2023 Election Candidates for Lafayette City Council District 2

The cost of housing is driven by many variables of which the most obvious is supply and demand. Certain areas are in higher demand and homes do not stay on the market for long, hence driving up the cost in those areas. Then there are outside forces of cost of insurance for developers, builders, the sub-contractors which all are part of the cost of housing. The market price for materials as driven by available supply and cost of raw product to manufacture. The price of land to be developed as well as the cost of development to meet public safety standards as regulated from the federal standards, state and local. Our litigious society has driven much of these increases mixed in with inflation and interest rates make it difficult to bring down. The LDC is written to satisfy many of the federal and state regulations and the LDC cannot control market conditions. I believe that ease of navigation through communication with the people investing in our community is part of the solution. Most of the market forces are demand driven.

Andy Naquin

Shelby Arabie did not answer this question.

No, I believe that government has had a record of being poor bankers, especially in the area of making loans for anything. I am agreeable to public/private partnerships in infrastructure improvements to bring more affordable projects for development.

Andy Naquin

Shelby Arabie did not answer this question.

LCG’s role in economic development is most important in attracting businesses to our area through infrastructure growth and quality of life. The I-49 initiative is huge in bringing in new business and is a focal point. The roads and drainage programs have stepped up to provide an assurance of accessibly to attractive areas of growth. Our improvements being made in our PARC department is a definite asset in presenting a better quality of life for our residents. Our investments in art and culture is important to our quality of life product that our area offers. This investment is also hugely stimulated by our private investors throughout our area. People have shown they do not want to travel to enjoy their lifestyle. Our system of information gathering and communication is one of the best along our I-10 corridor. Our public library system is the most accessible to all that live or visit our area. The investment in our school improvements is unprecedented. Combining all that is happening, I believe it is evident that we are investing in our future. This positive investment is the best way to enhance others to invest in our job market here.

Andy Naquin

Shelby Arabie did not answer this question.

We are doing that now and have gotten more efficient through public/private partnerships. Giving our residents quality choices of activity is important for life’s enhancements.

Andy Naquin

Shelby Arabie did not answer this question.

We have very strict standards now in regards to control of water runoff in all developments and it has been in effect for many years. Not only is runoff addressed but also 15% improvement required of most development drainage projects. This a great part of our LDC knowing the priority drainage has in our future. The downside is all the added costs toward the affordability of any development. That is why the cumulative affect of these parish drainage projects are so important to all future developments as well as existing homes and businesses. The effect has been taken of note in many areas of completion with more positive results to come. Drainage will always have be a priority with growth for our public safety.

Andy Naquin

Shelby Arabie did not answer this question.

We have dedicated ad valorem taxes now for drainage coupled with the return of our tax dollars from Washington through grants which we have very effective writers applying for these grants. Those millions of dollars are dedicated to drainage through a parish fund and spent solely on keeping us safe in the city and parish. These funding sources have been adequate to this point but we have to be wise in our priorities in spending with an open communication among all our experts in the area developing a drainage system that cumulatively will work for our area. Drainage is not just a Lafayette parish problem, it is an Acadiana issue which involves our neighbors as well. The outreach of these areas to each other is imperative for success. We all need to be aware of the rewards and affects our systems have on each other. We all succeed or there are truly no wins for anyone.

Andy Naquin

Shelby Arabie did not answer this question.