Grogan announces candidacy for Patterson mayor

NOTE: The Daily Review accepted candidate announcements until Oct. 1. Announcements submitted now will be referred to the advertising department. 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 free announcement. Announcements are subject to editing.
An announcement from Rodney Grogan follows.
My name is Rodney A. Grogan, the current mayor in the City of Patterson, and I am announcing my candidacy for re-election.
I am a 49-year-old, life-long resident of Patterson and the proud son of Andrew Grogan and the late Celia “Elaine” Grogan. I am a 1983 graduate of Patterson High and a 1988 graduate of LSU with a bachelor of science degree. In addition, I have earned 45 plus hours in continuing education from both LSU and Nicholls State University.
I am employed with the St. Mary Parish Government serving in a dual-role as project director for the St. Mary Parish Substance Abuse Prevention Coalition and Keep St. Mary Parish Beautiful Coalition. I am also an experienced special education teacher, vocational rehabilitation counselor and mentally retarded/developmentally delayed case manager.
I am a very active member of Good Hope Baptist Church in Patterson. I am a member of the church mass choir, and the founder and instructor of the church’s Wellness Program. I served four two-year terms as a member of the church board of directors.
My affiliations include being a member of the LSU Alumni Band, Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity, Krewe of Amani, St. Mary Parish Red Ribbon Committee, and the St. Mary Parish MADD Chapter.
Under my administration this mayor and council has either acquired or secured slightly over $2 million dollars in grant monies to replace both water and gas meters, build a new water treatment plant, rehabilitate the MLK sewer, conduct a tourist assessment, fight childhood obesity, create sidewalks on both Taft and Park streets, promote the farmers market, and replace park equipment.
This mayor and council has worked diligently to make improvements for economic development, which has included being actively involved in the redesigned plans for I-49 corridor within the City of Patterson; the creation of sewer infrastructure on Willow Street, Progresso Road and Veterans Boulevard; partnering with the St. Mary Parish School Board to assist with the planning and passage of the tax to build the future Patterson Junior High School; the creation of an economic development group and a cultural district commission in an effort to re-discover the downtown area; and the creation of online payments for utilities, fines and fees.
The safety of our citizens has been a major priority which has allowed its public works department the resources and manpower needed to significantly reduce the reoccurring flooding south of railroad tracks, rehabilitated the Shady Grove Bridge, and construct sidewalks on both Park Street and Taft streets.
We have increased community pride with the placement of the “Welcome to Patterson” sign on Catherine Street, seasonal banners, “Who Dat” signs, and Christmas lights throughout the city.
We have also increased community awareness as evident by being ranked eighth in 2013 as “Best City in Louisiana for Young Families.” In 2011, 2012 and 2013, the City of Patterson was recognized by Louisiana Municipal Association with an honorable mention for Community Achievement for basic and community services.
Finally, I do believe this mayor and council has accomplished much by utilizing a collaborative approach comprised of key stakeholders from all communities within the City of Patterson in order to bring about change and a sense of inclusiveness.
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.