Vote 'Um Out -
Joey Durel, Lafayette Parish President
The following is from "joeydurel.com" as archived at www.archive.org.The asterisks represent the beginning of a new page.
The pages are presented in no particular order. The information is being presented to remind the public that candidates often say and do whatever it takes to get elected and further, that electors have remarkably short memories about what was said or promised by those seeking election.
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JOEY DUREL ON THE ISSUES
Ethics and Integrity in Government
What we have in Lafayette is “politics as usual”. Just because our state is full of "politics as usual" doesn't mean that it's all we as citizens should expect--the voters have a right to know where I stand on ethics in government, and I have made The Pledge to them to make it clear: Lafayette must set the benchmark in this state for Ethics and Integrity in government.
"We will not run your government like only 5% of the people matter--this will be an administration of Inclusion versus Exclusion. Lafayette will be open for business."
Fiscal Accountability of Government
Our local papers have reported that our “Consolidated” government has hired 650 new employees over the last 8 years; but have we as taxpayers witnessed such an improvement in government services to account for that increase in expenditure; or are we still failing to plan for basic hurricane cleanup. We sure aren’t finishing any of our capital improvement projects “on time”.
"It's time to scrub the budget and deliver to the people what they have been promised--it all starts with fiscal accountability."
Infrastructure Improvements--Traffic and Drainage;
In 1997 the voters of this parish, through a referendum, voted to approve a $229 million bond issue for infrastructure improvements. They listed the improvements for the public to see before the election. In looking at this administrations projections, $188 million of infrastructure improvements were to be completed by 2003 of which $141,000,000 were designated for roads and bridges. Yet we can find only $36.5 million in roads that have been completed so far with an additional $11.7 million under construction (Six Years Later) … about 34%.
"This government has squandered an opportunity to capitalize on record low interest rates to issue bonds so that we as taxpayers could get the biggest bang for our capital improvement dollars."
Economic Development
All of these issues lead to Economic Development… Government must give the economic developers the tools to bring commerce, to create good paying jobs, to set the stage for growth. In only a few years LAFAYETTE will serve a trade population of a million people; yet our local government has been completely out of touch with its responsibility for preparing LAFAYETTE for that economic opportunity.
IN SUMMARY
Joey Durel has outlined 4 main issues which are compelling on why LAFAYETTE needs CHANGE to its government.
What is at stake:
is the very future of our community;
is the economic development that will keep our children here and our families together
is the position of leadership that LAFAYETTE must take in this state to show Louisiana that it can be better…
THE CANDIDATE WITH A PLAN FOR THE FUTURE
This is how we are going to do it…
PEOPLE, PROMISES, LEADERSHIP, & EXPECTATIONS…
PEOPLE
Government is an organization comprised of people.
We will Hire the best and brightest (you will see new people in your government… people that you have or will associate with excellence)
What we are not going to do, is bloat the payroll and hire people because of a patronage – That’s Politics as usual.
We will require that all government employees subscribe to our pledge of Ethics/Accountability/Integrity.
Joey Durel doesn't think that it is appropriate for a candidate to cut deals.
That’s Politics as usual.
That’s why Joey Durel has made a pledge about Ethics and Integrity in Government. And that is the only way Lafayette will set the benchmark in this state.
PROMISES
We will deliver on the promises that were made in the past but haven’t yet been fulfilled.
We will complete the Capital Improvement projects necessary for Lafayette’s growth.
We are going to deliver on the promises of a consolidated government.
We will Reconvene the charter commission to develop an action plan of the steps required to realize the benefits of consolidation
We will Audit the promises – give you an honest answer on what hasn’t been delivered and why.
We will Open the City-Parish government to the people… we are going to make the books more available to the public (online, libraries)
LEADERSHIP
Restore Lafayette to its rightful place of leadership in the state
You elect a leader, you hire an administrator.
Mr. Weber has a long history in government as an able administrator; But you need a leader who will ask the hard questions, rather than give the same old answers.
The voters of Lafayette should take issue with Mr. Weber claiming credit for Louisiana Avenue Interchange; Downtown Capital Improvements; and the added lane on the Evangeline Thruway. When people talk about these projects – you better think of Jerry Luke Leblanc, Mike Michot, Wilfred Pierre, Don Cravens, Ernie Alexander … our Acadiana Delegation.
In my administration the DOTD will know how important infrastructure is to Lafayette parish, because they will know my face and they will hear my voice.
EXPECTATIONS
Most importantly we are going to raise your expectations of government.
It’s about delivering a service to the customer – TO YOU - the citizens and taxpayers of this community.
