In a letter penned to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Iberia Parish President Larry Richard expressed his support for lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico. His letter went on to state the importance of the need for domestic oil and gas for both the federal government and the local economy. A copy of the letter sent to the agency can be found below.
Posts filed under Iberia Parish
Iberia Parish Delegation Brings Back Millions in Project Funding
With the ending of the regular session in Baton Rouge this week, the Iberia Parish Legislative Delegation has brought back millions in project funding for our area.
It’s a historic year for Iberia Parish overall, but one area to note is that Louisiana has earmarked $200,000,000 for I49 improvements. The delegation is waiting on one signature from Governor John Bel Edwards, however, there are no delays anticipated.
Additionally, not included in this ad, is another $89,000,000 of trailing dollars coming in after the next fiscal year for some of these projects listed to be completed.
Our delegation is to be commended for the work that was done this session for the people of Iberia Parish.
Iberia Parish Council passes resolution in support of resuming federal oil & gas leases
“”In Iberia Parish, the oil and gas industry was the number one revenue generator. It has been for decades,” said M. Larry Richard, president of Iberia Parish. “It’s a big deal for the parish, and it still is, if we can get it back.”
LETTER TO THE EDITOR: Is Brett Lang on the Brady List?
Photo source: YouTube
Cajun Conservatism was provided a copy of a Letter to the Editor from a constituent regarding candidate for New Iberia City Marshal, Brett Lang. We’ve included the letter in the post below and accompanying video that was taken at a recent town hall meeting conducted in New Iberia where all candidates for the position were questioned.
As most are aware, there is a runoff election in the City of New Iberia for the office of City Marshal. The election is to fill the remaining one year of a six-year term of the deceased Vic Delcambre, who held the position for almost 40 years.
The election is between Brett Lang, a former Sheriff’s Deputy with the Iberia Parish Sheriffs’ office, and Retired Army Major and former Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of New Iberia, Tony Migues. The race between the two has been largely quiet and both campaigns seem to have run respectable races for the most part. But, I thought it important to bring to light the contents of a Neighborhood Watch Forum I attended back in July. (see attached video)
The Forum was hosted by the Acadian Acres Neighborhood Watch Committee and contained candidates for most of the local races—Sheriff’s, State Rep, Clerk of Court-- each having a few minutes to talk about themselves and their plans for the office, and ending with a question and answer segment from the audience.
During the forum Marshal Candidate, Brett Lang was asked by a member of the audience about his service with the Iberia Sheriff’s Office, and particularly whether or not the rumors floating around about him being on the Brady List were true. For those who are not familiar with the Brady List, here is a brief explanation--The Brady List stems from the Brady Disclosure Doctrine, which states in order for a defendant’s rights to Due Process under the 5th amendment not to be violated, the prosecution must disclose any and all evidence that is favorable to the defendant. The Brady List is a list kept by District Attorneys in each of their respective Judicial Districts containing Law Enforcement Officers who are known to have lied, coerced, mislead or withheld information during their scope of duty as a police officer. The prosecution must subsequently make the defense aware if that particular officer played any part in the arrest investigation, handling of evidence etc. of the defendant’s case. This essentially means that any officer who is on the Brady List has no standing in court to defend their or any officer who may subsequently fall under their authority dealings with any particular criminal matter on any criminal case for the entirety of that officer’s career. The officer, for lack of a better term, is Impeached. Though there may be no legal charges against them, their word is tarnished.
As a former Police Officer, I know that a Law Enforcement Officer’s most important weapon is their word. With that being said, it is extremely concerning that Mr. Lang admitted to being on the Brady List. Mr. Lang also mentioned at the same meeting that he would have himself removed from the list, which, as far as I know, cannot be done, nor has he ever re-addressed being removed to by knowledge. I have attempted to contact the local media outlets on this issue several times, but have gotten no response.
I think this is a huge issue that people need to be made aware of, as it presents a huge liability not only for the Marshal’s Office, but for the City as whole. Mr. Migues would have been my second choice, but it is clear to me now that he is the absolute best choice and we need to make sure he is elected for the sake of liability and to save face value for Law Enforcement Officials near and far.
Jimmy Berard
DAVID DITCH ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR IBERIA PARISH CLERK OF COURT
New Iberia, Iberia Parish: New Iberia native, local business owner, family man, and current Iberia Parish Clerk of Court, David Ditch (Republican), has announced that he is a candidate for Iberia Parish Clerk of Court.
David is married to Jessica Dill Ditch. They are the proud parents of Kate Avery, Walker and Sawyer. David and Jessica have served on numerous committees, boards and volunteered for many local charities. Giving back is rooted in the Ditch family. “I believe you must know how to serve before you can lead”, David said. “Jessica and I, along with our children, have been involved with many great organizations within Iberia Parish. We’ve served alongside many great people and have made life-long friends, friends who have made me a better person. It is with this same desire to serve that I proudly and humbly announce my candidacy for Iberia Parish Clerk of Court.”
