By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Former St. John the Baptist Parish President and current state Rep. Nickie Monica officially announced his candidacy for his old position in the Oct. 22 general election.

Monica made clear his intentions through a phone call to St. John Parish residents on Wednesday. He is looking to return to the office he held from 2000 to 2008.

“For eight years, I was honored to serve as parish president,” Monica said. “I promised (voters) then that I would work hard, listen to concerns and get things done. I am again committed to working with residents to get things in St. John back on track and moving in the right direction.”

Monica joins a parish president race that currently includes incumbent Natalie Robottom, who won a special election in May 2010, and St. John Parish Councilman Ronnie Smith, who is term limited from running for council again in his district. Qualifying for all races in the Oct. 22 election begins Sept. 6.

Prior to being elected parish president, Monica served as councilman for District 5 from 1996 to 2000. In 2007, after serving two terms as parish president, Monica was elected to the state House of Representatives, where he represented St. John and St. James parishes.

Monica said in November that he would not seek another term as state representative, opting instead to pursue a limestone, sand and gravel hauling business. He had said previously the business was still in the works, but it would be put on hold now that he has decided campaign for the parish presidency.

“I would certainly be devoting all of my time to the parish,” Monica said. “I love St. John. I love its people, and I’m always excited to serve for them.”

Monica said that during his two terms as parish president, he worked with state and federal leaders to bring new investments to the parish, including the Southeast Louisiana War Veterans Home, the National Guard Readiness Center and a VA Outpatient Clinic.

Monica said he credits his open door policy and eagerness to hear and understand the needs of the community for the accomplishments during his two terms.

“I have always been accessible, approachable and willing to hear new ideas and concerns of St. John residents,” Monica said. “Residents’ concerns are heard, and they will always have the ability to get engaged in solving issues in a timely, efficient and effective manner.”