It’s about supporting the creation of jobs rather than creating jobs.
Your City-Parish government will learn to do more with less!!
And once we have changed how you feel about government; we are going to work hard to renew your pride in Lafayette.
People need to be too proud of this community to tolerate LITTER.
People have forgotten how to be courteous drivers; this is understandable with the frustrations of our traffic situation.
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Experience and Community Leadership.
This race is about a change in leadership. As a successful Acadiana businessman for the past 27 years, I understand what it takes to establish and run successful businesses and to effectively manage hundreds of employees. Make no mistake about it, small business, hard working men and women — not government — is what has built the economy we now enjoy.
Shop hurricane clean-up each season, before disaster strikes.
Develop and implement an e-government strategy that provides online services to the citizens of Lafayette Parish.
Finally realize the benefits of consolidation.
Change the way Lafayette does business by allowing a fair bid process.
Institute a maintenance program to keep drainage ditches in all areas free of debris.
Initiate regular meetings with local & community leadership throughout Acadiana to establish an ongoing dialogue to address common needs and goals.
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June 26, 2003 - Announcement Speech
We are at an exciting time and place in Lafayette Parish.
We have the resources, the location, and a university that has proven itself a leader in academics and research.
And, yes, we have a community that is blessed with a heritage and history admired by people throughout the world. Where we are and who we are -- is a people looking forward -- to a better, brighter future that, will combine our strong heritage and community values with a determination to build a future for the people who call Lafayette Parish and Acadiana, home.
What lies before us, if we have the courage and the real experience to help make businesses and communities grow, is a wealth of talent, technology, diversification, and entrepreneurial spirit that will not only provide excellent futures for us and our children, but will attract others to make Lafayette Parish their home as well.
I'm Joey Durel. I am a native of Lafayette as is Lynne, my wife of 29 years. Our children and grandchildren were born here in Acadiana.
We are here today because we believe that the future begins now!
Today I am formally announcing that I am a candidate for City/Parish President.
When people ask me why I am running, the first words out of my mouth are that I want my kids to stay home. I want my children, your children and their children to be able to remain in Acadiana and fulfill their dreams.
There are two factors that will help keep them home…We must make this a wonderful place for them to live and raise a family, BUT they absolutely must be able to get a job…a job that pays well. Take either of these away, and they are going to leave.
It is time for us to get a little impatient; it is time for us to act with a sense of urgency. We must provide a future for our children. Over a year ago, respected community and business leaders began approaching me about running for this job. Their message was…It is time for Lafayette to elect its first CEO. It is time for a business person to run our government.
I've built and run businesses, successful businesses. I've worked hard all of my life to create jobs that pay real wages to families right here in Lafayette Parish. I know what its like to wake up in the morning with a complete understanding that my family, and the families of those who work for and with me, depend on my ability to take our dreams, our goals, and turn them into success.
I am a family man and businessman who recognizes that our life and future is based on this community that we love and call home. It is now time for me to give back to this community.
People tell me that consolidated government is not working. I understand the concern. They want to know where are the savings we were promised when we put our faith and confidence in this consolidated form of government.
The document is not the problem. It's the implementation of the document that is the problem. Proper and effective implementation of consolidated government will benefit the people of Lafayette Parish, if and when it is done right. And, that's exactly what I will do if you elect me your next City/Parish President. As I have done all of my life in the private sector, and with civic and business organizations, I will work with every segment of our community to make certain we make consolidation work the way it is supposed to be working. I will reconvene the Charter Commission to get their input on consolidation eight years later.
Why can't city parish government be run more like a business? The truth is -- it can be. I've run businesses all of my life. What makes a business successful - is not politics. It's people.
We have to make a change. That is the real issue in this race. People — not politics — have made Acadiana such a special place to live, raise a family, work, or build a business.
If I am fortunate enough to be elected, everyone, not just a chosen few, will have an opportunity to do business here. I will not shut any doors -- except one.
The door marked political favors, business as usual, will be shut and locked.
Those days will be gone. Government contracts should never be awarded on the basis of friendships and political favoritism. To all those people and businesses who work hard, and excel at what they do, here is an announcement for you. No longer will you be shut out. Politics of fear and intimidation will be over! And, together we can and will begin to solve the problems like traffic and drainage.
Government should be about building up our community. My experience in business, in creating jobs, my experience in the real world that will help make me an even better City/Parish President.
When I sit across the table from businessmen and women here in Lafayette, across our state, or anywhere in the world, I bring to that table real experience that comes from meeting challenges and turning them into opportunities.
