Race for House Seat Could Be Crowded

New Generation of Leadership Could Emerge, Seeking Seat in La. House

by Woody Jenkins, editor

CENTRAL — A popular Metro Councilman and a successful business owner have already thrown their hats into the ring for the seat in the Louisiana House of Representatives currently held by Rep. Clif Richardson (R-Central).

Rep. Richardson has announced that he will step down because of health reasons on Jan. 3, 2013.

Metro Councilman Scott Wilson, who was just elected to a second two-year term on the Council without opposition, spoke at the Chamber of Commerce of East Baton Rouge Parish Tuesday to announce his candidacy for the seat.  Wilson, who has a conservative record on the Council, owns a trucking company.

He was joined at the Chamber forum by Barry Ivey, owner of Pinnacle Precision Services, LLC, which manufactures pipes for the nuclear power industry.  Ivey, who was recently elected to represent Central on the Republican State Central Committee, has about 200 employees in his business.

The two men discussed the fiscal crisis facing state government, which anticipates a $1 billion deficit.

Other candidates are also considering the race, including Wayne Messina, who serves on the Central City Council and narrowly lost a race for the Metro Council to Wilson four years ago.

Another possible candidate is Hank Coates, a retired military engineer who could be expected to draw major business support.  And there are probably a number of other good candidates considering the race.

It is encouraging that so many outstanding young leaders are concerned about the direction of our state and nation.  It is important for them to step forward and speak out on the issues facing us, either as candidates themselves or in support of good candidates.

Municipal elections for the City of Central are a little more than a year away.  So we can expect to see some familiar faces once again and also some new leaders who want to play a role in the future of this community, state, and nation.

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Two Sure-Footed Candidates. The forum hosted by the Chamber of Commerce of East Baton Rouge Parish, a group of conservative small business owners affiliated with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, gave Wilson and Ivey a chance to get some early attention in their bids for Richardson’s seat.

Wilson was comfortable at the podium and spoke about his conservative record on the Metro Council.  When asked about whether he would stand for an independent legislature in the face of a powerful governor, Wilson said he had plenty of experience doing that, because he has stood up to Mayor-President Kip Holden for the past four years.

Ivey, a Central High graduate and a successful businessman who attends Victory Harvest, was comfortable at the podium too. Although a newcomer to politics, he used humor to put himself in the game with several colorful comments and stories.

With these two candidates and others waiting in the wings, the campaign for the Louisiana House should prove interesting and educational.  The primary is March 2.

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Firearms in the City.  Central City Councilman Wayne Messina reminds hunters to be careful while hunting in the City of Central.  Yes, there is a fair amount of hunting in Central during this time of the year.

Councilman Messina said hunters should be aware that state law provides that no pistol or rifle may be discharged within one-half mile of a road, street, or house.  In addition, no shotgun, airgun, BB gun, or gas-operated or spring-operated gun may be discharged within 500 feet of a road, street, or house.

Of course, that does not apply in the case of defense of person or property.

Violations of the law should be reported to the Sheriff’s office.

Thanks to Councilman Messina for this important reminder!

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Judicial Election Dec. 8. Please remember to vote for Supreme Court and Court of Appeal on Dec. 8.  Early voting ends Saturday.  This is a very important election.  Please vote!