Election Day is quickly approaching next week — Tuesday, Nov. 6.

Many important local and congressional races are on the ballot, as well as constitutional amendments important locally and statewide.

Our Mosquito Control millage expires at the end of 2018 and is up for renewal. This millage pays for mosquito control efforts — spraying, testing and educational efforts surrounding mosquito control.

Just a reminder — a millage renewal is not a tax increase or a new tax, but a renewal to allow for the continued funding of these vital services.

Louisiana has the highest number of West Nile infections in the U.S. — this millage is vital to our community. St. John Parish School Board races are also on the ballot.

Please go exercise your right – VOTE.

Recently, St. John Parish Council moved forward with the process for a $6.046 million grant from LA SAFE for the Airline and Main Complete Streets project. The Council accepted grant funds through the LA SAFE program, which benefits St. John adding beautification, storm water management and overall flood risk reduction along Airline Highway between Belle Terre and Main Street in LaPlace.

The Council also awarded the contract to begin construction of the 4,000 square foot Safe Room Project, which is funded through 2009, 2015 Bond Issues, 911 Communications and the Office of Fire Services.

This building will provide a secured location to support recover operations and house Parish employees and staff during and immediately following emergency events.

It seems like we blinked an eye and 2018 is rapidly finishing the 4th quarter. We all truly have a lot to be thankful for.

An extremely active hurricane season spared us on multiple occasions while our neighbors and other parts of the country and surrounding countries were devastated with destruction.

Our hearts go out to those who lost so much.

Have a Happy & safe Halloween!

Michael P. Wright is St. John the Baptist Parish Council District 5 representative. Contact him at District5@sjbparish.com or m.wright@sjbparish.com.