There’s Been A Lot Of Talk About What Has or Hasn’t Been Accomplished
It’s Time To Set The Record Straight With the Facts
Fact:
Since 2005, the City of Lake Charles has spent over $50 million on capital projects, including improvements to streets and drainage, sewer line and plant improvements, water line and plant improvements, recreation, public safety and general government projects.
Since May of 2007 over $30 million worth of bondprojects have either been completed or let out for bid. These projects include:
Power Center Parkway - $4.8 Million
McNeese Street Extension - $4.9 Million
Water and Wastewater Projects - $13 Million
7 City Park Improvements - $2.1 Million
Lakefront Marina - $1.7 Million
Civic Center (Center Section) - $1.6 Million
Lakefront Promenade (Bids accepted and application made to use CDBG funds) - $3.6 Million
$2 Million of Bond Money has been obligated for Economic Development Projects:
SW Louisiana SEED Center (Funds Obligated) - $500,000
Trades & Industries Training Facility (Funds Obligated) - $500,000
Shaw/Westinghouse Project (Funds Obligated) - $1 Million
Fact:
The City of Lake Charles Police Department 2008 Report on Crime shows a drop in all categories of crime in the city. Total crime, compared with 2007, dropped by 15.7 %, which exceeded the last major decrease of 13% in 1998. Homicides were down 68.4%, rape down 4.5%, robbery down 8.6% and assault and battery down 15.9%. (Reported by LC American Press 3/11/09)
Fact:
The City of Lake Charles Finance Director’s report to the City Council for the year ended Sept 30, 2008 shows the city is “very financially sound”.
City net assets increased by $19 million during the past year to $358 million
Capital assets increased $20.2 million
There are $74.5 million in construction projects in progress
The city’s General Fund balance is $28.8 million
(Reported by LC American Press 3/25/09)
Honesty, Integrity and Leadership
The next four years will be challenging. If we are to continue our recovery and growth, if we are to realize our full potential of becoming the premier city of Southwest Louisiana, the man we elect as Mayor must have the qualifications and experience to achieve our goals. The choice is simple…Randy Roach
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These are the performance measures that Mayor Roach and his team have built into every capital project for the past nine years. The same accountability, responsibility and sustainability measures are guiding the projects of the $90 million bond issue because Mayor Roach understands the responsibility of being a wise steward of the public’s money.
There are some who want growth without responsibility. There are some willing to sacrifice economic sustainability for short-term profit. It’s the same old mindset that has bogged down our state for decades that benefitted only a few individuals at the expense of our people. Today, people want growth—true growth, sustainable growth—and they want accountability, responsibility and sustainability.
Quality of Life
That's what it's about
Lake Charles ranks well in quality of life indicators, said Mayor Randy Roach in the mayoral forum hosted by the League of Women Voters Tuesday evening with candidate William “Billy” Pharr.
“We compare very favorably in the quality of facilities we have here. We’re working on a comprehensive bond issue program, which has money for improvements allocated,” noting that the $90 million bond initiatives, which are well underway, are directly addressing key issues such the I-10 corridor, urban blight and sustainable economic development.
Although some have questioned the pace of the bond projects, several have already been completed and several more will be complete this year, even though the initial bond issue wasn’t approved until November, 2005 and the citywide referendum wasn’t given the voters’ go-ahead until May of 2007, less than two years ago.
With respect to economic development, Lake Charles has in recent years surged forward into an increasingly competitive position as evidenced by the recently announced Shaw/Westinghouse nuclear modular manufacturing project. The bond issue initiatives, including Lakefront/Downtown Development and capital projects currently in progress will significantly enhance that competitive position, helping a superb quality of life for all people.
The forum is being re-broadcast on Calcasieu Parish’s Government Channel and by streaming video on KPLC-TV’s website: www.kplctv.com. While you’re at it, be sure to express your support for Roach on KPLC’s “Hot Topic” blog or right here on Facebook.
Moving Forward
With our recent re-election announcement the campaign is now moving swiftly ahead. The past nine years as Mayor have been challenging to say the least. We’ve met and overcome these challenges by working together as a community…it’s an integral part of our heritage.
Despite all of our planning, the reality of the economics of a prolonged global credit crisis may effect phases of community development both public and private. It is our past performance in the face of adversity that gives me the confidence and belief, that regardless of what the next four years bring we will not merely survive…we will prevail.
Serving you as Mayor is a privilege.
I deeply appreciate your confidence and the support you've given me during my time in office. I believe we are building a quality of life equal to that of any region in the nation—a quality of life that is sustainable for our children, and for generations to come.
Some members of the community have questioned our rate of progress since the passage of the $90 million bond issue. Understandably, they want to touch, feel, and see projects in place.
I can assure you, no one wants them finished more than myself, but I am committed to making sure we get the best quality work for our tax dollars.
In the last four years alone we have completed more than $50 million of capital improvement projects that include streets, drainage, water, sewer and recreational facilities.
Many bond projects are underway with some already completed. Construction will begin in May on the first major phase of the Lakefront with additional projects starting construction by mid-summer...these projects are all part of the $18 million portion of the bond issue. We’re planning carefully and building accountability, responsibility and sustainability.
I ask for your vote April 4 to keep our momentum going. Thank you for your support.
Randy Roach
Mayor
Join the Team & Make a Difference
Volunteers on all levels are the heart and soul of any campaign. They make the difference between a good campaign and a truly great campaign. The Campaign to Re-Elect Randy Roach needs such committed, caring people. Whatever you like to do, there’s a place for you: calling people, putting out yard signs, answering phones and e-mail—there are hundreds of small but critical jobs where we can use your skill, talent and commitment. To volunteer, contact Kammy Crewell, Campaign Manager at (337) 540.8807, by e-mail at randyformayor@gmail.com or drop by Campaign Headquarters at 1322 Ryan Street. Thanks for your support.