There is no hesitation when St. John District 6 Councilman Larry Snyder Sr. addresses the issues of concern for his neighborhood and community.

“Drainage and flood insurance costs are our main concerns at this time,” he said. “The main drainage canal that drains District 6 is Vicknair Canal. It has at least four feet of sludge in its base that needs to be cleared out. It would help drain rain water tremendously.”

Snyder said the canal is more than two-miles long and 20-feet wide, and a clear version of it would provide residents more drainage capacity.

“I’ve successively lobbied for drainage pumps on Vicknair canal,” he said. “The $4.5 million project is in the engineering stage. That project will also help drainage in Districts 5, 6 and 7.”

Snyder said during Hurricane Isaac, District residents experienced what tidal flooding can do, but according to the Army Corp. of Engineers, help may be on the way.

“A levee, protecting the parish from Lake Pontchartrain and Lake Maurepas tidal flooding, has been presented and approved in Washington D.C.,” he said. “The next step is for that project, in Washington, to be put in their budget for financing to build. That would drastically lower flood insurance costs for 47 percent of the residents in District 6 and raise property values at the same time.”

Challenger Jerry A. Wilson said listening to residents and prioritizing their needs relating to District 6 are his top priorities.

“I’m well known in the area and willing and able to address the needs of my District,” he said. “(St. John) is a great place to live, great place to grow. St. John is a parish that is moving forward.”