MANDEVILLE, LA – At its regular meeting on Tuesday, September 27, 2016, the St. Tammany Republican Parish Executive Committee voted to endorse Donald J. Trump for President of the United States. It is the only candidate endorsement the elected body has issued in this election cycle.
The RPEC also heard from Causeway General Manager Carlton Dufrechou about a proposed $100 million bond issue to enhance guard rails on the southbound bridge and install small bays between crossovers for broken-down vehicles. From the opposing side, RPEC heard from Charles Goodwin of Concerned Citizens of St. Tammany, which opposes the bond issue and the anticipated toll increase to pay for it. Following the presentations, the RPEC voted to ask the Parish Council to deny approval for this undertaking.
Executive Directors from STARC and the Council on Aging St. Tammany (COAST) also spoke to the RPEC members about a millage renewal on the Dec. 10 ballot. The RPEC made no recommendation in that matter.
"It's part of our responsibility to examine candidates and ballot propositions and, when we deem appropriate, to share recommendations with the public," said RPEC Chair Larry Frieman. "We appreciate all who took time to speak with us on Tuesday."
At its August meeting, the RPEC heard from candidates for U.S. Senate and Slidell Police Chief, and offered no endorsements in those races, either.
The RPEC is a statutory body consisting of 19 members, with one from each Parish Council district and five At-Large. The current members were elected last March.
