The race for the District 6 councilman seat will come down to incumbent Traci Ackerman-Fletcher, an independent candidate, and Democrat Keith Schexnayder, both of Norco.
Ackerman-Fletcher says her hope is to continue efforts to improve the quality of life of constituents in her home district.
“I pledge to continue to make the interest of every resident of our home district my highest priority, along with fulfilling the needs of our entire parish,” Ackerman-Fletcher said. “In the past four years I’ve worked very closely with the administration to improve the district’s drainage system and I have fought tirelessly to gain levee protection for the entire parish. The fight is not over, every resident deserves affordable flood insurance and peace of mind.”
Ackerman-Fletcher is the current Vice-Chairman of the Council. She also serves as Chairman of the Operations, Maintenance and Construction Management Committee, as well as serving a four-year term of the River Region Caucus, Louisiana Police Jury Association, National Association of County Officials, and NACo’s Next Generation.
She cites improving drainage, asserting better fiscal responsibility, maintaining roads and infrastructure, promoting business growth and supporting recreation among her top priorities.
Ackerman-Fletcher spoke of the recent approval of the Westshore Alignment as a benefit she helped push through, allowing the parish to move forward in completing the levee through Montz and increase the pump capacity along Engineer’s Canal.
“My most important accomplishment would be that I have answered or returned every call that has been made to my office,” she said. “It is my pleasure to help the residents of our parish achieve their goals when it comes to working with parish government.”
Schexnayder, meanwhile, believes he can make a difference in his community by securing the seat.
“I feel there is a lot we need to work on, and I’m somebody who will always be available to help find solutions for the people in our district,” Schexnayder said. “When people call, I’ll be there for them. Communication (between parish government and citizens) is something we need to stress and create more clear lines for, and I will do my part.”
He professed respect for the job Ackerman-Fletcher has done, noting he considers the incumbent a friend, but also believes he is the best fit for the job.
“I’d listen to our people, and I wouldn’t rule anybody out,” he said. “I’d be there for everyone, find out what they need, and get things done.”
Like Ackerman-Fletcher, Schexnayder is a graduate of Destrehan High School who has lived in Norco all of his life.
While he lacks political experience in office, he pointed out that at some point, that is true of everyone.“You can’t gain experience if you never get your foot in the door to start with,” he said.
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