DANIEL TYLER GOODEN

EUNICE – In an effort to draw on the experience of past leaders, former Eunice mayor Curtis Joubert has begun to seek out retired mayors. Inspired by friends from France’s national mayors organization, Joubert believes that by organizing Louisiana’s retired mayors, the state could benefit from their wealth of experience. “Our most difficult start-up task is locating all the former mayors throughout this state. We are attempting to do this through the news media and by asking the current mayors to assist us by locating some of their predecessors who still reside in their area,” said Joubert. The organization would be both civic and social, allowing old associates mingle again. “This will afford us old-timers’ an opportunity to see each other again and renew acquaintances,” said Joubert. Joubert stated that the organization would be one of service, helping new mayors orient themselves to their tasks. The organization would also have a speakers bureau which would assist the education system by speaking in school civic classes, teaching youth about government. “I can envision the organization volunteering to conduct in-house orientation programs for new public officials, if asked, as well as provide a speakers’ bureau for classes when called upon,” said Joubert. Prior to beginning this project Joubert approached the Louisiana Municipal Association, which enthusiastically endorsed the project and pledged its support. “It is my opinion that a tremendous amount of talent is wasted in Louisiana when former available mayors are never contacted as a group to help identify, analyze and solve many of the age-old problems they faced while serving,” said Joubert. Both Gramercy Mayor Ronald St. Pierre and Lutcher Mayor Troas Poche agreed that such an organization would be valuable. It could help let younger generations in letting them know about the past. It would also keep make sure the same mistakes are not made over and over again, said St. Pierre. The fact that the former mayors would be familiar with politics in general and in their area would be a great help for new mayors entering into service, added Poche. Another event that Joubert hopes the proposed organization would bring about is a twinning with France’s mayoral association. Joubert’s friends have already expressed an interest in bringing a large group of retired French mayors over to visit. So far, responses have been favorable. “I don’t get 100 calls a day, but I have heard from people all over the state,” said Joubert, who is inviting all former mayors to come to first meeting, Feb. 15, in Marksville. If you are interested in attending the meeting, contact Joubert at 337-457-5864.