By David Vitrano
L’Observateur

DESTREHAN – Fresh off their Washington, D.C., fly-in, the parish presidents from each of the River Parishes once again presented a united front Thursday, this time in the friendlier environs of the annual River Region Chamber of Commerce Parish Presidents Forum, held at Ormond Plantation.
Of course, talk of the trip was the highlight of this year’s event, which featured a restructured format from previous years. This year, instead of just allowing each parish president to stand up and give a presentation, each was given the chance to answer previously unseen questions from the community.
Regarding the trip to Washington, each of the parish leaders came away with a similar impression.
“It was the most frustrating meeting I’ve ever been to in my life,” said St. Charles Parish President V.J. St. Pierre Jr.
St. James Parish President Timmy Roussel said the trip was initially “very, very disheartening,” and St. John the Baptist Parish President Natalie Robottom noted, “It was more of a teaching experience than a learning experience.”
The source of frustration was the general lack of knowledge on the part of Washington officials about the implications of the legislation they pass. Most of those they met with, had little idea that the Biggert-Waters Act as it stands would essentially force people from their homes for not being able to pay flood insurance premiums.
“We met with four groups that first day, and they all had different answers,” said Roussel.
St. Pierre said, “I don’t think they knew the severity.”
Following round after round of meetings, Robottom, however, seemed to believe there is some light at the end of the tunnel.
“By the end, we actually had a plan,” she said. “Administratively, FEMA will make some changes.”
She did note that real change must come legislatively, though.
“If you’ve never written to your congressman, do it today,” said Robottom.
Public Policy Committee Co-Chair Henry Friloux, who has been on previous Chamber fly-ins, said he was not surprised by the parish presidents’ assessments.
“A lot of times when we fly into Washington as business people, they have no idea what we’re talking about,” said Friloux. “There’s a culture up there that’s very difficult to deal with.”
Robottom said it was important to show those in Washington that the devastating effects of the legislation would go far beyond individual homeowners, affecting real estate markets, school systems and eventually the region’s tax base.
“It’s a much bigger picture,” said Robottom, who noted the key to success when dealing with the powers in Washington lie in numbers. “We are a united front.”
Another topic touched on Thursday morning was how the region’s leaders planned to capitalize on industrial expansion, both present and future. The answer to that for all three was education and infrastructure.
Each said making sure the region has a workforce ready to fill positions and easily accessible transportation routes were key to attracting more businesses to the area.
In a related question, each parish president said they sought to strengthen ties with the Port of South Louisiana, which runs through all three River Parishes.
“That river is the nucleus of it all,” said Roussel. “We’ve got to be connected.”
Friloux said he thought the new format of the forum worked out extraordinarily well.
“We didn’t give them the questions early,” said Friloux. “They’re prepared because they do their job.”