Parish President Chris Daigle on first 110 days in office: 'It’s only the beginning'

A whirlwind of new projects and initiatives took shape during the first 110 days of Iberville Parish President Chris Daigle’s administration.

It’s only the beginning, he said. 

The first three months in office and forthcoming plans highlighted Daigle’s address to the Iberville Chamber of Commerce during its Spring Membership Meeting on April 23 at the Carl F. Grant Civic Center. 

He introduced Chief Administrative Officer Dwayne Boudreaux, Chief Operating Officer/Director of Finance Randal Dunn (who also served in the J. Mitchell Ourso administration) and Director of General Services Kyle Grace.

In addition, he introduced John Overton, whom Daigle recently appointed Public Works Director upon the retirement of longtime department head Mark Migliacio

“Iberville is very close to my heart and, more importantly I look forward to the challenges that lie ahead,” he said.

Here is the complete list of the departmental heads Daigle introduced at the luncheon:

• Allison Alvarado Director of the Iberville Parish Animal Shelter, along with Animal Control.
• Brandon Mellion, Director of Sanitation.
• Charlene Siplin, Director of Iberville Parish Government Human Services. She will continue also continue to work with the Iberville Parish Council on Aging.
• Clint Moore, a six-year Iberville Parish employee, who will continue as Emergency Management Director.
• Erik Willis, who will remain Director of Iberville Park and Recreation District. He has worked four years with IPRD and will work to expand recreational services through all parts of Iberville Parish.
• Gail Salvadras, a 21-year employee who will serve as Director of Safety and Mosquito Abatement.
• John Clark, Director of Economic Development. He will also continue serve at the helm of Environmental Services, a post he held during the Ourso Administration.
• Monica Edmond, Director of Social Services.
• Stephen Gulotto, Code Enforcement Officer of Permits and Inspections.
• John Marque, Director of Fire and Emergency Services.

DIGITAL AGE

Daigle has commissioned work on upgrade to the Information Technology Department. He appointed Carrie Grace Blanchard to serve as Director of Marketing and Communications.

“She’s the brains behind the computer, and she’s working to bring us up to speed,” Daigle said.

An app in the works will help residents in various ways, and without having to stand in line in an office. It could involve permits, work orders and other parish business.

Randal Dunn, who works as parish finance director, is also helping work through issues to introduce the Iberville Parish app.

The parish government is upgrading its website and making the process of accessing services much easier for residents. Those plans include work orders and permits, among parish other services.

PROMOTING PARISH GOVERNMENT

He also announced plans to honor employees on work anniversaries for their years of service.

Daigle also plans to launch family day events for parish employees and their families.

He also highlighted the parish’s commitment to CASA for Child Abuse Awareness Month, the 78^th annual Gray Monkey Parade and Council on Aging events.

Daigle has also met with the Iberville Parish Ministers Alliance.

It's all part of maintaining engagement not only in government, but within all communities across Iberville Parish, he said.

“Information and communication effectively are the key to success,” Daigle said. “We’re going to work on those things and do better job on parish level, so everyone knows what’s going on.”

The transparency plans include the push to reinstate term limits for the job as parish president.

The proposal, which would call for a three-term limit, will go before the Parish Council in May. If approved, it would go before parish voters, who will make the final call.

Daigle also wants to promote “Iberville Proud” by highlighting its tourism, facilities, industries, partners, businesses and waterways.

“Not only do I live in Iberville, but Iberville lives in me,” he said.

He acknowledged Courtney Zito Elliott for her “phenomenal job” as Director of Iberville Parish Tourism.

Plans are under way to expand the Grosse Tete Welcome Center, which would include addition of a boardroom.

The highly popular “Swamp Fest” will also continue in the northern part of Iberville Parish.

'A BRIGHT FUTURE'

Iberville is in a great position, Daigle said. Much of the success can be attributed to a robust industrial presence, and it had a record sales tax collection and is on track to break that record again this year.

He attributed the success to the partners in industry and small business entities in the parish.

“Our administration is excited to be a part in helping mold the future for the years to come,” he said. “We all love the culture down south, but nobody does it better than Iberville Parish, right here where we work and where we live.”

Daigle is also looking forward to the final decision on the proposed Mississippi River between Plaquemine and the Eastbank.

He also alluded that can identify what is going on in Iberville Parish and in work with the employees.

The words are “patience” and “progress.”

“We know nothing is going to happen overnight – it’s a process,” Daigle said. “We’re working great with our council members, and we look forward to the progress we’ll make in the future.”

Part of that focus will include recognition the 200-plus employees and their dedication.

He alluded to recently retired Mark Migliacio, who committed 26 years of “countless hours" to the partners of Iberville Parish.

"Broken down by days, that’s 9,500 days that he committed, and he answered that phone day and night,” Daigle said. “I heard many stories where people contacted him at 2 or 3 in the morning, and he answered that phone.”

UNIFYING IBERVILLE

Daigle was set to begin a round of community events throughout Iberville Parish this week, a move that was part of his campaign platform.

He said he wants to hear the wants, the needs and and concerns of residents in each municipality and the unincorporated communities.

Daigle has also built a working relationship with neighboring parish presidents Jason Manola of West Baton Rouge and Major Thiboaut of Pointe Coupee.

He also said he wants residents to know he welcomes their comments and suggestions.

"As we move forward, I’m here for you, I represent Iberville Parish, and I’m a proud partner who’s lived here his whole life," Daigle said. "We have not turned down a meeting yet, and we're here for you.

"We all want to see Iberville continue to succeed," he said.