By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Two more council races in St. John the Baptist Parish have added candidates as Lennix “Tweet” Madere Jr. has joined the race in District 3, and Audrey Trosclair Millet announced her run for the District 2 seat.

Madere, a Reserve resident, is a teacher and coach at West St. John High School. He said his priorities are to improve drainage in District 3 and throughout the parish. He also wants to strengthen recreation programs and create more job opportunities for all parish residents.

“I will dedicate my time and services to the people of District 3 and be their voice on the council,” Madere said. “Together we can make a difference in accomplishing these goals.”

Madere is a graduate of Fifth Ward High School. He has a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in mass communication from Southern University.

Millet, a lifelong resident of Garyville, served 22 years as secretary for the parish council and claims solid knowledge of the parish’s Home Rule Charter and current ordinances.

“As council representative, I pledge to listen and learn, to add new knowledge to what I have gained over my 22 years of service and put it to work for the interests of the people of District 2 and the entire parish,” Millet said. “I will conduct my duties so that each person is treated with respect and that issues important to them are considered seriously.”

Millet said her knowledge of the parish’s legislative process will help her monitor the performance of the parish administration

“As councilpersons, we do not manage day-to-day operations of the parish,” Millet said. “We can request the administration to follow through with work orders and monitor execution of ordinances and the administration’s fulfillment of its obligations. Our duty is to legislate and represent the interests of the citizens of our district and the parish through that legislation.”

Millet is a graduate of Leon Godchaux High School and Spencer Business College. She also completed Lispey School of Real Estate.

Qualifying for the Oct. 22 election begins Tuesday.