LaPlace man a Friend of Dubya’

Published 12:00 am Saturday, February 10, 2001

DANIEL TYLER GOODEN

LAPLACE – “I have a friend in the White House,” said John Swafford. In the last seven months Swafford has been making it his business that President George W. Bush knows what his constituents’ concerns truly are. Since he was a teen-ager, Swafford has been interested in politics. Following the presidential race, Swafford decided to make sure his candidate knew what was needed in southern Louisiana. “I sent Bush my political plans and ideas. He said send me more; this is what we need,'” said Swafford. He continued to send out his letters and continued to receive replies. Bush wrote over 10 letters in the last seven months in response to Swafford. He has been told to expect a special letter in the mail, but has no idea what it could contain. One of the letters invited Swafford to meet Bush at the inauguration last month. Swafford picked up his heels and joined in the celebration. “It was beautiful. I got the chance to shake hands with the president and he thanked me for my support,” said Swafford. Much of what Swafford wants to have said is that children and teen-agers need to be supported in their lives. “I want to carry the message to the kids that they can do something with their lives and can do something constructive,” said Swafford. The president’s agenda is in support of that and his increased spending toward black and hispanic school systems shows that, said Swafford. Swafford is a resident of LaPlace and has lived in St. John Parish for 39 years.