NOVEMBER 2022

President’s Message
THANKFUL FOR SO MUCH
BY MAYOR JENNIFER VIDRINE, CITY OF VILLE PLATTE
As the Thanksgiving holiday season
approaches, please join me in giving
thanks for all the many blessings we
have received so far. After numerous
severe weather events our state experienced these
past few years (with many areas still recovering), let us
be thankful for the mild hurricane season by lifting up
those Florida communities and families who suffered
such tremendous loss of life and property from Hurricane
Ian. As we all know, the months immediately following
these unfortunate events can be the most difficult for
local government leaders as they seek assistance from
every possible avenue to help ease the unexpected and
heavy loses.
As you can see from the cover photo and accompanying
article on Grand Isle, my good friend Mayor David
Camardelle and his residents continue to face great
challenges resulting from last year’s Hurricane Ida. While
basic services of water, power, and the island’s general infrastructure
have been restored, the town is dealing with
the high cost of insuring their own facilities. I have called
on Commissioner of Insurance Jim Donelon to help find
ways to offset the overwhelming expense to the town’s
already fragile state. I have great confidence in the mayor’s
ability to forge ahead and continue to provide hope
to his residents. David is one of the most resourceful and
resilient local leaders in our state.
This time of year allows me to reflect on things that I
cherish deeply like family and my beloved residents of
Ville Platte. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve the
community where I grew up, and I remain hopeful for the
many wonderful things to come as we work together. For
example, I watch the precious children at our Girls and
Boys Place and marvel at their innocence, joy, and determination.
Likewise, our senior residents who have lived
such interesting and productive lives edify me each day
with their wise counsel. And while my immediate family
is relatively small, I feel blessed to be a part of so many
loving families in my city and throughout the state thanks
in part to the LMA.
We are reminded in scripture to, “give thanks for all
things” both large and small. Let us be mindful and attentive
in the coming weeks to those less fortunate and
let us be the guiding light of UNITY in our communities.
Remember, WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER!
Let us be thankful for the things we do have as I was
taught to do – let us count our blessings one by one by
one. Then, we will see how truly blessed we are.
Yours in Public (and Thankful) Service
Jennifer
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LMR | NOVEMBER 2022