MONICA SEEKS DISTRICT 57 STATE REPRESENTATIVE SEAT
May 16, 2007
Pointing to a "Solid record of accomplishments and the proven ability to work with the local, state and federal government," St. John the Baptist Parish President Nickie Monica announced today that he is a candidate for the District 57 seat in the Louisiana House of Representatives. Incumbent Representative Bobby Faucheux cannot seek re-election because of term limits.
The election is set for Saturday, October 20, 2007. A runoff, if needed is scheduled for Saturday, November 17.
Monica said that through his leadership and that of other parishes in the region, the area is experiencing unprecedented growth and setting records for homebuilding and job creation. "Industrial facilities are expanding and new ones are planned. We must ensure that this progress continues while at the same time protect property values and preserve our way of life."
"Elections are not about the past, they are about the future," Monica said. "Through hard work and determination, we have put in place a firm foundation for continued economic and quality of life improvements in our area. As your state representative, I’ll work hard to put the state on the right track as well."
Beginning in 2008, much of the membership of the House of Representatives will be new because of term limits. Monica said his leadership experience in the legislative and executive branches of government uniquely qualify him for the job. "I understand how government functions on the local, state and federal level and work closely with officials every day. I’m no stranger at the capitol," said Monica, who is completing eight years as St. John President after serving four years as a parish councilman where he held positions on the solid waste and insurance committees.
"At this critical point in our community’s history, as we continue to recover from the hurricanes of 2005, it’s vital that we have an experienced, strong voice in the House of Representatives," Monica said. "The $20 million, 93,000 square foot Louisiana War Veteran’s Home and a new $15 million National Guard Readiness Center close to the St. John/St. James Parish border is part of my proven record of bringing local, state and federal officials together to get things done."
The Road Home program has not worked, Monica said. "The state and federal governments must do a much better job of helping people hurt by Hurricane Katrina. Iwill do whatever it takes to help solve the crisis we face where people are being priced out of their homes by the skyrocketing cost of insurance."
As state representative, Monica will also focus on continuing to improve the infrastructure in St. James and St. John the Baptist Parishes. "Solid roads and good drainage allows local businesses to prosper and new ventures to move in and provide a secure local sales tax base to help fund continuing improvements in our local schools." On the state level, Monica supports maintaining the TOPS program and expanding it to include tuition assistance for post-graduate degrees.
Monica wants to see better maintenance on state highways in district 57. "We must complete the road from the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge to LA HWY 3127 and build an I-10 interchange north of Reserve to serve as vital hurricane evacuation routes." To handle increased traffic since Hurricane Katrina, Monica will work to enhance the Airline Highway and to secure funding for an east-west service road paralleling I-10. "Further improvements to our water treatment, drainage systems, recreational facilities and economic development efforts must continue."
Providing assessable and affordable health care, ensuring veteran’s benefits and enhancing public safety are top priorities. "I am actively working with The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to construct a hurricane protection levee in St. John Parish. St. James also deserves protection and I will fight to complete this vital project and obtain funding for further enhancements to civil defense and law enforcement agencies. We must be prepared in the event of an emergency or natural disaster."
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