NAME: John "Johnny" I. Shaddinger, Jr.
YOUR CAMPAIGN WEB ADDRESS: http://www.johnnyformayor.com
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR PUBLICATION:
Address: 312 Avenue B, Westwego, Louisiana 70094
Phone: 504-348-4021
FAX:
Email: johnnyformayor@gmail.com
PARTY AFFILIATION: Democrat
PROFESSION: Councilman 3 years, small business owner (lawn and landscape business) 23 years, Life and Health Insurance agent 31 years
PRESENT EMPLOYER/POSITION (if self-employed, what type of business)owner of lawn and landscape business
HIGHEST LEVEL OF EDUCATION (include graduation date): Associate degree in management 1972
APPLICABLE TRAINING:
CIVIC EXPERIENCE:
Our Lady of Prompt Succor recording secretary, Our Lady of Prompt Succor Pastoral Council, Knights of Columbus #3091, Westwego Historical Society
POLITICAL EXPERIENCE AND POLITICAL ORGANIZATION MEMBERSHIPS:
Councilman for the City of Westwego District 1, Louisiana Municipal Association
1. What are the three biggest issues facing the City of Westwego and what is your position on those issues?
1. The Westwego water plant is my number one priority. We have accepted the lowest bid for a new clarifier to improve the city's ability to remove particles from our drinking water. However, I will continue to support improvements to our water plant, mechanically, structurally, and electrically within the facility to produce high quality water to insure the citizens of Westwego continued excellent water that meets future and present needs in a reliable system during power failures and natural disaster.
2. Drainage - To continue all phases of the City of Westwego Subsurface Drainage Improvements Program for needed drainage improvements focusing on neighborhood flooding and to mitigate flooding of storm water runoff problems now and in the future.
I will make sure the city remains active with the standards of the National Flood Insurance Program Community Rating System. FEMA has verified the city's actions and program in place and has qualified our community for a 10% discount in the premium cost of flood insurance. I will insure our Westwego residents each year we will attain a better CRS rating to increase our discount.
3. Levees - To attend the meetings of the West Jefferson Levee District and strongly support its work to provide critical hurricane protection for our residents as the construction of the West Bank and Vicinity Hurricane Protection Project is completed. And to work in cooperation with the US Army Corps of Engineers to construct interim closure structures at Company Canal and Old Bayou Segnette Pumping Station.
2. If elected, how do you plan to interact with other Greater New Orleans parishes and governing entities to improve the quality of life for your constituents?
Economic growth and education are key necessities to developing a strong well balanced city. As mayor of Westwego I would work with city, parish, and state officials to devise a plan that would create school programs as well as funds for tourism, produce, and shipping markets to stimulate our economy. I will also continue to express interest in the greater New Orleans as a whole by providing resources and programs that may be beneficial to my constituents and other parishes.
3. What is your previous experience that will make you an effective and productive mayor of Westwego?
I have a strong working relationship with fellow council members, chief of police, and city employees. I have served on the city council for the last three years taking office on July 1, 2005 just before hurricane Cindy and hurricane Dennis, one month later I faced my biggest challenge with hurricane Katrina. With limited infrastructure in place other than our city employees I was able to coordinate emergency relief for our residents which included ice, water, hot meals, etc. Additionally, my ability to bring economic development to the community such as plans for a new hotel and shopping strip mall which will in turn bring new jobs and additional tax revenues
4. What process would you use to hire the best people to work for the city?
I would have a strict list of requirements for the position available, I would check the applicants previous experience in that particular field and hold interviews to look over their resume than make a judgment of who I think would best suited for the position. Drug testing and background check would also be required.
5. Who is your role model, or who in your opinion, has been the most effective leader in the greater New Orleans area?
U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu for her efforts...
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