Firmin announces candidacy for Ascension Council District 7

Ken Firmin, long-time community leader and businessman, is seeking to serve as the next elected Ascension Parish Council District 7.

One look at his résumé will tell you – Kenneth “Ken” Firmin is a community man. His experience serving the community and his devotion to helping others have shaped Firmin into an exemplary leader and a qualified candidate in the 2015 race for the Ascension Parish District 7 councilman seat.

“I have the knowledge and experience to represent the parish, as well as the compassion to help the people,” Firmin said. “I’ve been actively involved in Ascension Parish for many years. I’ve worked with the leaders. I’ve heard the issues from the people.”

Throughout his life, Firmin has served in several community organizations: the

Volunteer Ascension Board, Keep Ascension Beautiful Committee, Baton Rouge Jaycees, Greater Baton Rouge State Fair Board, 1984 GBR State Fair Chairman, the Baton Rouge Chamber of Commerce and more.

Today, he serves as a member of the Rotary Club of East Ascension, of which he is a past president; the ARC of East Ascension Board; the Ascension Chamber of Commerce; Knights of Columbus Council 4030; and the St. George Catholic Church Usher Society. He is also this year’s Chairman of Dancing for a Cause and on the Ascension Balloon Festival Committee.

Firmin brings a new voice to the political arena, but he’s no rookie when it comes to public service. After more than 40 years of civic involvement and leadership, he is ready to take his contributions to the next level as an Ascension Parish councilman.

Firmin is a new resident in Prairieville, but he’s worked in Ascension for more than 40 years. He began his first career in Geismar, working in the petrochemical industry for 23 years.  

Later, Firmin began Acadian Waste Disposal Service, where he transformed a small, one-truck operation into a large fleet of trucks. Under his ownership, Acadian Waste developed into the one of the most affluent businesses in Ascension Parish. The former businessman now works as a realtor for Villar & Co. Real Estate.

Originally from Avoyelles Parish, Firmin is married to the former Judy Austen, a Duplessis native and East Ascension High School graduate. The two have five children, seven grandchildren and one on the way. Family comes first in Firmin’s life, so their support has been vital to his campaign.

The easy-going, fun-loving Ascension community has welcomed Firmin and he is proud to call Ascension home. He feels the time is right to give back, especially as the parish continues to see tremendous growth.

“My approach is to work in alliance with the parish government and to be a leader for the community,” Firmin said. “I want to represent the residents of District 7 and to be part of the solution in Ascension Parish.”