After careful consideration, I Albert “Ali” Burl III, have qualified for the vacant State Senate District 2 seat.

Since 2007, I have been a member of the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board; in which, I currently hold the office of President. There are insurmountable reasons why I chose to seek the Senate seat and address all of the problematic issues within our State.

After assessing various factors and speaking with many constituents, I concluded that we need representatives that will create, and I quote, a “Government of the People, by the People, and for the People.” We need legislators and officials to represent our citizens, not special interest groups.

Louisiana is facing many issues, such as reductions in education, vast budget cuts, dangerous emissions from chemical industries, prison overcrowding, among others. I know that I am uniquely qualified to address these difficulties. Statistically, Louisiana currently ranks last in the “Quality of Life” surveys. As a School Board member, our bonding capacity has an AAA rating while having the lowest mileages in the surrounding parishes; however, we maintain a B+ System.

We cannot continue to incarcerate non-violent offenders, while offering no solutions to rehabilitation. We need to address the current drug epidemic that is affecting our citizens.

Addi-tionally, our highest prioritization really needs to address the emissions of the Petrochemical Industries along the River Parishes. Denka is emitting massive pollutants, yet our state representatives have yet to vocalize a strategic plan of protection and halting the effects of these hazardous chemicals on our bodies.

Along this 85 mile stretch from New Orleans to Baton Rouge, there are over 150 Petrochemical Industries. This area is considered as Cancer Alley, existing in mostly poor and impoverished communities.

I will work tireless for all problems in our state, including rigidly demanding oversight for all communities affected by emissions. These issues and our areas are being ignored; ironically, legislation/ bills are constantly being proposed to get rid of the inventory tax which most of the River Parishes depend on. I pledge, promise, guarantee, I will work across the aisle to create a Better Quality of Life for All Louisianans! My mantra is Keep the River Parishes Strong!