By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Saying he is committed to ending the notion that the west bank of St. John the Baptist Parish is a “forgotten” community, lifelong Edgard resident Art Smith has announced his candidacy for the parish council’s District 1 seat in the Oct. 22 election.

Haston Lewis currently holds the seat, which represents all of the west bank and some southernmost parts of the east bank. Lewis is eligible to run for re-election, but he has not yet made any formal announcement.

Smith, 57, said he is motivated by what he says is a lack of urgency to get things done for residents on the west bank. He said he is ready to fight to improve the quality of life for the people of District 1.

“We are the only community in the parish that is losing population, and that needs to change,” said Smith. “For example, we have no place close by where residents can run and get essential groceries without leaving the parish. I think we need to work on more small business development, or we will continue to lose residents.”

Smith said he intends to work to improve parks and recreation, implement better library hours and improve streets, drainage, housing and job opportunities. He also wants to help bring high-speed Internet and softer water to the residents of the west bank.

“These are all things the residents of the east bank enjoy,” Smith said. “If we do not get these things, then the west bank will continue to lose people. We don’t want our children to stray and leave the community. We don’t want to have to travel to see them. It is time for the west bank to demand the things we need.”