Brian Ardoin, a lifelong resident of Evangeline Parish, announced to the Police Jury Monday, his decision to run for the office of Evangeline Parish Sheriff. Ardoin, a retired State Trooper for Louisiana State Police, and a 22-year Marine Veteran, feels he possesses “practical experience at every level of our Criminal Justice system, to lead, inspire, and develop the Evangeline Parish Sheriff’s Office” said Ardoin.

The Jury also heard from Monique Boulet and Melanie Bordelon, with Acadiana Planning Commission. According to Bordelon, this is the 12^th council they’ve visited in the last month to help keep the public informed on what’s happening in their jurisdiction. Their main concern, the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and flood prevention. According to their website planacadiana.org, “The Acadiana Planning Commission (APC) serves the public sector through planning and implementation of Community, Economic, and Transportation Development throughout the Acadiana region.”

One issue that was deliberated during Executive Committee meeting at 5pm, but wasn’t brought up during the regular meeting at 6pm, was abandoned properties owned by the Police Jury. During last month’s City Council meeting, Mayor Jennifer Vidrine stated she felt “embarrassed” by how little the police jury has done to maintain these properties. District 7 Police Juror, Brian Vidrine, blames a lack of resources to clear properties. Secretary-treasurer Donald Bergeron added that these properties were inherited, and were already in poor condition. Brian Vidrine proposed that the Jury offer these abandoned properties to the city, so that they can use their resources to clean these properties. The Jury approved this action.

In other business, the Jury:

• Was greeted by the new Tourism Director, Renee Brown, who shared her excitement to “help serve the people of Evangeline Parish”.
• Approved resolution declaring April as Fair Housing Month.
• Approved reappointment of Brenda Saucier to the Evangeline Parish Tourism Commission for one year.
• Approved appointment of Gene Welch to the Ward Four Water District Board.
• Approved appointment of Kyle Dupre to District One Cemetery Worker.