By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Two lifelong residents of Edgard are among the crowded field of candidates vying for the District 1 seat on the St. John the Baptist Parish Council in the Oct. 22 general election.

Keith Sterling Miller Jr. and Arthur “Tat” Johnson are competing against four other candidates for the opportunity to represent the west bank of the parish on the council.

Miller, an employee with Dow Chemical for the past 15 years, said he wants to “rebuild, revitalize and restore” the community where he has lived his entire life.

He said his goal is to make a difference in the lives of residents who often feel underrepresented.

Miller attended Southern University, where he studied criminal justice, and Louisiana Technical College, where he pursued a career in process technology. He is also the owner of KSM Trucking.

Johnson, a retired industrial operator for DuPont, said he wants to see improvement in drainage, water quality, recreational opportunities and mosquito control on the west bank. He also wants to consider a plan that would bring parking and better lighting for boaters who cast off at Moll Canal landing.

Johnson said he believes the west bank should have the same opportunities for growth that the east bank communities already enjoy, and he would like to work to bring the two sides together.

“It sometimes feels like we are on an island on our own in this community,” Johnson said of the west bank.

“I want to make sure the residents get their fair share,” Johnson added.

Johnson graduated from Second Ward High School and attended Southern University and Delgado Community College.

He is a past Parent/Teacher Organization president at West St. John Elementary and is a past member of the West St. John High School Booster Club.