David was sworn in as Iberia Parish Clerk of Court on Friday, May 31, 2019. Immediately, David called in independent auditors, accountants and attorneys to evaluate the state of the records and finances of the Clerk’s office. These efforts were to restore public trust in the Clerk’s office and to ensure a clean slate in moving the office forward with positive leadership and fiscal responsibility.
Having served as Chief Deputy from 2016 until being sworn in as Clerk of Court, David led efforts in updating to more technology driven and efficient processes and while managing revenue generation like a true business. Financial responsibility is and will continue to be driving force for David. “The Clerk’s office is entrusted with managing not only processes and filings for all legal aspects of Iberia Parish, but we are also our own revenue generating business. I will not only manage the finances accordingly, but I will also return money to the general fund, as it is intended to be handled” said David. Driven by David’s business experience and leadership, the self-generated revenue at the Iberia Parish Clerk’s office increased by 26% in three short years. By managing employee retention and allocation of responsibilities, payroll and insurance cost decreased by 10% from 2016 to 2018. During this period, with David’s leadership, the Clerk’s office became the only agency in Parish Government to voluntarily reduce funds received by Parish Government, increasing the Parish’s General fund. “By doing the right thing and being financially responsible, we are able to set a tone for how we do business in the Clerk’s office” said David.
In addition to financial improvements and a more conscience focus on service, David also led the efforts of bringing technology to the Clerk’s office. David initiated electronic filings of mortgage and conveyance documents, including the ability to access records and make payments online. Additionally, the Iberia Parish Clerk of Court has joined the Louisiana Clerk of Court Associations online portal which allows for statewide access to public records including land records, mortgage records, conveyance records and marriage records. Technology was also extended to the courtroom, allowing minute clerks and judges real time access to records. With forward-thinking leadership and applying for and the receiving of grants, technology is now a vital part of the Iberia Parish Clerk of Courts offices, a much needed and welcome improvement.
David is a 1995 graduate of Catholic High School (New Iberia) and a 2000 graduate of LSU where he received a degree in Business Administration / Entrepreneurship. David continued his education at LSU where he received a Masters in Business Administration and Finance in 2002. David is the owner of Home Instead Senior Care where he and Jessica provide a positive work environment for care givers who care for those in need during critical and challenging times in their lives.
David’s civic commitments include: Catholic High School Advisory Committee, Epiphany Day School Board member, past Iberia Parish council member for District 7, board member for the Iberia Republican Executive Committee, past board member for Kiwanis Club, and graduate of the Leadership Iberia class XII. David also was a recipient of the Daily Iberian’s 20 under 40. Additionally, David serves or has served in various coaching roles throughout Iberia Parish, including head coaching for Iberia Soccer Association, Evangeline Little League, Iberia Biddy Basketball and Iberia Youth Baseball Association. David is a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church in New Iberia.
“I look forward to continuing to work with the hard-working staff at the Clerk’s office. We are like family and they are important to me. The positive changes we have made in a short time and their willingness to improve the Clerk’s office inspires me to stay at the Clerk’s office and win this election” David said.
David and Jessica invite all who wish to get involved and show their support to join them and their family as they host a campaign kick-off party on Thursday, June 27, 2019 from 5PM – 7PM at Antique Roseville, 2007 Freyou Rd, New Iberia, LA 70560. “Families are welcomed, drop in at your convenience. We hope to see everyone there where you will have the opportunity to hear about our campaign and sign up to volunteer” David said.
The Iberia Parish Clerk of Court position serves all of Iberia Parish. Election Day is Saturday, October 12, 2019 with early voting being from September 28, 2019 – October 5, 2019
Iberia Parish is Preparing to Shove It In Us Folks
A Notice of Public Meeting was issued by the Iberia Parish Council yesterday in regards to a meeting scheduled to take place for levying additional millages for the parish. The meeting, scheduled for May 9, 2018, intends to "consider levying additional or increased millage rates without further voter approval." In essence, we are looking at getting stuck with more taxes, regardless of what the citizens of Iberia Parish think.
First thing that came to mind when I read this crap was that money pit called the "Isle of Iberia" formally named "Cajun RVera." The Parish, in their infinite wisdom, decided to go full idiot and support the building of an RV park, trying to live up to the likes of Cajun Palms. However, what turned out to be nothing more than a pipe dream and probably filled up a few pockets, we were stuck with millions in debt.
It's now more apparent than ever to get rid of the entire Council and put into place fiscally educated representation. These clowns that we have running this Parish is intent on having more of an exodus to cities like Broussard and Youngsville.
Debating the Future of Iberia Parish
Below is a video of the debate last week between David Ditch and Larry Richard, both candidates for Iberia Parish President.
Ditch Qualifies for Iberia Parish President Race
David Ditch, Republican candidate for Iberia Parish President, qualified this morning in New Iberia for the election this fall. Pictured with Ditch is his father, Dr. Carl Ditch.
New Iberia– David Ditch officially qualified as a candidate for Iberia Parish President today at the Clerk of Courts office in New Iberia.
Ditch, a 38-year-old Republican and lifelong native of Iberia Parish, is running to fill the position being vacated by current parish president, Errol Romero. Ditch is the current Iberia Parish council member representing District 7. The primary election will be held on Saturday, October 24th.
