Runoff candidates speak out

Discuss future plans for parish and why they deserve to serve

On Nov. 17, area residents will return to the polls to elect one of the eight candidates for parish council that are currently in a runoff. The candidates vary in age, gender and profession, but they all have one goal in common; improving St. Charles Parish.

Herald-Guide editor Jonathan Menard sent out a questionnaire to six of those candidates,  April Black, Carolyn Schexnaydre, Kennilyn Schmill, Shelley Tastet, Adam Eitmann and Dennis Nuss, to get their thoughts on issues ranging from their goals to what they think of their opponents. Here are their responses.

Why do each of you want to be a member of the council?

Black- “So that I may continue to represent the parish with honest and progressive government.”

Schexnaydre- “I want to bring back honesty and integrity. I want to make decisions based on what the majority of the citizens want. Be their voice and stop the  wasting  of our  tax dollars and  let the people see results for their money.

Nuss- “I want to serve the people of district 7 by preserving our excellent quality of life for future generations. My wife and I plan to be permanent residents of St. Charles Parish, and we want our children to grow up and remain in the area as well.”

Eitmann- “I want to be a member of the council to provide an open, honest, responsive voice to the people of District 7.  I want to provide the people of this district with the hurricane and flood protection they need, as well as the recreation opportunities they deserve.  As a member of the council, I will do everything within my power to ensure that St. Charles Parish is safer, stronger, and greater than ever before.

Schmill- “I want to be a council member so that I can make a difference. I am anxious to possibly be any help for the improvements and growth of the parish. I want to be part of this not only for myself and the residents of my district, but for all future generations of the parish.”

Tastet- “The main reason is that I want to help build the West Bank protection levee and make St. Charles Parish a better parish.”

What traits do you possess that will come in handy as a member of the council?

Schexnaydre- “I can be a full time council at large. My experience with being the president of the American Legion Auxiliary and second district president and the willingness to question if something is being done right or wrong.”

Black- “Knowledge of the way our government is run and the ability to study the issues and make educated decisions when voting. Also, my leadership, which I have provided the past year in particular as council chairman.”

Nuss- “I have worked as a leader in public affairs and community relations for the past 10 years.  I have also had experience lobbying in Baton Rouge and working with local government to reach common ground on important issues.   I know how to work as part of a team, and I have consistently pursued opportunities to address the needs of the community.”

Eitmann- “My experience within federal, state, and local government is the most valuable asset I will bring to the Parish Council.  I have worked in Washington D.C. with Congressman Charlie Melancon, as well as with local and state leaders.  I have a record of working across party lines to achieve goals, and I know this will help as we lobby for the permits and funds necessary to improve the West Bank hurricane protection levee.”

Schmill- “My determination gives me the ability to work constantly and diligently. My passion helps me to fight for what is right. My teamwork skills will enable me to work effectively and communicate well with other members of the council, residents, and employees of the parish. My educational experience with government and a degree in legal studies allow me to understand parish ordinances, state laws, federal laws, and the function of local, state, and federal government.”

Tatet- “I have eight years of experience on the Lafourche Basin Levee District Levee Board. I also have years of experience dealing with parish and state officials and the corps.”

What are some major differences between you and your run-off opponent?

Schmill- “Two major differences between my opponent and I are age and gender. I am a young woman with a plan. I will work tirelessly to complete my plan. I will stay completey focused on the issues of importance and will do my best to improve the quality of life in my district and others, for all generations.”

Tastet- “Years of experience in both local and state government.”

Nuss- “My opponent is very ambitious and dedicated to politics.  However, I feel that as a homeowner in the parish, a mature family man, and someone who is familiar with how business works, I am ready to join the council as the best voice for District 7.  I am also concentrating on the next four years and not how far I can take my political career.”

Eitmann- “I have lived in St. Charles Parish and District 7 my entire life. I am a product of our public school system, a graduate of Hahnville High School, and have a long-term commitment to the area.  I have the experience necessary to lobby for funds at the state and local level and have deep roots within our community”.

Black- “I have eight years of council experience and I have a bachelor’s degree from LSU in Pre Law/Political Science. I have worked on the West Bank at Hahnville High School as an educator for 11 years and I am aware of the issues facing the West Bank.”

Schexnaydre- “My phone calls will not be screened by my husband. I’m not politically connected to anyone and I don’t need a job; I choose to work for the people  of this parish. I’m not in this for personal gain.”

Why are you the best person for the job?

Black- “Because I am the most qualified to do the job and I have a commitment to our residents to provide them with honest and open government. I have authored or sponsored 67 pieces of legislation during my terms and I’m an effective council member.”

Schexnaydre- “I’m honest and hard working and can be hands on and responsive.I will be accessible and available  to assist  with everyday problems and I will give my 100 percent to the job, as I did as a community volunteer.”

