Campaign underway for Breaux Bridge Chief of Police

The race is on, not on the back streets, but on the main streets of Breaux Bridge for chief of police.

The election is Nov. 4. Early voting is Oct. 21-28.

During the monthly breakfast of the Breaux Bridge Downtown Merchants Association at Buck and Johnny’s Restaurant, the current chief, P.J. Hebert, and challenger Rollie Cantu got to discuss their backgrounds (both raised in Breaux Bridge) and their strategies for addressing traffic and drug problems.

Cantu was with the Breaux Bridge Police Department, starting as patrol officer and leading up to 15 years as Assistant Chief before Hebert took office in 2011. He said his goals are to work with other agencies to help alleviate the traffic problems and crime that is in every community today. He promised to work with the community and have an open-door policy.

Hebert explained to the group what he has done so far about traffic and drug concerns, along with what he has planned with specific agencies, including meeting with the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development and city officials.

He noted that this past January a new narcotics investigator was hired to help in the drug problem to supplement the Sheriff’s Office’s responsibilities.

Hebert acknowledged that more is needed in both situations, and welcomed those attending to come see him and discuss any other concerns they may have.

Mayor Jack Dale Delhomme kicked off the meeting, talking about improvements to Park Hardy, a $1.6 million investment in a twelve-inch water line to Bear Creek, the possible purchase of the Cecilia Water District by Breaux Bridge, and a comprehensive plan to improve city sidewalks.

The last matter on the agenda was the Spring Fling scheduled in downtown Breaux Bridge on Saturday, April 26, at Veterans Park from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.