Church Point Candidate Forum

100+ Citizens from across Church Point packed the Church Point Community Center last night for the 2018 Church Point Candidate Forum hosted by the Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber is proud to offer the forum with the purpose of informing citizens. The  Chamber’s Legislative Committee under the direction of Chairperson, Daniel Nugier, as well as Christine Benoit, Farmers’ State Bank & Acadia Parish Chamber Board Member; Jeremiah Meck and Cindy Walters of Acadia-St. Landry Hospital, was responsible for organizing the event.

The forum included candidates for Church Point Police Chief and Mayor of Church Point, who had 2-minutes to provide an opening statement. The questions for the Mayor and Police Chief candidates were presented in 2 rounds. Each candidate selected a number corresponding with a question and all answered a different, unique random question. The candidates were then allowed a 2-minute closing statement following the question & answer rounds. A Chamber representative was present in the front row and held up the yellow card when there were fifteen seconds remaining.  The red card was raised when time was up, and candidates were asked to immediately conclude.

After explaining the format, we began with Candidates for Chief of Police

Opening statements for Chief of Police was as follows:

1. Dale Thibodeaux
2. Wilton Harmon, Jr.
3. Mark Gilliam
4. Murphy Leopaul
5. Leon Thibodeaux
6. Kim Fonti

Promptly after opening statements, we began Round #1 and #2 of questions.

Question #1 | Answered by Wilton Harmon, Jr. 

If your budget were cut in half tomorrow, what areas would you reduce and how would you compensate?

Question #2 | Answered by Mark Gilliam

With a growing negative reputation, how will you work to promote a positive image of Church Point and department?

Question #3 | Answered by Leon Thibodeaux

It is expensive and costly to train new officers and local competition for talent is increasing. what is your plan to recruit and retain quality officers for your department?

Question #4 | Answered by Dale Thibodeaux

If your budget doubled tomorrow, where would you spend the funds?

Question #5 | Answered by Murphy Leopaul

What is your plan to reduce repeat and known drug offenders?

Question #6 | Answered by Kim Fonti

What level of involvement do you plan on having with the District Attorney’s office?

Round 2

Question #1 | Answered by Murphy Leopaul

What is your specific plan to reduce drug trafficking?

Question #2 | Answered by Dale Thibodeaux

As Chief of Police, what is your first priority, if elected?

Question #3 | Answered by Mark Gilliam

What do you perceive is the departments biggest challenge and how would you tackle it?

Question #4 | Answered by Kim Fonti

Blighted properties are breeding grounds of criminal activity. What is your plan to canvas these areas?

Question #5 | Answered by Leon Thibodeaux

What are your top 3 qualities that make you best qualified for the role of Chief of Police of Church Point?

Question #6 | Answered by Wilton Harmon, Jr.

What do you think are the pros and cons of having your department engaging in social media?

Following Round #2, we heard the closing remark from each candidate-(2 minutes each)
Closing remark for Chief of Police was as follows:

1. Mark Gilliam
2. Murphy Leopaul
3. Wilton Harmon, Jr.
4. Kim Fonti
5. Dale Thibodeaux
6. Leon Thibodeaux

Following the same format, we continued with candidates for Mayor of the Town of Church Point.

Opening statements for Mayor was as follows:

1. Ryan ‘Spanky’ Meche
2. Roger Boudreaux
3. Gene Malbrough
4. Russell Stelly

Promptly after opening statements, we began Round #1 and #2 of questions.

Question #1 | Answered by Roger Boudreaux

Disasters come in many forms— fire, flooding, hurricanes. How do you plan on ensuring Church Point is prepared in a time of disaster?

Question #2 | Answered by Russell Stelly

What top 3 things would you do to improve the image of Church Point and attract visitors?

Question #3 | Answered by Ryan ‘Spanky’ Meche

With increasing rain events causing widespread flooding, how will you address this issue and improve draining?

Question #4 | Answered by Gene Malbrough

Because Church Point isn’t a pass-through town, what is your vision to attract and increase more traffic and visitors to the community?

Round 2

Question #1 | Answered by Russell Stelly

How important is social media to you in keeping the community informed?

Question #2 | Answered by Ryan ‘Spanky’ Meche

With a diverse group of citizens represented in all corners of Crowley, how will you be proactive at creating unity and eliminating divisiveness and social barriers across the city?

Question #3 | Answered by Roger Boudreaux

Business growth is the key to growing the tax base. How will you make it easier for businesses to start? How will you streamline the permit process?

Question #4 | Answered by Gene Malbrough

Quality of life is a major component of keeping and drawing in new residents. What is your vision to reinvigorate the recreation department to provide for quality activities and programs in a clean, safe environment?

Following Round #2, we heard the closing remark from each candidate-(2 minutes each)
Closing remarks for Mayor was as follows:

1. Russell Stelly
2. Ryan ‘Spanky’ Meche
3. Gene Malbrough
4. Roger Boudreaux

We would like to thank everyone who joined us last night, including the candidates, Chamber Members, Board of Directors, and the citizens of Acadia Parish. Also, please be reminded that Early Voting for the November 6^thelection will begin on Tuesday, October 23 and will end on Tuesday, October 30. Sample ballots may be obtained at the Acadia Parish Registrars Office.

If you would like to see the Church Point Candidate Forum live, video please click here.