Candidate annoucement: Gary Duhon

St. Mary Parish president candidate Gary Duhon submitted this announcement.
“My name is Gary Duhon, and I humbly seek your support and vote to be your next St. Mary Parish President.
“As a means of introduction to the general public, I am a resident of St. Mary Parish. I was born in 1946 and grew up in Amelia. I am married to the former Carolyn Beauregard and have five children, two stepchildren and 18 grandchildren. In 1964, I graduated from Morgan City High School and then attended LSU in Baton Rouge, where I majored in Agricultural Engineering. I was a rice farmer until 1978 and then opened my own business, which I still own and manage.
“Being active in public service and volunteer service has always been a major part of my life. I presently serve on the Morgan City Port Commission, served for eight years as Parish Councilman-At-Large, served as president of the St. Mary Parish Fire Association, and on the St. Mary Farm Bureau Board of Directors. My involvement with community organizations include Amelia Dixie Youth Board, Pop Warner Football Board and assistant coach for Central Catholic Junior High football team.
“If elected parish president, my style of governing will be reflected in my belief that elected officials need to be 'in touch' with their constituents and serve them well for today and for the future. St. Mary Parish needs strong leadership to facilitate a strong economy. We need a vision for the entire parish and all its residents. Businesses, citizens and elected officials can play a role in determining the course and direction of our parish.
“My plan for St. Mary Parish will be to stimulate economic growth, promote job training, solicit strong, positive leadership with experience and knowledge, encourage support for organizations that provide services for our people, continue to pursue opportunities for more available housing and practice fiscal responsibility.“
Editor’s note: Our original deadline for these candidate announcements was the opening of qualifying. Because the response was underhelming, we’ve decided to extend the deadline to Sept. 30.
Announcers may be emailed to bdecker@daily-review.com. The length limit is 300 words.