Ackel announces candidacy for Berwick council

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.
An annoucement from Jacki Ackel follows.
“I, Jacki Ackel, am vying for the opportunity to serve the Town of Berwick as a council member. I have lived in the Berwick community for 29 years and am grateful to call this community ‘my home.’
“Recently I was appointed to serve as an interim council member to fill a vacant seat. My time on the council was rewarding and I learned so much. During that time, I initiated a monthly award titled ‘The Beacon Shines On’ that recognizes Berwick citizens at council meetings.
“I was also instrumental in bringing back the quarterly newsletter, The Beacon, and I am currently a contributing writer for that publication. I believe that my service on the council afforded me valuable lessons which I look forward to using and strengthening if I am elected in November.
“I am a retired educator of the St. Mary Parish public school system. I taught English/speech/drama at Berwick High School for two years, and then moved to a position in the Central Office. I was a Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities coordinator for 25 years.
“While my time at Berwick High was relatively short, I cherish the memories and friends I made there. It gives me great pleasure when my former students refer to me as ‘my old teacher!’
“As a parish prevention coordinator, I worked with all school system personnel; as well as parish and local law enforcement and fire departments; the judicial system; parish and state agencies; treatment centers; and businesses across the parish. The care, welfare, safety and security of students and staff were my focus; and it was a focus that I took very seriously. My tenure in that job taught me networking skills that I feel will serve me well as a council member.
“I am an active member of Bayou Vista Baptist Church where I have taught youth and adult Sunday School, served on various committees, and directed several dramatical productions.
“I currently serve as a commissioner of the Berwick Public Housing Authority. Additionally, I am a charter member of the parish Red Ribbon Committee, the parish MADD Chapter, and the Claire House Board of Directors. I also serve on the Keep St. Mary Beautiful committee; as well as the MADD State Advisory committee. I serve in a leadership role on several of these committees.
“Moreover, I have enjoyed helping to organize Berwick community events such as the Centennial Celebration, The Family Fun Day, Tour du Teche, and The Lighthouse Weekend.
“I am married to Matt Ackel. We have two daughters, Kristi Thronburg, of Wylie, Texas, and Samantha Ackel, of Lafayette. We are the proud grandparents of Kate Camille Thronburg.
“‘I believe in Berwick’ is what I stand for. I believe that our town is unique in so many ways and offers residents a safe, clean, friendly place to live and raise a family. I believe in the future of Berwick as we continue to grow with new residents, new businesses, and new opportunities to enjoy living in Berwick. I would appreciate the opportunity to serve this community. I ask voters to consider me when they cast their vote on Nov. 4.”
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.