Ratcliff announces candidacy for Berwick mayor

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Daily Review will accept candidate announcements until Oct. 1. Announcements may be up to 600 words and include a photograph of the candidate. Announcements may be emailed to news@daily-review.com or delivered to the newspaper office at 1014 Front St., Morgan City. Candidates are limited to one announcement, which is run free, but is subject to editing.
The following announcement is from Louis Ratcliff.
“I, Louis Ratcliff, am currently serving my second term as mayor for the Town of Berwick and now seeking re-election in the upcoming election on Tuesday, Nov. 4.
“Previously, I was honored to serve three terms as town councilman and mayor pro tem under former Mayor Emmett Hardaway.
“Being a lifelong resident of the Tri-City area, I have lived in Berwick for the past 31 years. My wife, Janice, and I have three daughters, Lisa, Tricia and Beth, who were educated in the Berwick public school system. We are the proud grandparents of six grandsons.
“Throughout my years of political service, I have been privileged to serve with men and women who are devoted to serving the public as elected officials for our community. With the assistance of our current council and those who previously served, our town has seen growth not only in population, but also in land area and new businesses. We have just completed the final phase of Renwick Subdivision; through the effort of the Berwick Development District Commissioners, all 190 residential lots have been sold and over 130 new homes have been built. Currently, there is another phase of Renwick being planned by a private investor from Lafayette that will add 57 more lots for new home construction.
“During my tenure as mayor, we have seen improvements in gas, water, drainage, sewage, recreation, and also fire and police protection. Additionally, we have constructed approximately five miles of walking trails and sidewalks throughout our community for exercising and safety of our citizens and children. All of these projects were made possible with the cooperation of the Town Council, securing of state grants, and were constructed by our talented public works employees. I am also proud of our police department, volunteer fire department and Town Hall administration, which are manned with dedicated and professional personnel that are exceptional for a community of our size.
“In the coming year we should see a major industrial expansion that will bring additional families to our area. With the assistance of our state delegation (Sen. Bret Allain and Rep. Sam Jones) the town has been awarded a $1.3 million dollar grant for expanding and improving sewer and water systems in the industrial area of our community.
“As well as being a member of the St. Stephen Catholic Church in Berwick, I am proud of my service in the following organizations:
—Past chairman and board member of the Berwick Civic Complex and Recreation Commission;
—Past member of the Wax Lake East Drainage District Commission;
—Past member of the Atchafalaya River Study Committee;
—Past founder, president and board member of the Berwick/Bayou Vista Girls’ Softball League;
—Past member of the Atchafalaya River Pilots Commission Board;
—Past officer and member of the Berwick High School Boosters and Century Club;
—Current member of Atchafalaya Chapter of API;
—Current member of St. Mary Industrial Group (SMIG);
—Current member of the governor’s I-49 Task Force; and
—Current member of the St. Mary Chamber of Commerce
“My desire is to continue serving the citizens of Berwick as mayor. I promise to continue to work hard to make our community a better place to live and a “town we all can be proud of.” I hope to see as many of you as I can in person prior to the election.
“I humbly ask for your support in the Nov. 4 election.
“May God continue to bless our community!”
Information for the Nov. 4, Dec. 6 elections
The qualifying period was Aug. 20, 21 and 22.
Early voting is Oct. 21-28 (except Sunday) from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the Nov. 4 primary election.
Early voting for the Dec. 6 general election is Nov. 22-29 (except Sunday) from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Elections on the St. Mary Parish ballot include U.S. senator, U.S. representative, court of appeal judge, district judges, district attorney, school board member, justice of the peace, constables; Morgan City city court judge, Morgan City city court marshal; Patterson mayor, Patterson chief of police, Patterson council; Berwick mayor, Berwick council; Franklin city court judge, Franklin city court marshal; and Baldwin mayor, Baldwin chief of police and Baldwin aldermen.