Meet the Candidates: Russell “Russ” Wise, House of Representatives District 57
Published 8:47 am Wednesday, September 6, 2023
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Russ Wise
Date of Birth: July 5, 1946
Profession/ Current Employer/ Retired: Investor; Retired reporter
Why did you choose to run for State Representative? With a background on the St. John School Board, I’ve realized that there’s nothing more important than education, and Louisiana’s quality of education isn’t very good. As a long-time resident, employer, and investor I’ve realized Louisiana’s current system is poor, too. Both state and local governments rely too heavily upon sales taxes, the most regressive tax there is. Renters can’t use the Homestead Exemption. High-income families often pay a smaller percentage of their annual income than moderate-or-low-income families.
What makes you the most qualified candidate for this position? I have the most experience of all candidates. I am not affiliated with either political party so I can work with both parties to improve the lives of St. John, St. Charles and all residents of Louisiana.
What is the No. 1 challenge impacting our district, and how do you plan to address this? The greatest challenges to District #57 include providing quality education for our children (including quality day care and pre-school education), maintaining and increasing jobs, and transportation infrastructure (including linking the East Bank and the West Bank). As I’ve already outlined, I have plans to boost the quality of education from Pre-K through college or trade schools, workforce development, resurfacing Airline Highway, linking the Port to the Interstate via an extension of West 10th Street in Reserve, and bringing the Reserve-Edgard Ferry back into service.
What would you like to accomplish in the next four years? All of the above.