Two candidates are seeking election to the District 3 seat on the new Lafayette City Council: Elizabeth "Liz" Webb Hebert and James Noriega Jr. Both candidates are registered Republicans.
Lafayette voters decided last year to de-consolidate the Lafayette City-Parish Council. Now everyone in the parish will vote on a new parish council member, and people living in the city limits will vote on both a parish council member and a city council member. If you want to know what districts you are in, check your ballot by clicking here.
City District 3 stretches roughly from E. Lewis Street to E. Broussard, south of Johnston Street to Kaliste Saloom Road. If you want to see a map of the districts, CLICK HERE: https://lcg.maps.arcgis.com/apps/MapSeries/index.html?appid=668d0511de2b490cb3143376b9738bf8
Each of these candidates has a Facebook page.
Liz Hebert’s facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lizwebbhebert/
James Noriega’s facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/noriegacitydistrict3/
We've asked all candidates for both councils the same set of questions.
Here are the questions and each candidate's answers.
LIZ WEBB HEBERT
1. Tell me a little bit about yourself in five sentences – who are you and what’s your background?
I am a lifelong resident of Lafayette Parish and I currently serve as Councilwoman of District 8 for the Lafayette City-Parish Council where I was recent Chairman for the LPUA (Lafayette Public Utility Authority). I currently sit on the board of directors for Leadership Institute of Acadiana and Acadiana Animal Aid. I have also served on the board of the 705 Young Professionals, and a past president of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Acadiana. I am married to Aaron Hebert of Lafayette, have two dogs Lady and Batman. My passions include travel, spending time with family and friends and working to make my community a better place to live.
2, Why do you want to run for office?
To make a difference in my community and improve communication between local government and community so that the public would want to become more involved in local issues.
3. What issue is the most important for you to tackle in your district?
The most common concern is flooding. Since 2016, I have supported stronger drainage requirements for new residential and commercial developments, worked with LCG to clean out ditches and subsurface drainage across my district, cleared coulees and bridges of debris and currently working with federal and state officials to acquire permits for dredging the Vermilion.
The most common concern is flooding. Since 2016, I have supported stronger drainage requirements for new residential and commercial developments, worked with LCG to clean out ditches and subsurface drainage across my district, cleared coulees and bridges of debris and currently working with federal and state officials to acquire permits for dredging the Vermilion.
I am also working with surrounding parishes to encourage them to adopt the resolution I co-authored to request support from the governor, the Acadiana legislative delegation, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development in order to fund the dredging of the Vermilion River; and that the Teche-Vermilion Fresh Water District and/or any authorized agencies cease the pumping of water to Bayou Courtableau and/or any other areas and into Bayou Teche and the Vermilion River in anticipation of future severe weather events.
4. What distinguishes you from other candidates?
My experience and knowledge on the issues most important to District 3. For the last 4 years we have accomplished so many great things that I hope to have the opportunity to continue my efforts and keep making improvements to drainage and other areas.
JAMES NORIEGA JR.
1. Tell me a little bit about yourself in five sentences – who are you and what’s your background?
I am a local Physician (Podiatrist) and have been in practice for 21 years. I am from Morgan City and am a US Army Veteran. I am an avid triathlete and I also participate in surgical mission trips every six months.
2, Why do you want to run for office?
I want to run for office to make a Positive change in Lafayette. I am tired of our children and grandchildren having to leave our beautiful city in order to find better employment elsewhere.
3. What issue is the most important for you to tackle in your district?
The most important issue at this point is definitely flooding and drainage issues. While we have many issues that are important to us, I believe our drainage issues must take precedence.
4. What distinguishes you from other candidates?
I am a physician and business owner. I know how to manage a budget and run a business. I am not a politician. While that is cliché, I think with my background I have the knowledge to help steer our city into a better direction.
