DEAR EDITOR: St. John Parish has the opportunity to purchase the Second Ward School property. Our council chairman, Mr. Cleveland Farlough, has the foresight to see the wonderful opportunity and potential it presents to our community.

His vision for the future will open the doors for growth and expansion, creating jobs and business opportunities. Just to name a few possibilities – environmental research center, biomedical research and medical training center.

The adoption of homeland security will create 10,000 jobs for a security program. The National Institute of Health awards about $140 million in research grants yearly. Why shouldn’t St. John Parish participate in such opportunities? The Second Ward School could be an ideal training center for the various programs that will exist. The state and federal governments will support and supply grants to move these projects forward.

A great American, Frederick Douglass, once said, “Without struggle, there is no progress.” We as citizens should join him in his struggle to see these projects become a reality – a St. John reality.

Join me in my support of chairman Farlough by speaking to your council. This movement will create jobs, jobs, jobs.

Leroy Labat
LaPlace