Mayor for Westwego
Dear Family and Friends,
I have been asked why I would want to run for mayor and I want to share that with you. Westwego is my home, and after raising my daughters here I am watching my grandson (and granddaughter on the way) grow up here. When I talk with people about where I live, I talk about how safe I feel and how I know we are protected by great police and fire departments. If we have a problem with our water or sewage lines, city workers respond within hours. I believe we are so lucky to live here. However, I am worried about the day to day business of running a city, and I am worried about the direction we are heading. If our city continues to be managed as it has been for the last 5 years, the city will have serious financial trouble. I truly believe that the people of Westwego deserve better!
Let me share with you some issues the city is facing because the day to day business is not being taken care of responsibly. As a citizen of Westwego and a candidate for mayor, I am concerned about the following issues and hope to use my proven skills to address them.
· New Development - 5 years ago, we had a city plan in place; it included the development of homes on LaPalco Blvd. These homes would have had the potential to almost double our tax base. But this has not taken off as projected. Is it possibly because of insufficient water pressure? And if these homes were to be built today, how could the city offer enough water pressure?
· Water pressure on the south side of the Expressway - it is terrible! At city meetings there is talk of a new water tower or a new water line. When I left office four years ago, there was a plan in place for a water tower off of LaPalco. The money is no longer being accumulated and there are no plans in place. The mayor has been unable to secure the funding through Jefferson Parish or its Community Development.
· Transfer Pump -- 5 years ago, DHH told the city to replace its transfer pump at the water plant because it malfunctions frequently and is antiquated. Has this been done? No. Why not?
· Sala Avenue and our historical district - In January, two buildings were threatened with condemnation hearings because they are being allowed to deteriorate. Why weren’t they regularly inspected? Why weren’t basic stop gap measures taken before they became so deplorable? And have you noticed how Sala Avenue holds water by the Farmers & Fisheries Market even when there is just a light rain? Who supervised that? And that issue occurred a year ago, so why hasn’t it been fixed by now?
· Hurricane Isaac- Past administrations met regularly with the council and emergency leaders during natural disasters to assure the safety of our citizens through coordinated efforts. Ask your councilman why there were no such meetings during Isaac. Thankfully our citizens generally did well.
· Emergency Plans – Every government organization has a written emergency plan in case of natural or any other disaster. Why doesn’t the city? Isn’t it part of FEMA requirements? Isn’t it just good sense?!
· Advisory Boards and Commissions - We have many volunteers who serve on advisory boards and commissions. They are finding it difficult to get answers from the mayor to guide them in their decision making. Some members have resigned, some complain publicly at city meetings. If you go to my website, www.lisavalence.com, I quoted an article of one complaint as reported in The Advocate.
· Personnel Issues - This is no leadership in the administration. Twice during this term, the chief of police was asked to settle personnel issues among city employees. The mayor had been unable to resolve them and asked the chief to inquire into it.
· Online bill paying - Water bills and city taxes can only be paid with cash or check. Why can't we move forward to online payment, or even credit card payment? (Since I started posing this question, the topic was placed on the February agenda and a request for proposals has gone out to businesses that manage online billing procedures.)
· Senior Center - As I write this letter, Westwego officials have been invited to a meeting with the Jefferson Council on Aging to discuss the agreement between the JCOA and Westwego concerning our Senior Center. Right now, the JCOA gives the city the money for the coordinator, clerk and meals program but allows the city to oversee daily operations of the center. This agreement is in jeopardy partly because the mayor does not follow the requests of the director of the JCOA concerning the meals program and insurance. More to come on this, but talk to your councilman!
· The "new city hall" - If we don't act soon, we may be in jeopardy of losing the FEMA money. Has the mayor held a public hearing to discuss the design plans? If you live near 4th and Central, how will it impact your life, especially over the next 2 years? Shouldn't the residents of Westwego have the opportunity to see the plans and hear the timeline?
These issues are ones that should have been dealt with in the daily routine of city business over the last 5 years. The mayor is expected to maintain all city buildings and assure that citizens receive the expected services. The mayor is expected to work with his council and promote our city. This is not happening.
I have worked as a teacher, principal, and councilwoman. I understand the dedication and hard work that it takes to make our home a great place to live. I have proven leadership skills and experience. I want to see progress in Westwego. We need to see a change. I believe in transparency for good government. I want the citizens to ask me questions, make suggestions. We need to communicate with each other to move forward.
To those who have supported me in the past, thank you. But I need everyone's help! I am not putting out yard signs, so I ask you to talk with you family and friends about changes needed in Westwego. We all need to understand what is not getting accomplished! Contact me, or talk to your councilman. Why are there so many issues not being solved?! Why is city business being neglected?
I have been asked why I would want to run for mayor and I want to share that with you. Westwego is my home, and after raising my daughters here I am watching my grandson (and granddaughter on the way) grow up here. When I talk with people about where I live, I talk about how safe I feel and how I know we are protected by great police and fire departments. If we have a problem with our water or sewage lines, city workers respond within hours. I believe we are so lucky to live here. However, I am worried about the day to day business of running a city, and I am worried about the direction we are heading. If our city continues to be managed as it has been for the last 5 years, the city will have serious financial trouble. I truly believe that the people of Westwego deserve better!
Let me share with you some issues the city is facing because the day to day business is not being taken care of responsibly. As a citizen of Westwego and a candidate for mayor, I am concerned about the following issues and hope to use my proven skills to address them.
