In preparing for the New Year, it is a great time to reflect on the past and plan for the future.

Voters have given me the opportunity to lead St. John the Baptist Parish for another four years and I look forward to making the best of that opportunity.

As Parish President, I remain committed to providing a secure economic future and improving the quality of life for all of our residents and business owners. With a $94 million budget and several grant opportunities under consideration for 2016, the outlook for our future is very bright.

I’d like to thank all of our outgoing council members for their service and welcome the new ones to the world of public service.   In an effort to facilitate a smooth transition into the next four years, a council workshop was held with new and current council members, my administrative staff, the District Attorney and several of her staff members to review the Home Rule Charter and other pertinent policies and procedures needed to carry out their duties. An outline of each Parish Department, ongoing projects and the organizational structure of each department was also provided as a resource.

During this transition period, it is a great time to build relationships, prepare for the varying roles and responsibilities and to plan for continued growth and progress.

Residents and business owners can expect completion of the Parks Improvements Project, the Foxwood Drainage Project, Hemlock Fire Station and Hemlock/Airline Hwy Intersection Improvements in the coming year.

Construction of Phase 3 of the Mississippi River Trail, Phase 2 of the Timbermill Trail, Phase 2 of the Reserve Drainage Project, a new West Bank Senior Center and a new East Bank Governmental Complex will also be initiated in 2016. The annual Road Improvements Program will also begin in the first quarter of the year, with more than 15 roads already of the list of priorities.

I am grateful for the support and encouragement displayed in 2015 and approach 2016 with excitement and renewed vigor.

I ask you to join in our efforts of bringing our community together to reach its greatest potential for future generations. I value your ideas and opinions and encourage you to participate in public meetings and programs throughout the community.

Please visit the updated parish website at sjbparish.com to view our latest news and upcoming events.

Sign up to receive emergency alerts via phone, email, and text by calling our Communications Office or visiting the Stay Connected webpage on the website.

Also, pease join in our Shop Local, Shop St. John campaign this holiday season and support our local businesses.

The Shop Local Trivia Game is underway and is a great way to earn gift cards and prizes from local, small businesses.

May you and your family have a joyous Christmas and a prosperous new year!

Natalie Robottom is St. John the Baptist Parish President. She can be reached at
communications@sjbparish.com.