Ascension Parish president and council forum bring a number of no shows

GONZALES –  Ascension Parish residents gathered on Sept. 24 at the Gonzales Civic Center for the Parish Council and President political forum hosted by Ascension Republican Parish Executive Committee.

     Of the 16 scheduled council candidates to appear at the event, five were no-shows –  Oliver Joseph of District 1, Alan Braud, Jr. of District 4, Tony Christy of District 7, Teri Casso of District 8, and John Cagnolatti of District 10. Candidates gave background information on themselves and briefly discussed why they were running and what they hoped to accomplish. Present at the forum was William Hayward and Kerry Williams of District 1, William Dawson and Philip Goppelt of District 2, Daniel Stterlee of District 4, Mac Edmonston, Ken Firmin, Douglas Hillensbeck, and Aaron Lawler of District 7, Sean Dardeau of District 8, and Bryan Melancon of District 10.

     Parish President candidates Clarence Henry, Chris Loar, and Kenneth Matassa were absent from the forum. Clint Cointment and Ricky Diggs were each asked 14 questions about various issues, ranging from their thoughts on how to handle the parish government to their views on how an increase in taxes will impact the parish.

     The full video of the political forum will air later this week on Eatel channel 4 or 704. Be sure to check your program guide for more information.