Nuss- “My community involvement over the years has allowed me to really get to know St. Charles Parish.  As a team player who has taken a leadership role both on and off the job, I know how to work well with others, and I will not let any future political aspirations get in the way of serving my current term as councilman, assuming that I am elected.”

Eitmann- “I am the best person for the job because of my experience in government, as well as my commitment to St. Charles Parish and District 7.”

Schmill- “I have tons of energy. I am a determined, motivated, and an intelligent young woman who will uphold all my responsibilities as a council member. I have no political experience, therefore my new, innovated, fresh ideas can be used to bring the parish forward.”

Tastet- “I’m retired and have experience in dealing with local officials.”

What are going to be some of your top priorities if you were to win the Nov. 17 election?

Nuss- “My top priorities will be expediting West Bank levee protection, improving our area’s fire rating, expanding recreational facilities, focusing on internal drainage and sewerage, and supporting a traffic study and planned community growth.”

Eitmann- “ My number one priority while on the council will be the improvement of the West Bank hurricane protection levee.  I also will be focused on keeping my constituents informed and addressing their concerns in a timely manner.  Improving recreation facilities and providing an open and honest voice on the Parish Council will also be high on my priority list.”

Schmill- “I specifically stated from the start of my campaign that the West Bank protection levee is my number one priority. I will also upgrade the drainage system so that the rain water can reach the pumping stations, and immensely improve Ama’s two recreational parks. I will quickly revise the law on trains blocking public streets before someone dies trying to get to the hospital while blocked at a crossing. Finally, I will attempt to complete the bicycle walking path from Ama to Hahnville.”

Tastet- “Levee protection, zoning board and recreation. Also, salary adjust merits for parish workers.”

Schexnaydre- “The top priority is the levees and pumps, our drainage, roads and taxes, sewage and water plants. I also want to hold town hall meetings.”

Black- “Completing the West Bank hurricane protection levee with pump stations and completing the remaining pump stations on the East Bank. I will continue to oppose New Orleans Armstrong Airport expansion that affects St. Rose and Ama and oppose any further airport plans that will affect Norco/Montz.”

How do you plan to deal with those issues successfully?

Black- “By continuing to work with our federal and state officials in securing funds and credits to expedite the process for hurricane protection. I will continue to voice opposition to the FAA and our congressional delegation, state and local officials.”

Schexnaydre- “I will   research  the issues and work with the newly elected officials  to find solutions to the problems  to  reach our goals.”

Nuss- “As a parish, I think we need to come forward with a common message on levee protection.  Let’s bring all interested parties to the table to agree on a levee alignment, and then let’s send our message loud and clear to Congress and the Corps of Engineers that we must begin work as soon as possible.  Also, let’s not allow the environmentalists to speak louder than the people.  As for the other issues, it will be critical for me to work closely with the newly elected council members and parish president to make sure that what is best for our citizens is actually what is taking place.  We must also promote periodic town hall meetings for citizens’ input.”

Eitmann- “I plan to work with the new parish president as well as the new council to achieve these goals.  To keep constituents informed, I plan to hold regular meetings on the current situation of government. These meetings will also provide citizens with an opportunity to voice their concerns and opinions on issues, so that I may properly address them. I will also lobby state and federal lawmakers for funds to improve our area and protect our way of life.”

Schmill- “I have already started on the West Bank protection levee. Last week, Congress gave President Bush his first veto, finally passing the Water Resources Development Act after the 5th attempt. This law allows for billions of dollars to be spent on coastal restoration, fresh water diversions, and most importantly, to quickly expedite protection levees. Because Willowdale and Willowridge are prone to disaster, even with a category 2 storm, the Act is applicable to the completion of the west bank protection levee. I have already written and mailed letters as a concerned citizen and future home owner in Luling asking our congressional delegation to move quickly on this matter.”

Tastet- “By working with the council and Parish President.”

For you to consider your term on the council a success, what do you have to accomplish?

Schexnaydre- “Having the  residents feel comfortable
speaking before the council, having the residents be informed of the  happenings  in and around their  communities. and knowing that I will be their  voice when concerns  arise. Seeing projects finished  and  to continuously strive to improve our quality of life.”

Black- “I have to keep the promises I made to our constituents and stay true to the platform I have presented them with, just as I have done the past eight years.”

Nuss- “I would have to address a significant percentage of the issues that the residents of District 7 have asked me to focus on.  By the time I complete my term, two of my goals are to have moved forward with levee protection in our district and improved internal drainage.  With the citizens’ input and council cooperation, we must also decide on neighborhood playgrounds and parks.  With the help of our developers and existing fire stations, we must take all necessary measures to reduce the area’s fire rating.”

Eitmann- “ For my term to be considered a success, I must maintain a voting record that is in line with my constituents’ wishes.  I must be open and honest with the people of District 7 and St. Charles Parish, stay true to my morals and maintain my integrity.”

Schmill- “All of my stated priorities on my platform and more.”

Tastet- “Build the protection levee and make sure that we have no more set backs.”