Council members look ahead to 2020

On Dec. 18, The Crowley Post-Signal sent emails to all nine members of the Crowley City Council and to Mayor Tim Monceaux inviting each to express his or her thoughts and goals for the coming year.
Responses were limited to 300 words or less and a deadline of “close of business Thursday, Dec. 26” was given.
Regrettably, only four members of the council took advantage of this offer. They include (alphabetically):

Jeff Cavell
Ward 1, Division A
As the dusk of 2019 is enveloped in the horizon of a very enlightening and fruitful year, the dawning light of 2020 is vastly upon us. A light, leading us to what is setting up to be an exciting year for Crowley is building on the successes of 2019.
Entering my first year meant coming into office prepared to present those issues saw hindering Crowley of reaching its fullest potential. As chairman of the Revenue and Finance Committee divulging myself into the city budget so to get a full grasp of how your money is spent was top priority. It was well-served in securing a workable budget and setting the foundation for fiscal responsibility from this point forward. 2020 will be no different with a continual push for complete transparency of finances with a better utilization of funds to promote city services.
Blighted property was the major hurdle to clear in 2019, but with a desire never to give up, 2020 is setting up to make huge progress in this area. With the number of properties in our city facing potential condemnation reaching in excess of 100, the new year, along with the dedication of this council to rid our city of blight, systems are being put in place to curb this problem.
The energy with which we entered 2019, built the foundation of what is energizing me to what I see as an even more productive 2020. Sometimes one must step back, reorganize to make forward progress. I look forward to the development of Rice Capital Parkway. Working closely with the Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce to see this happen as well as recruit and retain business growth within our great city!
God Bless Crowley and a Prosperous New Year!

Brad Core
Ward 2, Division A
I am most grateful for the opportunity to represent and serve the citizens of Crowley for the betterment of our City.
During 2019 I’ve worked closely with a very talented group of council members who seek only what is best for our community including department heads, city engineer, city attorney and civil service board.
Collectively, we have achieved the following goals: a balanced and workable budget for the city’s operations; changes to meeting dates to avoid conflict with Police Jury meetings; live video recordings of public meetings for on-line viewing at any time – a first for Crowley; extending sewer service to and along Rice Capital Parkway to promote new economic development along the Interstate 10 corridor; and updating of ordinances and procedures to reduce litter and blight to improve our City’s appearance.
As chairman of the Public Safety Committee, I spend considerable time with Chiefs of our police and fire departments who have graciously allowed me to interact directly with their personnel. I have been present with police officers on numerous calls during day and night shifts while they encounter illegal activity and on-site with fire fighters during a major house fire. This has given me much-needed insight to gain a better understanding of their challenges and needs to protect life and property.
For 2020, my goals include significantly reducing blighted property, providing police with resources to combat illegal activity, provide fire fighters with living quarters within the central fire station, updating and enforcement of ordinances, implementing much needed drainage improvements and making sound financial decisions on behalf of taxpayers.
Achieving these goals will restore the charm and desirability of our city to attract redevelopment, economic and employment opportunities, and revenue to provide all citizens with the services they deserve.

Clint Cradeur
Ward 4, Division A
My vision for Crowley is to have a safe and thriving city once again. I have called Crowley my home for 63 years and it is my wish that my children and grandchildren will be proud to call it home as well. 
1) Crime reduction. The council has been working to acquire cameras for high crime areas. I feel this would be useful for our officers and a deterrent to criminals.
After personally riding with the men and women of the CPD, I have a better understanding of their needs and a tremendous amount of respect for the job they perform. They need our support and they have the full support of the council.    
2) Promote economic development. We are very fortunate to have I-10, the Railway system, a beautiful downtown area and the Mermentau River in our backyard. The infrastructure is there. We must promote our resources and let business and industry see what we have to offer.
3) Blight removal. The council has been working tirelessly to clean up our city and neighborhoods. Removing the dangerous and unsightly properties, junk vehicles and litter is a goal we are going to win. We continue to streamline the process and are finally making progress.
4) Youth and recreation. The Crowley recreation department can be a revenue-generating department for the city. Turf fields and an R.V. park will bring families and tourism to Crowley and encourage youth participation.
Serving on the City Council has been the most enjoyable job I have ever had. I have been fortunate to work with some of the best people I have ever known. People I am proud to call friends. We are united in wanting to do what is right for the citizens of our city. Above all we always welcome suggestions and community involvement.

Kim Stringfellow
Ward 1, Division B
This has been a tremendous year. I am honored to serve the citizens of Ward 1. I will briefly share what the aldermen of Crowley have been working on for our city and the plans for the future.
By continuing the efforts to be transparent, we passed the resolution to visually record all council meetings. These may be viewed live or later for added convenience. We strive for community involvement. I personally have a Facebook page, website and blog to keep citizens informed and up to date.
As a council we have been working to reduce blight and litter. Improved economic development, update ordinances, help constituents, etc. We have studied and read budgets, Mayor-Police Chief Handbook, Crowley ordinance book and city engineer’s reports. We have been steadfast in our knowledge of the LMA, grants, Civil Service Board and working with our mayor and the city staff.
I have welcomed getting to know our city employees. I was so grateful to meet personally with some of them and appreciate their work. It has been fascinating to work on restoring the Rice Museum. I was allowed to update our ordinance books and have created four citizen committee groups dealing with the issues above.
Other than continuing the efforts begun this year, in the future I wish to see a recycling program, further development on our service road, meeting with other city employees, town halls, new jobs, lower taxes and first place in the Cleanest City contest.
But this is a team effort. I have been fortunate enough to work with the best city council. To express my gratitude for these eight men would take another 300 words. To them I say thank you.
To my constituents I say thank you as well. Together we will achieve our goals.
Happy 2020!

Not responding were Steven Premeaux, alderman-at-large; Lyle O. Fogleman Jr., Ward 2, Division B; Vermon Martin, Ward 3, Division A; Byron K. Wilridge Sr., Ward 3, Division B; Samuel Reggie III, Ward 4, Division B; or Mayor Tim Monceaux.