to be able to count on you. I am grateful to call you friends and co-workers.
Thank you also to the Civil Service Board members here present, as well as all elected officials who are visiting with us this morning.
Please enjoy breakfast, and congratulations on your accomplishments.
Memorial Day Ceremony • May 24, 2008 • St. Charles Parish Courthouse
First of all, I want to thank each of you from the bottom of my heart for coming out today to honor all those who have lost their lives fighting for this great nation.
Recently, I came across an article written by former U.S. Marine Corps Second Lieutenant and current U.S senator Jim Webb. His words paint a picture of every soldier’s emotional struggle:
“When you have personalized death, looked into the eyes of innocent people as the life drained out of them, watch lives torn apart not once, but hundreds of times - friends, enemies and those caught in between - it brings not only sadness but also an oddly stubborn wisdom. When you have watched an enemy fight with ferocity and often with honor, you tend to conclude that on some level you have more in common with those you were trying to kill than you do with people who view wars only as an intellectual debate. And when you have served among good people, fellow marines, some of whom you came to love with the same intensity as you do your own family, there are few others you will meet in your life who can ever gain that same level of trust and respect.
A sense of accountability is the burden of leadership, whether in combat or on Capitol Hill. When you have the authority to make decisions, you inherit the responsibility to accept the consequences and the obligation to use your authority for the common good.”
As many of you know, I am a Marine Veteran who served in Vietnam. Senator Webb’s words rings true for me. I feel so much pride in having fought for my country.
We should honor and thank those who have done the same so we may continue to live in a free nation.
But most of all, to the families that have lost a loved one in battle, know that their sacrifice has not been ignored. This great country stands as a testament to their honor.
Today we are also reminded of the brave soldiers fighting overseas. These soldiers and their families are in our thoughts and prayers each and every day.
They are not forgotten, and neither are the soldiers we honor today at this Memorial Day Ceremony.
Thank you again, and have a great afternoon.
GED Graduation Ceremony • May 27, 2008 • Hahnville High School Auditorium
Good evening graduates, faculty and distinguished guests.
To the graduates before me, I offer sincere congratulations on all your accomplishments.
This commencement ceremony celebrates the end of one learning experience and the beginning of another. Hopefully your time in this GED program has instilled within you a desire to further your learning.
The fact that you are receiving this diploma says a lot about your character. You have the determination and morale to step forward and receive the education you rightly deserve. You owe yourself this moment. Be proud of what you have accomplished. Realize the amount of potential you hold and never settle for anything less. An education, no matter the prestige, is something no one can take away from you.
Look out in the crowd. Those are the people that supported you through everything that life has thrown your way. Appreciate them and all that they bring into your life.
I want to commend you on a job well done. I know your unique talents and skills will contribute greatly to today’s workforce. I look forward to seeing what each of you will contribute to our parish, state and nation.
Congratulations again, and thank you for your commitment to education.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Spillway Master Plan Meeting • DHS Auditorium
Thank you for taking an interest in the Army Corps of Engineer’s Master Plan for the Bonnet Carre Spillway.
I know the Spillway is an important recreational playground for both St. Charles Parish residents and others from around the New Orleans metro area. The parish and the Corps are committed to preserving and improving the area for all to enjoy.
New additions in the master plan include a new facility to house rangers and spillway staff, designation of horseback-riding and archery areas and upgrades to restroom facilities.
I look forward to hearing both your feedback and the new, exciting information from the Corps.
RSVP Awards Ceremony • St. James Boat Club
First of all, I want to thank all the volunteer groups and Ms. Fay Caire of the St. Charles Parish RSVP for having me.
It is a great honor to stand before you to THANK YOU for all that you do for your respective communities.
It’s been said that when you volunteer, you give yourself without any regression, without condition, but with full devotion. I am inspired by your devotion to community service. And I know, in turn, you inspire those you help. That cycle of kindness you have begun lives on in every person you touch and in every life you make better.
Today we’ll honor those who have volunteered 5 years and those who have volunteered for 25 years. We’ll also recognize those with the most volunteer hours this year. But no matter how much time you give, know that it is very appreciated.
Anthropologist Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
So realize that what you’re doing makes a difference. Our parishes wouldn’t be the same without your wise assistance and leadership.
Treat Me Right Event • West Bank Bridge Park
Good evening and welcome. On behalf of St. Charles Parish, I hereby declare today, Saturday August 2, as Treat Me Right Day, a day of fun and festivity for all.
Statistics show that one in three teenagers have or will experience violence in a dating relationship.
The parish council recognized the prevalence of abuse within dating relationships and supports the United Way of St. Charles and its associated agencies in their efforts to raise awareness. I encourage all to enjoy yourselves tonight with all the entertainment and fun, and to visit the various booths. As a community let’s unite to help put a stop to teen dating violence by becoming aware and educated of the dangers of relationship abuse.
Thank you and have a great night.
Montz Park Grant Award Donation • Norco VFW Hall
I want to thank you all for coming out today in support of improving Montz Park.
I would also like to acknowledge all of the elected and public officials we have here today. St. Charles Parish greatly appreciates your continued support of our efforts to improve quality of life for all its citizens.
My sincere gratitude goes to the Entergy Charitable Foundation for its generous $70,000 donation to improve Montz Park. I want to especially recognize Doug Rhodes, Customer Service Representative for Entergy. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed. Without your help Montz Park would not be poised to become this area’s only first-class recreational area. It will be a place for families to gather to build a renewed sense of community in Montz.
Donations like this one are vitally important. The property tax millage that is dedicated to the Recreation Department funds the daily operations and services provided by the department with little funds remaining for capital improvements within the parks. The parish has to rely on other funding sources to make infrastructure improvements.
I also want to acknowledge our Grants Officer Holly Fonseca for all of her work in helping St. Charles Parish obtain grant funding for projects such as this. She, along with Recreation Director Duane Foret, Councilman Lambert and Parish CAO Timmy Vial have been working on this project since January, and I greatly appreciate their efforts.
Recreation means a lot to citizens of this parish, especially the children, and it really says something about a company when it chooses to give back to the community, as Entergy is doing today.
The effect of Entergy’s generosity will be felt for years to come. Future residents of Montz will benefit from this contribution. Whether it’s new playground equipment, pavilions or bleachers, these improvements will be greatly appreciated.
Health Center Dedication and Anniversary • St. Charles Community Health Center Luling
The St. Charles Community Health Center offers a lot more than just health care to those who need it. You offer hope, answers and caring concern. From the tiniest baby to full-grown adults, you're keeping the underserved and vulnerable at the heart of what you do. The board of directors, staff and volunteers should be commended for that.
Nothing is more important than the health of our community. Through low-cost preventive care and community outreach programs, you are helping us achieve that goal. The Health Center is a great example of what we can accomplish by working together with the state and federal government.
Today we celebrate the five-year anniversary of the health center and the opening of a new dental clinic. This is the first time in the history of the parish that the less fortunate have dental services available. Thanks also to Congressman Charlie Melancon for attending and to Health Center CEO Mark Keiser and the entire staff for making this day possible. Mr. Melancon, we ask for your continued support in our efforts to expand on the East Bank with the planned construction of a new Health Center in Norco.
Please never lose your committment to serving the public. As an elected official, it's what I strive to do every day. And I know I can say the same for you.
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