The Councilman District 5 race pits Democrats Keith Adams and Marilyn Bellock and Republican Bobby J. Ducote in competition for the seat.
Adams says he’s running because he feels those who work in government have “forgotten that they represent the people.”“There are some things in this district that should have been addressed long ago,” he said.
He believes there must be more done to hold industry accountable, saying there “should be zero emissions” in district neighborhoods.
“If we don’t do something about these plants, our children are going to have to one day,” Adams said. “But we can take a stand right here, right now for our longevity, our quality of life and that of our children. The council must protect and represent the citizens and not industry.”
He also said he believes some neighborhoods in the district have received preferential treatment in the past, which he says he’s out to put a stop to.
An alumnus of Destrehan High School, Adams has lived in St. Charles Parish for most of his life, establishing roots here in 1970. He has worked for the parish as a laborer, a plant operator and as an electrician.
“I’ve had to deal with everybody before,” Adams said. “I have an intimate knowledge of (the parish’s) inner workings.”
Bellock, a military veteran who served from 1979 to 1983, says her goal is to focus on improving the lives, education and well-being of the district’s children. One specific goal is to add a playground for the area’s children, while another is to address complaints about the sandpits by Riverbend.
“There have been quite a few complaints,” she said. “The sand is higher than the levee.“I’m not serving in any office right now,” Bellock said, “but people have called me to get things done and I’ve been able to take care of them.”
The St. Rose resident has a background in aiding youths, at one time beginning a summer camp program. She has also served as a school bus driver. She has an associate’s degree in business management and has been a business owner in St. Rose for the past 34 years.
“I don’t have the political experience of others running. I have none,” she said. “But I know I can help and do some good (for the district).
“Becoming the city councilman in St. Rose would be one of the many ways for me to push not only the people around me, but my community to its highest potential.”
Ducote hopes to “bridge the gap between the government and the people” in his district.
“This is an area that I feel is an opportunity for real improvement in St. Charles Parish,” Ducote said.
He cited continued progress for flood protection, air quality, upgrades to recreation, continued infrastructure improvements and maintaining a productive and safe environment for individuals and families as issues he feels are most in need of attention.
A licensed funeral director who has held that occupation for 25 years, Ducote said his job has allowed him the chance to work with a variety of different personality types.
“As a result, I have learned to be proficient in anticipating the needs of others in a caring and respectful manner,” he said.
He said that if elected, he plans to be an advocate for proposals to increase educational opportunities for the youths of the community, including trade and apprenticeship programs that provide job opportunities to local youths. He also wants to support and encourage local citizens to develop or expand small businesses in their community, including simplifying the planning and zoning process for entrepreneurs
“As councilman, I will strive to work effectively with all to find common ground to move the parish forward, while at the same time keeping the tax payers in mind,” he said.
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