Republicans Mary Keller Clulee, Monique Gros and Bryce Steinlage will compete to earn the District 2 Councilman seat.
Clulee feels she is the best fit for the position, in part, because of her experience and service in her community.I’m active in the community,” she said. “I feel I can bring something to the council. I have a lot of experience running for office and knowledge about what is going on in our district.”
Clulee notes she has been to all of the Corps of Engineers’ meetings in regard to levee installation from Jefferson Parish to Davis Pond and to the public meetings held to discuss flood insurance rates.
“I’m also active in rotary, I volunteer at the hospital and the Council on Aging,” she said. “I’m aware of so many needs and ongoing projects and I think I can add to those things.”She cited continued construction and elevation of the hurricane protection levee as something that continues to demand attention.
“This is just the first lift on the levee,” she said. “Now we need federal funds to raise it to hurricane surge standards. It will take a lot more money.”
Clulee is attempting to secure her first office, and said if she earns the vote, some of her goals are to keep spending within a budget and to rebuild a surplus, making sure tax dollars are not wasted.
“I think every resident is important to the success of our community, no matter how young or old or how involved they are,” Clulee said.
Gros is a St. Charles Parish realtor in the midst of her first political campaign, something she believes ultimately represents an attractive change from the norm.
“I’m not politically connected nor am I politically endorsed by any elected official of St. Charles Parish,” Gros said. “Without being either of these, I just feel I’m more for the people. There’s no hidden agenda or backing that could possibly push me forward for any reason. I just want to be a voice for the people.”
Gros noted her experience in real estate has given her strong insight into dealing with zoning situations. She believes her personality leaves her particularly suited for the position.
“I’m a fixer,” she said. “People come to me with their problems and issues and I’m that person who wants to be there to fix it.”
Promoting better recreation is on her to-do list. “We have avid fishermen here locally,” she said. “I’d like to see the West Bank get their own public launch.”Steinlage, of Luling, has been active with the Paul Maillard Executive Committee.
A general manager of Advance Auto Parts, he advocates bringing more businesses into the community, specifically ones that will provide entertainment and improve residents’ quality of life.
“We need more businesses. Something for kids, something for couples,” he said. “To have something for us and that brings tax dollars right back to us, and that draws people from outside.”
While he is relatively new to the political game, he said his one and only motivation is to represent the people. “Everyone has something to gain, but the only thing I care about is to help people in St. Charles Parish.”
Be the first to comment