Stoma announces candidacy for mayor of Crowley

Emily Stoma is formally announcing her candidacy for the office of mayor of the City of Crowley.
Her announcement follows:
“On November 6, 2018, the City of Crowley has the opportunity to elect a new mayor that offers new direction and much-needed change for the city that we all love. I am asking you, my fellow citizens, to bestow onto me, Emily LaBorde Stoma, the privilege of being your mayor. My platform is about change and moving our city in a positive direction.
“Crowley has such a rich history of family and community which, as a native of Crowley, I have been committed to my entire life. My parents, the late Robert LaBorde and Vivian Cuccio LaBorde, instilled in me an unwavering sense of responsibility to help others.
“My civic involvement in our city began at the age of 15 umpiring at the Crowley Recreation Department with my late father. My father was bold, determined, and dedicated. He taught me the importance of hard work.
“My mother was a genuine giver, she had a huge heart. She taught me about the value of giving back to one’s community. This influenced me to embrace and be aware of opportunities to give, share and care with selfless acts of kindness and service to all.
“I see a need and I address it. This is the number one reason that I want to be your mayor.
“My husband, Harvey Stoma and I have been married for 31 years and we are the proud parents of: Leith (wife Brooke), Annsley, Cassidy (fiancé Jordan Kondert), and Trevor; as well as our 7 grandchildren.
“I take this responsibility extremely serious. It is important to me that you know my qualifications to serve based on my professional work, civic involvement and charitable service to our city, as well as, me personally. I have served our community in numerous ways over the years, all in an effort to help improve the quality of life for all of us.
“My professional work began with First National Bank of Crowley, serving for 23 years in finance management. I served as vice president of First National Bank, secretary to the board of directors for First National Bank, as well as secretary to the board of directors for Financial Corporation of Louisiana.
“During this time, I was also a lending officer, private banker, supervisor, and on the ‘sister bank’ auditing team. Meanwhile, my family and I owned and successfully operated a local business, Whiteway Laundry, for over 70 years.
“Additionally, we continue to co-own Acadia Stor N’ Lok which has been in operation for 18 years. I have been involved in every aspect of our family businesses from accounting, budgeting, human resources, contract negotiation, regulations imposed by government agencies, and public relations to name a few.
“In my free time, outside of my employment, I coached numerous sports teams that my children played on through the Crowley Recreation Department and Redemptorist Catholic School. I facilitated the first Baseball Day Parade and Opening Ceremonies at Miller Stadium.
“I served on several philanthropic/civic boards and committees over the years; Welcome House Homeless Shelter; Redemptorist Catholic New Gymnasium Construction Project; Redemptorist Catholic Finance, Fundraising, Building, and Bylaws Committee.
“As co-chair of the original ‘Dancing With the Stars In a Caring Way’ fundraiser we were able to benefit Crowley Christian Care Center, Welcome House Homeless Shelter and Crowley Rotary Club.
“I also served on boards of, or was a member of, the following organizations: Community Outreach Corporation; Refurbishing of Miller Stadium; Crowley Business and Professional Women’s Club; Crowley Rotary Club; Salvation Army of Crowley; Acadia Parish Locker-to-Locker Teen Outreach Program; Crowley Chamber of Commerce; Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Finance Committee; Larry Guidry Sports and Education Leadership Program; and Acadia Parish Chamber of Commerce.
“Most recently, I became volunteer, treasurer, and distributor for H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Endlessly), a newly formed parish wide disaster relief organization.
“My greatest charitable service began after my retirement from banking in 2000, when I decided to devote my time to Crowley Christian Care Center, a local non-profit that assists individuals and families during times of need. I have been volunteer administrator of Crowley Christian Care Center for 18 years.
“Because of my civic involvement and charitable service to our city, I was honored by the Crowley Chamber of Commerce as the recipient of Crowley’s Humanitarian of the Year in 2016.
“As your mayor, my ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for all of us. It is of utmost importance to me that city government be transparent, accountable to its citizens and be productive in order to work together for the betterment of all.
“My immediate action steps to reaching this goal are: to clean up our city, enforce city codes and ordinances, improve infrastructure and promote an environment that attracts and retains business.
“I am fully committed to pursuing economic development for our city to increase job opportunities and thereby help reduce poverty and crime.
“Another goal I am very passionate about is creating additional opportunities for our youth. I believe that the youth are our future and by investing in them and providing them with a well-rounded lifestyle that focuses on education, recreation, and mentorship we will maintain the changes that we plan to make today.
“It will take strong leadership and perseverance to make these changes a reality. I define my leadership style as compassionate, caring, stern and effective.
“My platform is not political and my decisions will not be political either. Although I have not served on the city council, I believe that my extensive business experience, the volunteer work I have already done for all of Crowley, and the skills I have gained along the way — finance, management, community organizing, leadership, communication, implementation of grassroots projects, problem solving, and the will to make tough decisions, is what sets me apart from the other candidates.
“The city of Crowley should be run as any other business. Anyone who knows me knows that when I say I am going to do something, I invest wholeheartedly in completing the task.
“Since my announcement, stating that I have entered the mayoral race, I have met with thousands of Crowley residents and can now say I have firsthand knowledge of how desperate our city is in need of CHANGE.
“If I have not met with you yet, I plan to continue my mission to knock on every door. By knocking on your doors, it is my hope to begin to create unity and build community.
“Sincerely,
“Emily LaBorde Stoma”