By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

VACHERIE – Candidates for parish president and sheriff in St. James Parish squared off Tuesday at the West Bank Reception Hall in Vacherie at a forum sponsored by the River Region Chamber of Commerce and the St. James Business Association.

The parish president’s race pits former St. James Parish Councilman Timothy “Timmy” Roussel against current Lutcher Mayor Rowdy Kennard Scott.

While Roussel touted his “burning desire” to serve the citizens of St. James Parish, Scott said voters should look to his “education, effectiveness and experience.”

After their introductory statements, Chamber Chairman Henry Friloux, who moderated the event, posed three questions to each parish president candidate.

Speaking about his vision for St. James Parish, Scott said, “It includes a government that prepares its people for opportunities.”

He said one of his main goals would be to tackle the parish’s “out-of-control” unemployment rate, which he said stands at more than 13 percent. Increasing education opportunities as well as enticing new industries, he said, were the keys to combating this.

Roussel, on the other hand, focused more on a consensus-style administration to tackle the parish’s problems.

“I think we all realize there are some problems in government,” he said.

He said one of his goals would be to form task forces to handle specific problems in the parish, such as a lack of recreation opportunities and promoting small businesses.

One area the two did agree on, however, was the parish’s new strategic plan. While they both like the idea of the plan itself, they each feel there should have been more public participation in the process.

On the sheriff’s side, incumbent Willy Martin faced St. James businessman Glenn Louque. Candidate Lester Ezidore was not present for the forum.

Martin pointed to his nearly 20-year record as sheriff of the parish.

“It’s always a moving target in law enforcement,” said Martin. “We set the stage for others to follow.”

Louque, on the other hand, touted his outsider status.

“I believe it is time for a change in St. James Parish,” he said. “I want to start from the inside out.”

Throughout the forum, Louque suggested Martin had lost his focus during the course of his long tenure.

“If you want change, you have to change the formula,” he said.

Martin stood on his record, however.

“We go out every day, and we do a job. Every single day we try to figure out how to address the needs of the people,” he said. “I hope that I’ve never betrayed your trust.”

The St. James forum was one of three forums sponsored by the River Region Chamber of Commerce. A forum was held in St. John the Baptist Parish on Wednesday, and a St. Charles Parish forum is set for Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Hahnville High School.