Officials to U.S. Corps: Use sediment for coastal restoration
October 18, 2006Opening this Friday, Oct. 27
October 22, 2006While standing on the docks behind the Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center in Thibodaux last Tuesday, over 24 elected officials gathered to show their support for the re-election of U.S. Rep. Charlie Melancon.
Among those present was Rep. Damon Baldone, who ran against Melancon in the 2004 Congressional race. According to Baldone, Melancon couldn’t have done a better job for southern Louisiana while in congress. “Charlie has been responsive to our needs,” Baldone said. “He has never forgotten where he came from.”
Rep. Gary Smith Jr. agreed, saying, “He has proven that he has the passion, know-how and skill to represent south Louisiana. As a freshman in Congress, he has not been afraid to step up.”
Rep. Jack D. Smith also praised Melancon for his work while in Congress. However, Smith also told the crowd that what Melancon has done for the past two years is not as important as what he can do for the Louisiana in the next two.
Melancon’s non-partisan record of voting has also gathered some support for the incumbent in this years coming election.
St. Bernard Sheriff Jack Stephens said, “We need people who are defined by personality and character, not by which party they represent.”
Rep. Karen St. German spoke in accordance with Stephens when she said, “He [Melancon] is about people. We never discuss party n but people.”
Stephens also said that he admired Melancon for acting so quickly and respectably after hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Melancon didn’t engage in photo opportunities with camera crews, he said. Instead, the congressman continuously revisited the affected areas doing whatever it was he could do to help, according to Stephens.
Melancon listened quietly and thanked the crowd of officials. Melancon said that this election cannot be won without their support.
Melancon said, “If I do nothing else, I hope to leave a legacy to my children. I am proud of my family and my parents. The people they served are the people I serve.”
Melancon has received over 110 endorsements from state and local officials for the 2006 Congressional election. The state lieutenant governor, commissioner of Agriculture, five state senators, 17 state representatives, four area district attorneys, six sheriffs, five parish presidents, eight mayors and over 60 other elected officials are among the many who have publicly endorsed the candidate.
On the Nov. 17 ballot, Melancon will be running against three others for the 3rd District seat seat: Orlangee Breech (D-LaPlace), Craig Romero (R-New Iberia) and James Blake (L-Franklin).
Jared Bailey can be reached at (985) 876-3008 or jared@tri-parishtimes.com
