COMPLEMENTARY COPY Sept 2019 - Vol. 2 No. 3 Lafayette, Louisiana
@MyParishNews
ACADIANA
MyParishNews.com
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS
COVER STORY
ELECTION 2019
Festivals Acadiens et Créoles - 2019
Created in 1974 as an effort to keep the Cajun culture alive, Festivals Acadiens et Créoles has evolved from a simple gathering of likeminded people to one of the premiere cultural heritage festivals in North America. This family-friendly* event includes a symposium, delicious food, arts & crafts, shopping, cooking demonstrations, the best live Cajun & Zydeco music, and lots of dancing. All events are free (except Tour Des Atakapas), and open to the public. But consider supporting this non-profit event by becoming a Festival Friend; Levels start at just $30. Food, drinks, and gifts available for a fee. This year’s festival is Oct. 11-13 at Lafayette’s Girard Park and
Festivals
Continued on page 19
Guiding the future of Louisiana
Board members, in addition to other parish leadership roles. With such a large number of candidates, constitutional amendments, and regional propositions on the ballot, decisions made in this election cycle will not only shape the future direction of Lafayette Parish, but also the economic future of Louisiana.
Reminders For Voters
2019 “I Voted” sticker by artist Tony Bernard
The Basics
On October 12, Louisiana’s registered voters will have the privilege to cast their votes for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, other statewide officials, state legislators, BESE members, four constitutional amendments, and a host of contested local seats, and various regional propositions. Candidates not receiving a majority of votes will be entered into the runoff election slated for November 16. In addition, Lafayette Parish voters will also decide on the next Mayor-President, members for the newly established (separate) City and Parish Councils, Lafayette Parish School
COMMUNITY AFFAIRS Mail Slot
Study Shows Louisiana Among Worst States for Teachers
Teaching can be a profoundly rewarding career, considering the critical role educators play in shaping young minds. But many public-school teachers, including those in Acadiana, find themselves overworked, overwhelmed , underappreciated, and in some cases underpaid.
Election day is Saturday October 12, 2019. Polls open at 7AM and end at 8PM Be prepared to show a photo identification card with your photo and signature when voting. If you do not have a photo ID, you may obtain a free Louisiana special identification card by presenting your voter registration information card to the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles (OMV) or you may vote by affidavit after correctly answering identifying information before voting. If you do not know where to vote or if you want to know what is on your specific ballot, visit https://voterportal. sos.la.gov. And, never wear any campaign shirt, hat, and button or pin when voting. All polling places have a 600 foot campaign free zone. For these reasons, it is estimated that up to 50 percent of the public-school teachers currently in America will either retire or leave the profession over the
ENTERTAINMENT
The World Championship Gumbo Cookoff Turns 30
EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENT on page 22
IN THIS ISSUE: • Oct. Election Review • LEF Teacher Nominations • Business & Industry • LFT Economic Summary • Commercial Real Estate Report • People: Movers & Shakers • Events & Entertainment
Worst States Continued on page 21