Mayor’s Corner: Remember what they said

Published 11:13 am Friday, October 28, 2022

By Leesville Mayor Rick Allen

During my tenure I’ve been very fortunate that the good Lord has helped me accomplish just about everything I’ve tried or claimed that we would do. Are there more things I would like to accomplish for the great citizens of Vernon Parish before I lay down my mayor’s hat? Absolutely.

What I’ve noticed is that most politicians running for office know what most of us want, and that is peace and happiness in our communities commonly referred to as unity. But once elected they go right to attacking the other party just like their predecessors have done time and time again. It’s like they know we won’t remember their platform slogan or speeches after they are elected and they are right. Is it because we don’t think there’s anything we can do after they are elected and take the seat or is it that we just expect it and accept it to be normal. Then there’s the blame game when they take credit for anything good and blame the past administration for the bad. I am proud to say our team doesn’t do these things at all.

I told you when we ran that we would work together to make Leesville grow and we have. I told you that everyone would be treated equally and fairly and they have been. I assured you that the team you elected would be transparent and accessible and we are.

We told you that we would invest our tax dollars in overcoming the lack of maintenance in our streets and infrastructure and we have. Please understand that it wasn’t the past administration’s fault that there was a lack of maintenance; they simply did not have any money. I have combed over the financial reports from three mayors back and I want to be very clear. They did not steal the money or misuse the money. There was no money!

Also there was no opportunity to generate any additional money. These past few years we have been fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time.  Having the right background and experience to capitalize on revenue generating opportunities. “Thank you God” is all I can really say. I hope you feel the same way.