LAFAYETTE — The five candidates for Lafayette Mayor-President have varying backgrounds and government experience. Here's a brief look at those candidates.
Carlee Alm-Labar was the first to announce her candidacy for the mayor-presidency.
Alm-Labar spent eight years working for Lafayette Consolidated Government, first as an Assistant to City-Parish President Joey Durel and then as Chief Development Officer under Durel. Finally she worked as Director of Development and planning under current Mayor-President Joel Robideaux.
Simone Champagne is no stranger to state politics. Champagne served six years in the state legislature representing Iberia and Vermilion Parishes before resigning to become Youngsville's Chief Administrative Officer. Prior to becoming a legislator, Champagne was Chief Administrative Officer for Iberia Parish.
Josh Guillory is also a familiar name to local voters.
Guillory challenged Clay Higgins in last year's 3rd Congressional District race. He finished third, taking 13 percent of the overall vote and 14 percent of the Lafayette Parish vote. Guillory is an attorney and Iraq War veteran.
Carlos Harvin entered the mayor-president's race on the final day of qualifying.
Harvin is a pastor and a financial coach. He is also a former Business Development Officer at SLCC. Harvin served on LCG's Workforce Investment Board and is the Vice President of the Lafayette Charter Foundation.
Nancy Marcotte is a political newcomer. This is Marcotte's first run for public office. The Lafayette High and UL graduate worked as an ad executive before becoming a realtor. She is a broker for Keller Williams Realty.
Lafayette Mayor-President Forum 9/18/2019
All five candidates said they feel good following the forum. Each of them also saying if elected, they'll make drainage one of their main priorities.
With KATC's Jim Hummel as moderator, the candidates answered questions on five topics:
- The budget
- Development and planning
- Infrastructure and public works
- LUS
- Potpourri category
Drainage was one of the main talking points for the candidates, but they're also focused on improving infrastructure.
Guillory said, "It's re-engineering our traffic so it flows better. To do that, we need a leader, we need transparency, we need communication between our government and the private sector and our community. I will bring that back."
Harvin said, "We need economic development, we need businesses, we need people to move back. I'd love to see the i-49 connector come back to the top of the agenda."
Champagne said, "Infrastructure with roads. I would like to set the same priorities and make a list. 'A roads' will be our worst roads and they will be funded."
Marcotte said, "There's a 311 system to call and report pot holes, but it's only during business hours. I would like an app where people could report them and it shouldn't take longer than a week."
Alm-Labar said, "Roads are a huge priority in our community and relieving traffic congestion. My administration will be part of making sure we spend our limited tax dollars as efficiently as possible."
