[StBernard] St. Bernard Councilman Ray Lauga plans to seek re-election this fall

Westley Annis westley at da-parish.com
Wed Aug 31 21:15:29 EDT 2011


St. Bernard Councilman Ray Lauga plans to seek re-election this fall

Published: Wednesday, August 31, 2011, 6:00 PM

By Benjamin Alexander-Bloch, The Times-Picayune

Lauga, a self-employed construction project manager, said that during the
past four years, he has worked to ensure that District A is leading the
region in recovery by prioritizing the restoration of infrastructure.

"When I took office in 2008, every infrastructure system was in need of
repair," he said in a campaign announcement. "Pump trucks provided sewer
service. Only 35 percent of the storm water system operated properly. Fire
protection was minimal. The Government Complex was a shell. Roads resembled
a third world country."

He said that two weeks after taking office, he traveled to Washington, D.C.,
along with other parish officials to establish a working relationship with
FEMA. His district was the first to receive various improvements, including
operational sewer lift stations and storm water pumps, a rebuilt fire
station and a new station, he said.

He also pointed to the opening of four parks, along with almost $100 million
in road repair projects now under way in District A.

"At the end of 2011, District A will have one of the best infrastructure
systems in the United States," Lauga said.

He said that in his next term, he would prioritize quality of life issues,
such as blight and absentee property owners; develop commerce along Judge
Perez Drive, St. Bernard Highway, St. Claude Avenue and the Seafood and
Farmers Market; implement the Old Arabi Revitalization plan; help develop
the redistribution plan of Louisiana Recovery Authority properties; and
ensure that all infrastructure repairs are completed.

He added he would "continue to fight against any developments that detract
from the health, safety and welfare" of his district.

The election is Oct. 22. A runoff, if necessary, will be Nov. 19.





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