Police Jury Assn. hosts forum for La.’s U.S. Senate candidates

The Police Jury Association hosted the first statewide U.S. Senate Forum during its 92nd Annual State Convention in Shreveport on March 5. The six candidates joined nearly 1,000 elected to share their vision and candidate platform.
The PJAL represents all 64 parishes advocating for local government and parish issues at the state capitol and Washington D.C.
The senatorial forum was attended by current U.S. Rep. Charles Boustany of Louisiana’s 3rd Congressional District, current public service commissioner Foster Campbell Jr., New Orleans attorney Caroline Fayard, current U.S. Rep. John Fleming of Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District, current state Treasurer John Kennedy, and Col. Rob Maness (USAF ret.). Each focused on the current status of Louisiana, the effect of the elected position at hand and their plans should they be elected.
Guy Cormier of St. Martin Parish, 2016 PJAL president, presided over the forum.
Also during the convention that took place at the Shreveport Convention Center March 3-5, attendees were given congressional, state and local updates on a variety of issues. They also visited with over 80 interest groups related to the day-to-day operations of parish government.
Elected and appointed officials addressing the group included Lt. Gov. Billy Nungesser, the governor’s deputy chief of staff Toye Taylor, DEQ Secretary Dr. Chuck Brown, GOHSEP Director Jim Waskom, Wildlife & Fisheries Secretary Charles Melancon, DOTD Secretary Shawn Wilson, National Association of Counties 2nd Vice President Roy Brooks and USDA Rural Development State Director Clarence Hawkins.
Public Service Commissioner Scott Angelle was the keynote speaker at the Organization of Parish Administrative Officials Luncheon. U.S. Congressman Garrett Graves of Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District was the luncheon keynote speaker.
During the Saturday night banquet, outgoing President David Cox of Caddo Parish thanked the members for their service and praised the Police Jury Association for tirelessly working to improve and assist all 64 parish government entities.
Cormier acknowledged all the past presidents that were present expressing his desire to lead like they did to continue the improvement of the state by working as a team.
“Our members, elected and appointed, are vital to a parishes’ day-to-day operations,” he said. “I look forward to leading an association dedicated to bettering the lives of each of our citizens.”
Topics ranged from special session and future legislative sessions, tax reform, member services, state and federal budgets, local government financing, ethics, highway funding, tourism, emergency preparedness, drainage and more.