Incumbent Councilman Michael Wright said District 5’s biggest concerns are drainage and the planning and zoning permitting processes.

“Maintenance of our drainage arteries needs to be a high priority,” he said.

Wright said District 5’s major highway corridors led to the region seeing numerous new and existing businesses. However, those business people have experienced problems with the current permitting processes, which he said needs to be streamlined.

If reelected, Wright said he will continue to focus on critical drainage and infrastructure needs, as well as push for Congressional funding appropriations to begin construction on the parish’s nearly $1 billion West Shore Levee project.

“During my term, we’ve had millions of dollars spent and appropriated for drainage, concrete, asphalt, recreation and infrastructure improvements, as well as tens of millions in CDBG recovery dollars,” Wright said. “St. John needs to develop and implement a “One Stop Shop” to create an economic and business friendly environment.”

Challenger Dwayne Francis said his top priority is serving the community with integrity and devotion.

“What makes me the best candidate for the job would be my ability to be accessible and accountable with the whole community, from the millennials to the elderly,” Francis said. “St. John the Baptist Parish is my home, and they say home is where the heart is. I’ve been a part of St. John the Baptist Parish all my life. I’ve been through the ups and the downs, and I want to be a part of the building blocks of progress for the parish.”