BILLS CREATE TWO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES IN LAFAYETTE

BATON ROUGE, La. – State Senator Gerald Boudreaux’s bills creating two economic development districts in Lafayette gained final passage today and now head to the Governor’s Office for his signature.  Senate Bills 480 and 481 allow the Lafayette Economic Development Authority and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to attract new businesses and create jobs within the newly established taxing districts.

SB 480 repeals the North Lafayette Redevelopment Authority encompassing those duties and powers within the work of the Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA) so it can move forward with an action plan to revitalize distressed areas of the parish. Senator Boudreaux testified that this bill gives LEDA the ability to leverage proven economic and community development strategies to help citizens understand how to redevelop neighborhoods while also supporting small/minority businesses. 

“This legislation effectively re-energizes several efforts to improve north Lafayette and encourages all stakeholders to work collaboratively in making progress quickly towards our collective goals,” said Senator Boudreaux. 

Additionally, SB 481 enables the University of Louisiana at Lafayette to foster economic development on its university owned property.  The campus envisions the possibility of adding an additional hotel as well as a performing arts center as a result of this legislation.  Supporters of the action say it could also create a wide range of community amenities and allows the university to make infrastructure improvements to assets of the college.  Similar legislation was passed for Louisiana State University and Southern University in 2023.

“At the end of the day, the university will now be able to leverage its taxes to responsibly develop its properties in service to the entire Lafayette community,” said Boudreaux.  “Supporting UL-Lafayette grows one of our most cherished institutions and makes our city a great place to live and work,”

The 2024 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature began on March 11, 2024 and must adjourn no later than 6:00 pm on Monday, June 3rd.  For more information on legislation being considered during the session, go to www.legis.la.gov.  

Walter Campbell Announces his Candidacy for Lafayette Parish Assessor

For Immediate Release

January 25, 2023- Lafayette, LA

Long time Lafayette Parish realtor, Walter Campbell announces his candidacy for Lafayette Parish Assessor.

Walter Campbell, a resident of Lafayette, is a husband of 30 years, father of two, business owner, and community leader. As a REALTOR for nearly 25 years, he has developed extraordinary skills in leadership, sales, marketing, technology, communication, and a desire to help others achieve their aspirations.

He has been active in leadership on the local and State REALTOR® Boards and participates regularly in various non-profit organizations including Lafayette Habitat for Humanity, Kiwanis of Acadiana, Boy Scouts of America, and most recently asked to serve with the Salvation Army Board of Directors.

Walter is a graduate of USL (1992) and is also a military veteran (1986- 1992), a life long Republican, and prides himself as a supporter of UL Lafayette, LSU, and the New Orleans Saints. In his spare time, Walter enjoys family time with his two grandchildren, fishing, and staying healthy.

Water Campbell is running for Assessor of Lafayette Parish to bring transparency and fairness. Additionally, Campbell will add cutting edge technology for easier public access to filings and records within the Assessor's office.

Campbell states, “People work hard, pay taxes, and expect government services and departments to get it right the first time. However, that does not always happen. I plan on bringing my decades of leadership experience to make sure the Assessor’s office is streamlined and is equipped to provide accurate and fair assessments to the citizens of Lafayette Parish.”

Full Interview with Lafayette Mayor President Josh Guillory, wife Jamie

KLFY’s full interview with Josh Guillory and his wife, Jamie, on his recent inpatient treatment for substance abuse and PTSD, and issues surrounding his position as Lafayette Mayor President.

Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory checks himself into rehab for alcohol, PTSD issues

Lafayette Parish Mayor-President Josh Guillory announced today in a press release that he has voluntarily checked himself into rehab for “an addiction to alcohol and untreated Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.”

Guillory reported he will be attending in-patient rehabilitation for 21 days. Guillory stated he will remain in contact with Lafayette City-Parish Attorney Greg Logan and Chief Administrative Officer Cydra Wingerter to continue his duties while in rehab.

