Voters in several portions of Acadiana will elect a new District 28 state senator.
Three people are running to succeed the term-limited Eric Lafleur.
Bernard LeBas (D-Ville Platte) has served as the state representative for District 28 for 12 years.
He says there's still a lot he wants to accomplish and at the top of the list is education. Lebas has spearheaded many French immersion programs in his district, and he thinks educators need to be paid more.
"I don't believe our economy is going to improve until we have a good educational system," eplained LeBas. "Plus, we'll be educating the people for the correct jobs to draw the other manufacturers or other companies to come over here."
Like Lebas, Robert Johnson (D-Marksville) has been a state representative for 12 years. He represents the entire parish of Avoyelles.
Johnson started his professional career as a prosecutor, later serving as the assistant district attorney in Avoyelles Parish. He also served as the victims assistance coordinator for the 12th Judicial District.
Johnson, like his opponents, wants to improve the state's infrastructure.
"We've got a $14 billion backlog of road projects here in Louisiana," said Johnson. "It's time that we address that and get those needs addressed for our citizens and our constituents."
Johnson says he's not afraid to stand up for what he believes in. In fact, he went up against former Governor Bobby Jindal when he wanted to privatize a Louisiana correctional facility.
"We stood up to him and saved 400 jobs in Avoyelles Parish with a $20 million annual payroll, but we didn't stop with just those jobs," said Johnson. "We created more jobs by bringing a juvenile justice center."
Johnson and his opponent, Heather Cloud (R-Turkey Creek), want to lower car insurance rates.
"We know that, just last year, six insurance companies left the State of Louisiana. We know that Nationwide Insurance doesn't want to do business in the State of Louisiana, so the pool is shrinking and rates are rising," explained Cloud. "That's unsustainable for Louisiana businesses."
Cloud also has experience in politics, serving as the mayor of Turkey Creek for two terms from 2011-2018.
She says as her time as mayor, she brought an inferior water and sewer system to being named one of the top water systems in the state.
Cloud believes what sets her apart from the two state legislators is what makes her best suited for the position.
"I'm a small business owner, and I believe that entrepreneurs are the backbone of this state and this country, not politicians," said Cloud. "I believe, at this point in time, we need to empower the hardworking Louisianians."
Election Day is October 12. Early voting starts September 28. For more information about the election, click here.
For more information on LeBas, click here.
For more information on Johnson, click here.
For more information on Cloud, click here.
