Derek Babcock vs. Dale Erdey in Senate District 13

Babcock Challenges Erdey for Senate Seat

DENHAM SPRINGS — State Sen. Dale Erdey and Derek Babcock, both of Livingston Parish, are candidates for State Senator in Senate District 13 in the Oct. 22 primary election.  The district includes all of Livingston Parish, two precincts along Hooper Road in Central, and a handful of precincts near Ponchatoula in Tangipahoa.

Derek Babcock

Senate District 13

Derek Babcock, calling for reform in state government, declared his candidacy for Senate District 13 at the Livingston Parish courthouse.

Babcock, a 38-year-old Denham Springs resident, said he plans to be “a vocal advocate for the citizens of the 13th District.”

Babcock said, “My focus will be to lower taxes, create jobs, expand our roads, and improve our schools.  I’ve heard all over the district that people want an advocate in Baton Rouge.  I’m prepared to be that advocate.”

Babcock is well known throughout the district as a successful businessman, involved parent, and community leader.

He is the Chairman of Citizens for Highways and Infrastructures in Livingston Parish (CHILP), a grassroots initiative to improve local roads and infrastructure.  According to Babcock, “We’ve accomplished amazing things as a group of concerned citizens, and I look forward to building on those successes in the Louisiana Senate.”

Babcock’s experience as a proven leader is exemplified in CHILP’s numerous victories, which include the newly-constructed Juban Road interchange, the reopening of the Buddy Ellis Bridge, and road widening projects throughout the district—including the expansion of Interstate 12 from O’Neal Lane in Baton Rouge to Walker and the expansion of Highway 16 in Watson.

Additionally, the organization has shown success in blocking ineffective and wasteful uses of taxpayer money at the parish level.  Babcock added, “Not only do we need better roads, we need a technical college.  I’m committed to seeing growth in infrastructure, roads, and education to match the needs of our district.”

Coming into the race, Babcock boasts strong conservative credentials.  He currently serves as the treasurer of the Livingston Parish Republican Party and is vice chairman of Louisiana Family Forum, a state-wide organization well known for defending faith, family, and freedom in Louisiana.

Professionally, Derek Babcock is president of Babcock Insurance, a health insurance provider based in Denham Springs.  He has also represented the area as past board member of the National Association of Insurers and Financial Advisors.

Derek and Heather Holland Babcock have been married for 16 years. They are the parents of four children: Maggie, Madison, Brandon, and Emily.  The family is actively involved as members of Grace Works Church.

For information about Derek, go to www.derekbabcock.com or call 225-485-2901.

Senate District 13 includes almost all of Livingston Parish.  It also includes two precincts in Central along Hooper Road and five precincts in Tangipahoa Parish, west of I-55 and south of I-12.

The primary election will be held on Saturday, Oct. 22.

Dale Erdey

Senate District 13

Dale Erdey, citing a record of proven leadership resulting in improved highway infrastructure, quality education, lower taxes, better public safety and flood control, announced he will seek re-election to the Louisiana State Senate, District 13 seat.

Erdey is serving his first term as State Senator for District 13 and served two terms as State Representative for District 71 in Livingston Parish.

“Serving the people of District 13 and the State of Louisiana is a distinct honor and privilege, an awesome responsibility that I take very seriously. My legislative experience, conservative voting record and dedication to serving my constituency qualify me to continue representing the citizens of District 13.”

Erdey serves on the Senate Committee on Transportation as Vice-chairman, the Senate Committee on Health and Welfare, the Senate Committee on Revenue and Fiscal Affairs and the Senate Committee on Environmental Quality.

Championing efforts for widening I-12, Erdey has successfully collaborated with area legislators to secure $400 million for infrastructure projects in the Baton Rouge area over the past three years.   “I have utilized my membership on the Senate and House Transportation Committees to promote and fight for numerous highway improvements, including I-12 widening from O’Neal Lane to Walker, I-12/Juban Road interchange, interchange enhancements at Walker and Denham Springs, LA Highway 16 expansion between Denham Springs and Watson, as well as three new bridges across the Amite River.” Erdey also worked to secure additional funding for widening Juban Road from I-12 to US 190 and extending Cook Road from Pete’s Highway to Juban Road.

Erdey lobbied and won approval for the state’s participation in the Bass Pro Shops development project. “Bass Pro Shops has had a tremendous economic impact on the Baton Rouge region, bringing 300 jobs and millions of dollars to our state and local economy. In essence, Bass Pro Shops development has put our area on the national map.”

He has fought for teacher and support personnel pay raises as well as passed legislation that provided $11 million in additional teachers pay for 16 school districts. Since elected to the legislature, he has supported over $627 million in teacher pay raises. In 2010, Erdey was awarded “Legislator of the Year” by the Child Care Association of Louisiana.

Erdey feels he has exemplified fiscal conservative policies while serving in the State Legislature. Erdey has consistently supported tax-relief legislation, reducing over $1 billion in taxes over the last six years, including the repeal of the Stelly Tax which lowered personal income taxes. Erdey fought for flood control and successfully worked with area legislators and leaders to secure state funds for the Comite River Diversion Canal.

“There are many legislative tasks yet to tackle,” Erdey said. “For example, I am aware of the unfunded, mandated costs passed on to our local school systems and will fight to increase funding for our K-12 schools.  I will also fight to make our flagship university at LSU and SLU stronger research and teaching institutions by giving them greater autonomy to realize their maximum potential. I pledge to continue fighting for additional funding for roads, roads, and roads!”

Erdey, who is 56 and a life-long resident of Livingston Parish, graduated from LSU with a degree in Business Administration. He served as Mayor of Livingston from 1993-1997. Currently, he is owner/president of Erdey Insurance Agency and is a  Certified Insurance Counselor.

Erdey is an member of the Livingston United Methodist Church.  Erdey is a Republican. He is married to Donna Carlisle Erdey.  They have four children, Lindsey and son-in-law Brian McCaskill, Ashlyn and son-in-law Cody McMorris, Leah and son-in-law Josh Smith, and Trey.  They also have six grandchildren.