Talk is common on the streets about the possibilities of new civic centers in St. John the Baptist and St. Charles parishes. Here in St. John, land is available and funding is possible with voter approval but the drive from parish government to attain that goal is unfocused. In St. Charles Parish, a recent land donation sparked new interest in the notion, but funding is a problem and government interest is likewise unfocused. The facts are clear that civic centers are not massive money-makers. Thibodaux’s center is vacant for much of the yea, for example, and is a drag on the budget. However, benefits likewise abound, and the convenience of a center for graduations, proms, trade shows and major promotional events would be a plus.

L’Observateur