Read more: Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory checks himself into rehab for alcohol, PTSD issues

Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory checks himself into rehab for alcohol, PTSD issues https://t.co/y15tnrZRwy

— KLFY NEWS 10 (@KLFY) July 25, 2022

Louisiana Old School Electioneering Is Back

Photo source: KLFY

In a blatant attempt at electioneering, one Lafayette City-Parish Councilman has proposed free bus rides on election day. While not expressly bringing folks to the polls, the rides will surely be used in an attempt to sway votes and at getting more voters to the polls in an attempt to influence the election.

What could possibly go wrong????

Read more: Possible free bus rides on Election Day causes controversy

State Representative Stuart Bishop's Re-Election Announcement

State Rep. Stuart Bishop (R-Laf) announced his intention to see reelection in his district yesterday. Accompanied by Rep. Joel Robideaux and former Congressman Mike Michot, Bishop released the following statement:  

I’m honored to represent Lafayette Parish and am thankful for the opportunity to continue serving our community. Over the past four years, I’ve worked hard to pass common sense legislation to bring greater transparency to state government, strengthen ethics standards, cut bureaucratic red tape for families and businesses, protect our oil and gas industry, improve voting opportunities, access and technology and sustain our sportsman’s paradise. I’m ready to continue moving our Louisiana forward.

Photo source: Facebook

 Photo source: Facebook

Photo source: Facebook

Louisiana Delegation Leads House in Moment of Silence Honoring Lafayette Shooting Victims

Photo source: YouTube  

The members of Louisiana's delegation led the House of Representives in a moment of silence in honor of the victims of Thursday's shooting at The Grande Theater in Lafayette today in Washington, DC.  

Ted Nugent and Allen West Sworn in as Honorary Sheriff Deputies

During their visit to Lafayette this weekend, both former Congressman Allen West and rocker Ted Nugent were sworn in as honorary deputies of the Iberia Parish Sheriff's Department by Sheriff Louis Ackal. 

Photo source: Facebook  

Bobby Jindal Issues Executive Order Regarding Disturbing the Peace During Funerals

With the recent announcement by the Westboro Baptist "Church" on their decision to picket the funerals of the victims of Thursday's shootings at the Grand Theater in Lafayett, Gov. Bobby Jindal issued an executive order than bans disturbing the peace of these funerals. Per the order, the statement says as follows: 

 This Order is effective upon signature and shall remain in effect until forty-eight (48) hours past the burials of Mayci Breaux and Jillian Johnson, unless amended, modified, terminated or rescinded prior to that time.

A copy the the order is attached.  

Statements Begin Pouring In Regarding Lafayette Theater Shooting

Louisiana leaders begin issuing statements on Twitter shortly after the shooting that took place in Lafayette, LA last night in The Grand Theater.  Below are statements from Jeff Landry, candidate for Louisiana Attorney General, Sen. David Vitter, Louisiana gubernatorial candidate and John Fleming, Congressmen from Louisiana.

Additionally, the star of the movie that was being shown in the theater where this tragedy occurred, Amy Schumer, posted a tweet after this incident and offered condolences and prayers.

However, it didn't take longs for the lunatics on the left to begin to use this as a cause-celebrity and start pushing for their favorite agenda, gun control.  The trolls usually come out shortly after an incident of this nature.

Now is not the to politicize this tragedy.  And now is not the time for the federal government to intervene.  We in Louisiana can take care of our own and we will get through this together.

Joel Robideaux Defending Tax Raising Decisions in the Recent Session

Photo source: NOLA

For a man that is running as a conservative, low tax candidate in the upcoming election for Louisiana Parish President, Joel Robideaux is showing his true colors when it comes to that very issue. 

Robideaux has come out stating that legislators that supported raising taxes on the citizens of the State of Louisiana should be able to stand on the decisions made in the recent session.  This same candidate for Louisiana Parish President took the unprecedented move to increase taxes in the legislature without a 2/3 vote and by an interpretation by the Louisiana Attorney General back in 1993.

Lafayette Parish, be wary of the wolf in sheep's clothing when he comes in the fall looking for your vote.

Read more: Tax committee chairman: Lawmakers handled budget responsibly