“It’s going to take innovative conservative leadership in order get our parish back on a track towards economic stability, to provide our children a quality education and to create better jobs for our families. I’m eager for the chance to share my conservative vision with the voters and I am looking forward to the weeks ahead,” Ditch said.
David Ditch is a graduate of Louisiana State University where he earned his degree in Business and his Master in Business Administration. Following graduation from LSU, Ditch has built two small businesses in Iberia Parish; Home Instead Senior Care, which provides opportunities for seniors to remain independent in their homes, and Private Workforce Solutions, which provides labor alternatives for the industrial, agricultural and oil and gas sectors.
Ditch is a Conservative Republican who believes in protecting the right to life, the 2nd Amendment, traditional marriage and protecting families and businesses from an overreaching federal government.
In addition to serving on the Iberia Parish Council Ditch has actively served the community as a board member of Kiwanis, PepperPlex, Bourgeois 2030 and Ducks Unlimited. He is also an avid hunter and fisherman.
Ditch is the son of Iberia Parish Coroner Dr. Carl Ditch and the late Lynn Ditch. David and his wife Jessica have three children, Kate Avery Walker and Sawyer.
For more information about David Ditch or the campaign, please visit www.davidditch.com
Ernest Freyou Endorses David Ditch for Parish President
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: David Ditch
Thursday, August 27, 2015
Phone: (337) 364-6686
info@ditchforparishpresident.com
Former Parish President calls Ditch “our best hope” to unite our
citizens and provide new leadership for Iberia Parish
New Iberia – Former Parish President Ernest Freyou announced today that he will not run to seek the post he held for 4 years. Instead, he is endorsing David Ditch.
“Now more than ever, we need new leaders; people who understand how to run a business, meet a payroll and a budget. We need leaders who will watch over our tax dollars and implement a smart plan to move Iberia Parish forward. David Ditch is that leader and our best hope to unite the parish. I’m honored to be supporting him,” said Freyou.
Freyou’s endorsement comes just weeks before the beginning of qualifying on September 8th.
“From our rural communities to our municipalities, we are uniting Iberia Parish by one common theme: it’s time for bold leadership, swift action and conservative principles to put Iberia Parish on a solid footing for generations to come. Support from leaders like Ernest Freyou is yet another indication that our message is gaining momentum and I’m honored and humbled to have his support,” Ditch said.
For more information regarding the campaign, please visit www.ditchforparishpresident.com.
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Iberia Parish is Wasting Money at a Staggering Rate
Photo Source: Cajun RVera Facebook
The money dump that has become known as Cajun RVera in Iberia Parish is not living up to the hype that the Parish Councilmen promised when they decided to dedicate public funds into a business venture. A recent piece on The Daily Iberian has come out stating that the park is falling $400K short of the estimates by the parish.
Many, with any semblance of sensibility here in Iberia Parish, have questioned why these councilmen decided to use taxpayer funds into this endeavor. Now, these great minds in the Parish have decided to increase property taxes on the taxpayers to the tune of 28% in the upcoming year. Could all of this be coincidental or just a way to cover the perpetual hole that this park is turning in to?
Read more: Falling $400K short
Iberia Parish Council Raises Taxes on the Citizens of Their Parish
Photo source: Iberia Parish Government
At a time when jobs are being cut due to a downturn in the oil-dependent Parish of Iberia, in the infinite wisdom of the council members on the IPC, a decision was made to raise taxes on the people of the Parish.
Per The Daily Iberian, "the nine millages, though not all collected parishwide, totaled 26.12 mills last year and were originally proposed to remain so this year. The collective value for this year will now be 32.4, a collective increase of more than 24 percent."
It's no more an apparent time than now that we need to clean the slate on this Parish Council. Instead of streamlining government and cutting expenditures, the burden of these taxes will now be placed on the citizens and the job creators of the Parish, which are already overburdened.
The members that approved the measure are:
- Lloyd Brown
- Maggie Daniels
- Joseph Davis Jr.
- Roger Duncan
- Jerome Fitch
- Tommy Landry
- Aquicline Rener-Arnold
- Glenn Romero
Those that opposed the measure are:
- Bernard Broussard
- Troy Comeaux
- David Ditch
- Ricky Gonsoulin
- Wayne Romero
- Marty Trahan
Ditch is currently seeking the seat of Parish President in the upcoming fall elections in Iberia Parish.
Read more: IPC maxes out tax rates
David Ditch Lunch at Gonsoulin Farms in New Iberia
On Friday, May 15th, David Ditch held a lunch time gathering for all supporters of his campaign for Iberia Parish President. The lunch was held at Gonsoulin Farms in Iberia Parish and was another stop on his "Tour to Unite Iberia". The event was sponsored by Sweet Southern Lady Cakes LLC, Danny Hebert, Gonsoulin Farms, and Iberia Aggregates. Ditch stressed the importance of unity in the Parish and moving the Parish forward for the sake of the children of Iberia Parish. A video of his speech is below, as well as photos of the gathering.
Gonsoulin introduced Ditch as a friend and leader and stressed his support for his candidacy. The video of his speech is here.
