Russo announces re-election bid for Patterson City Council

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 free announcement. Announcements are subject to editing.
My name is Joe Russo III. I am 48 years old. I wish to announce my re-election bid in the upcoming election on Nov. 4. I am married to Stefanie Vidos Russo and together we have three children, Kayla, 22; Kimberly, 19; and Kelly, 14.
I am a lifelong resident of Patterson. I graduated from Patterson High School in 1983 and Nicholls State University in 1989. I am employed by the St. Mary Parish School Board (25 years) as an educator/coach.
At a very young age, I made a commitment to actively participate in my community, serving as an umpire, coach and summer recreation leader. In 1988, I was selected as an Outstanding Young Man of America.
Later in life, with the help of some great friends, I started a summer softball recreation league in Patterson which is still in place today. I served as PHS head softball coach from 1999-2010. I am a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Patterson Knights of Columbus, Louisiana High School Coaches Association, American Welding Society, Louisiana Agriscience Teachers Association and the Patterson Volunteer Fire Department.
Over the past 12 years, I have been blessed by the citizens of Patterson who have allowed me to continue my strong desire to serve my community. In the political arena, I have served with leaders on the legislative and executive sides of government who have strived to move Patterson in a positive direction. I feel the future will be both challenging and promising for our city.
I feel we need to pay close attention to a city that is old and in need of repairs. The good news is that Patterson is a work in progress. We are taking measures to purchase equipment that will help address some of our street issues.
We need to continue our efforts to upgrade sewer and water infrastructure projects throughout the city. Drainage is an ongoing battle and we need to insure our citizens that we will make every effort affordable to keep our ditches clean and drains unclogged to help with this issue.
We need to be attentive to unsightly properties, trash pickups, and anything else that puts a negative mark on our city. We need to continue to keep our city safe by providing our police and fire departments the proper training and equipment needed. We need to continue our efforts to promote economic development so that our citizens reap the benefits of a growing and productive city.
I feel we have a good working charter; however, I feel that there are some areas that need to be amended.
We need to continue to support our city employees with proper pay, training and equipment so they can do their jobs in a safe and productive manner.
I am excited that we have taken on the responsibility to construct a new water plant that will allow safe drinking water for our citizens as we continue to grow into the future.
As an educator, coach, and parent, I know the importance of providing our youth with positive recreational activities and equally important is to support the elderly who have paved the way before us. In the past three terms, I have strived to hold steadfast to my convictions and to do what I feel to be right and just for the people of Patterson. With my work and political experience, I feel that I can continue to make a difference in my community.
I ask the citizens of Patterson to consider me on Nov. 4 for one of the five seats on the city council. I am No. 110 on the ballot.
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.