· New Development - 5 years ago, we had a city plan in place; it included the development of homes on LaPalco Blvd. These homes would have had the potential to almost double our tax base. But this has not taken off as projected. Is it possibly because of insufficient water pressure? And if these homes were to be built today, how could the city offer enough water pressure?
· Water pressure on the south side of the Expressway - it is terrible! At city meetings there is talk of a new water tower or a new water line. When I left office four years ago, there was a plan in place for a water tower off of LaPalco. The money is no longer being accumulated and there are no plans in place. The mayor has been unable to secure the funding through Jefferson Parish or its Community Development.
· Transfer Pump -- 5 years ago, DHH told the city to replace its transfer pump at the water plant because it malfunctions frequently and is antiquated. Has this been done? No. Why not?
· Sala Avenue and our historical district - In January, two buildings were threatened with condemnation hearings because they are being allowed to deteriorate. Why weren’t they regularly inspected? Why weren’t basic stop gap measures taken before they became so deplorable? And have you noticed how Sala Avenue holds water by the Farmers & Fisheries Market even when there is just a light rain? Who supervised that? And that issue occurred a year ago, so why hasn’t it been fixed by now?
· Hurricane Isaac- Past administrations met regularly with the council and emergency leaders during natural disasters to assure the safety of our citizens through coordinated efforts. Ask your councilman why there were no such meetings during Isaac. Thankfully our citizens generally did well.
· Emergency Plans – Every government organization has a written emergency plan in case of natural or any other disaster. Why doesn’t the city? Isn’t it part of FEMA requirements? Isn’t it just good sense?!
· Advisory Boards and Commissions - We have many volunteers who serve on advisory boards and commissions. They are finding it difficult to get answers from the mayor to guide them in their decision making. Some members have resigned, some complain publicly at city meetings. If you go to my website, www.lisavalence.com, I quoted an article of one complaint as reported in The Advocate.
· Personnel Issues - This is no leadership in the administration. Twice during this term, the chief of police was asked to settle personnel issues among city employees. The mayor had been unable to resolve them and asked the chief to inquire into it.
· Online bill paying - Water bills and city taxes can only be paid with cash or check. Why can't we move forward to online payment, or even credit card payment? (Since I started posing this question, the topic was placed on the February agenda and a request for proposals has gone out to businesses that manage online billing procedures.)
· Senior Center - As I write this letter, Westwego officials have been invited to a meeting with the Jefferson Council on Aging to discuss the agreement between the JCOA and Westwego concerning our Senior Center. Right now, the JCOA gives the city the money for the coordinator, clerk and meals program but allows the city to oversee daily operations of the center. This agreement is in jeopardy partly because the mayor does not follow the requests of the director of the JCOA concerning the meals program and insurance. More to come on this, but talk to your councilman!
· The "new city hall" - If we don't act soon, we may be in jeopardy of losing the FEMA money. Has the mayor held a public hearing to discuss the design plans? If you live near 4th and Central, how will it impact your life, especially over the next 2 years? Shouldn't the residents of Westwego have the opportunity to see the plans and hear the timeline?
These issues are ones that should have been dealt with in the daily routine of city business over the last 5 years. The mayor is expected to maintain all city buildings and assure that citizens receive the expected services. The mayor is expected to work with his council and promote our city. This is not happening.
I have worked as a teacher, principal, and councilwoman. I understand the dedication and hard work that it takes to make our home a great place to live. I have proven leadership skills and experience. I want to see progress in Westwego. We need to see a change. I believe in transparency for good government. I want the citizens to ask me questions, make suggestions. We need to communicate with each other to move forward.
To those who have supported me in the past, thank you. But I need everyone's help! I am not putting out yard signs, so I ask you to talk with you family and friends about changes needed in Westwego. We all need to understand what is not getting accomplished! Contact me, or talk to your councilman. Why are there so many issues not being solved?! Why is city business being neglected?
Read what The Advocate has to say about politics in Westwego:
Read what The Advocate has to say about politics in Westwego: "
Mayoral election fires up Westwego Most political wonks have heard of the “silly season,” that time of the year when frivolous news stories can dominate the headlines. But in Westwego, they have the “sniping season.” That’s the time when a rapidly approaching city election turns the city’s often monotonous meetings into rollicking displays of contention and consternation.
The sniping season was in full swing on Monday, when Mayor Johnny Shaddinger found himself criticized by a particularly raucous crowd and a prickly councilman. On the surface the issue was whether Shaddinger had been responsive to requests for direction from an advisory board at the city’s senior center, but what was really being discussed was Shaddinger’s management style.
Resident Warren Deemer blasted Shaddinger with an extended harangue that included inquiries about favoritism at the senior center and lies allegedly told by Shaddinger. When Deemer finished, Councilman Ted Munch picked up the baton, questioning the mayor’s competency and veracity as well. Munch accused of Shaddinger of using “fuzzy” and “vague” statements to hide his inaction.
“Don’t try to smooth things over,” Munch said at one point.
Shaddinger visibly bristled at both men, raising his voice before promising to provide them with more information." from http://theadvocate.com/news/4886291-123/inside-metro-politics
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Contact Me1205 Olde Oaks Drive
Westwego Home: 504-347-4297 Cell: 504-606-4297 Email: LHValence@aol.com Facebook: Lisa Valence
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