I believe I have the ability, energy, and enthusiasm, to unite and motivate, and will bring that asset to the office of city parish president. This race is about vision. Who has it and who has the ability to lead Lafayette into the future. We need new ideas. We need to find new ways of doing things. The entrepreneurial spirit has made Lafayette what it is today…not government. Take a good look at me, at my background.
I come from the business world, primarily retailing. Retailing is a customer service industry. Government is the ultimate customer service business. Consolidated government is made up of 15 departments. Think of it as 15 specialty businesses. The first job of the city/parish president is to appoint managers to run those specialty businesses. They have to be the most qualified, honest, and professional women and men we can find. As soon as I am elected, I will ask all current department heads who would like to work in our new administration, to submit their resume. It is important that we get the best and our City/Parish employees deserve the best.
I will then provide the vision, direction and the leadership to make sure we are all pointed towards the same goal. I will not micromanage! I will lead. That is how the City/Parish President is freed to accomplish the two main functions of the office.
I will become the number one sales person for Lafayette Parish. And I will work to bring our council together for the good of the whole; the legislative delegation together for the good of the whole; the Lafayette Parish Mayors and their leadership together for the good of the whole; and in fact, the Acadiana Region leadership together for the good of the whole. It can no longer be north Lafayette vs. south Lafayette; big town vs. small town or rural vs city. It cannot even be one parish vs. another parish. You see, it is not us against each other. We are on the same team. It is us against Texas, Tennessee, Mississippi, and other states. If we do not come together soon, as a parish and as a region we all lose! Our real competition is taking away our kids! This is a very real issue!
I believe Lafayette Parish is ready for a change, a real change. I am the one candidate that represents the future and a change from the good old boy politics of the past!
Finally, we have to raise the bar in government. It is time for vision and leadership to take us into the future, rather than have us sentenced maintaining the status quo!
I'm asking you to please join with me, my wife and family, and thousands of people from across our parish, and let's, together, take that important next step. Let's make a change that says the future of Lafayette Parish is in the hands of the people of Lafayette Parish.
We are part of a region that can accept challenges and grow that can see the opportunities and grasp them. I believe in the people of Lafayette Parish, and I know, you can believe in me. God bless America God bless Acadiana.
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Facts not Fiction
LET’S TALK ABOUT TRAFFIC and YOUR TAX DOLLARS
In 1997 the Lafayette city voters approved two bond issues to pay for nearly a quarter of a billion dollars of capital improvements for streets, drainage and recreation. The Feasibility Report prepared by Consolidated Government to justify and market this Bond Sale required that the proceeds be used as follows:
Proceeds From
1961 Sales Tax 1985 Sales Tax Total
Streets
$83,900,000 $87,917,943 $171,817,943
Drainage
20,200,000 23,228,435 43,428,435
Recreation
3,900,000 9,853,622 13,753,622
Totals
$108,000,000 $121,000,000 $229,000,000
The Engineering and Economic Feasibility Report (dated April 1, 1997 and shown below)
<unable to reproduce graphics for talkboard> listed these projects to be funded by the Bond Sale.
In 1997 our Consolidated Government campaigned to get voter support for this Bond Issue, citing Three Important Arterial Projects as vital to Lafayette’s future.
They were Camellia Boulevard (Johnston to Verot School Rd), Louisiana Avenue Extension (Willow to Gloria Switch Road), and South College Road Extension (from Pinhook Road to Kaliste Saloom Road and from Market Place to East Verot School Road).
Today, all three of these vital projects remain unfinished and in the case of South College Road Extension, not started at all.
Why hasn’t Camellia construction from Johnston to Eastland begun?
Why haven’t the improvements to the Camellia/Johnston Street intersection been constructed?
Why has the recently started construction of Camellia Blvd. (Kaliste Saloom Rd. to Verot School Rd.) been bid only to Starling (thereby dumping arterial traffic into Quail Hollow Subdivision)?
Why isn’t Louisiana Avenue completed to the new Louisiana DOTD interchange?
Why hasn’t Louisiana Avenue construction begun from Pont des Mouton to Gloria Switch Road?
Why haven’t we begun to build the South College Road and Bridge project from Pinhook to Kaliste Saloom?
Why haven’t we begun to build South College Road Extension from Market Place to Verot School Road?
WHY HAVEN’T WE EVEN STARTED CONSTRUCTION ON OVER 60% of the projects that were to be funded (promised) by the 1997 Bond Issue?
The Lafayette City Parish 2003-04 Budget Document projects Consolidated Government will have to ask the voters for approval of another $66,400,000 in Bond Authority to complete the projects promised in 1997.
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All archived from joeydurel.com