October 2nd is the primary date to elect a Lt Governor. I am the current Parish President in St Tammany Parish and have been very successful in bringing diverse groups of people together to grow the economy and cultural spirit of our parish. I feel I’m the best qualified candidate in the race and ask that you consider my accomplishments.
The Lt. Governor has a “constitutional” responsibility to succeed the Governor in the event he cannot perform his duties or vacates the office. The legislature has also expanded the role to include managing the Departments of Culture Recreation and Tourism; State Parks; State Library; and more. This requires the Lt. Governor to administer a staff of over 600 employees and a budget of over 60 million dollars.
> Culture, Recreation and Tourism
My record as Parish President is one of proven performance. We have enjoyed cultural development as a catalyst to grow the economy.
My initiative to require a “1% reserve” for the arts in each public project has greatly expanded the quality of life in my parish and assisted with the economic prosperity of area business.
Our “rails-to-trails” concept has become nationally renowned as the Tammany Trace. We purchased 31 miles of abandoned railroad tracks and turned them into bike and walking paths. People come from all over the world to enjoy the paths and the natural scenery of the area. Small businesses have begun along the Trace turning a once-blighted area into a thriving business corridor.
We have added museums and parks using a combination of private and public funding. We even added a one-of-a-kind children’s playground where physically challenged children can play with all other children in a safe environment.
I was awarded the Governmental Tourism Leadership Award by the Southeast Tourism Society which honors an elected official (city, county, state or federal) whose support or influence greatly enhanced the tourism industry.
> Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
I have also proven myself by attacking the state’s number one issue. This issue is jobs. I am a “proven” job creator.
Recently, I stood with Governor Jindal to announce that Globalstar, a major technology corporation with a fleet of low level satellites, is relocating its corporate offices to Covington. It is estimated that the total impact will exceed 1300 direct and indirect jobs over the next several years.
With this announcement, we have reached another milestone. During my tenure, we have created over 10,000 direct jobs in St. Tammany Parish (source: UNO). 17,500 new jobs have been added since my tenure began.
I worked to establish the “Learning Center”. Here industry defines jobs which have few or no existing employees. UNO has defined a curriculum to teach the necessary skills and students are educated in the course of instruction. In our very first class, 21 graduated with a certificate to operate a sophisticated heart diagnostic machine – and all 21 received $28 per hour jobs with benefits immediately upon graduation. That’s direct job creation!
> Challenges
We did these things while overcoming many challenges. Hurricane Katrina left our parish in a shamble, yet, within a few days, parish government was functioning, most streets were open, and power had been restored to most homeowners. We were able to get back to work and actually save jobs for Louisiana by accommodating large corporations, like Chevron, who would have moved to other states. These things didn’t just happen. We planned for the challenge and implemented a well-conceived plan to restore our community.
Recently, another challenge has confronted us – the BP spill which threatens our way of life. Within days of the accident, I contracted to have boom placed at the opening to Lake Pontchartrain to protect our lake and its resources. Later, we added barges as a barrier, and with a few minor exceptions, it has done the job. I didn’t ask for permission to place boom when faced with the problem. The Coast Guard and BP have tried to remove many of these protections recently. I have fought successfully to retain those assets even under threat from the Coast Guard.
> Summary
Having owned businesses, I understand that business needs a hand, at times, and then the freedom to unleash its own creativity to become successful. This has been the model for my management style and the success of St. Tammany is a reflection of that type of leadership.
No other candidate can point to a proven record of arts and cultural development; decisive leadership during two massive events; and having created over 10,000 direct jobs. I am the most qualified candidate and am ready to begin selling Louisiana to visitors and to business owners.
State Rep. Kevin Pearson (R-76) today reiterated his endorsement of Kevin Davis for lieutenant governor and applauded the St. Tammany Parish President’s consistent stand against government incompetence in protecting Lake Pontchartrain from the BP oil spill.
“Last week I officially endorsed Kevin Davis for the state’s number-two job, and I will repeat and reissue that endorsement as often as possible between now and Election Day,” Pearson said. “In addition to his extraordinary work as St. Tammany Parish President in the last 10 years, Kevin has recently shown leadership and courage in protecting the Lake Pontchartrain Basin from oil incursion.”
Davis took steps to protect Lake Pontchartrain before state and federal officials responded, and yesterday vowed he will go to jail before rescinding an executive order that attempts to compensate for federal sluggishness in dealing with the oil spill.
“In his 10 years as parish president, Kevin has overseen major infrastructure improvements, worked to recruit businesses to St. Tammany and helped create more than 17,000 jobs, undertaken an expansion of cultural arts and recreation, and exhibited a movement towards intergovernmental cohesion that never existed before,” Pearson said. “After Hurricane Katrina, St. Tammany was the first affected Parish to be up and running and the first to show rapid progress in recovery. I am pleased and proud to support Kevin Davis for lieutenant governor.”
For more information about Pearson, visit www.KevinPearson.la and find him on Facebook at “Representative Kevin Pearson.” For more information about Davis’ campaign, visit www.KevinDavis2010.com.
Media contact: James Hartman, james@jameshartman.net or 504.458.4600
As your Lt. Governor, the people of Louisiana are my first priority.
Creating jobs for our citizens and our children, and
maintaining our culture will always be my goal.
Come join me for dinner!
Dinner will start at 7:00 p.m.
on Saturday, September 11, 2010.
3482 Drusilla Ln, Baton Rouge
R.S.V.P. by September 1, 2010
Lynette 985-674-5009, lynette@kevindavis2010.com or
Melissa 225-276-7061, zito1234@hughes.net
$50.00 per person
Mail checks to:
P.O. Box 1780
Abita Springs, LA 70420
As of 12:30 PM, cross winds were still too strong to return the oil contamination fighting barges to their posts in the Rigolets, Chef and other passes. The redeployment of the barges will begin as soon as the winds permit. Easterly winds continue to push water into the lakes. A wind shift from the south is expected this afternoon according to the National Weather Service in Slidell.
The K&K Shallow Water Skimmer has been redeployed and is currently working in the Rigolets Pass looking for any oil that the winds may have brought. In addition, members of the U.S. Coast Guard are walking our shoreline looking for any evidence of oil infiltration. A helicopter is scheduled to do an air assessment of our area of operation this afternoon.
All barges in our area of operation are in safe harbor in a lagoon in Lakeshore Estates. This site is close to the western end of the Rigolets Pass and will allow for quick redeployment.
“I am very pleased by this quick response by all parties,” said Parish President Kevin Davis, speaking from a plane tour of the area with Rear Admiral Paul Zukfunft and other parish presidents. “I am just waiting on those winds to change so we can get the barges back in the passes. “President Davis also reported seeing sheen in the southern area of the Chandeleur Islands. None was reported in our area of operation.
I have been on-site at the Orleans/St. Tammany Oil Spill Command Center for most of today trying to keep the oil-catching barges and skimmers that we need to protect Lakes Borgne, Catherine and Pontchartrain from leaving our area. I have fought with the United States Coast Guard, British Petroleum and numerous subcontractors. I am sorely disappointed that the spirit of cooperation that kept oil from our lakes during Tropical Storm Alex disappeared today.
I offered safe harbor for all the oil spill containment assets necessary to protect these waters. I offered a shelter plan for all the employees of this area of response. This offer has been on the table for almost two months when it became apparent that the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill would continue into hurricane season.
Our offer of assistance was never accepted, nor was it ever refused.
Now, Tropical Storm Bonnie is headed into the Gulf of Mexico. The projected track of the storm is one of the worst possible for containing oil in our area: winds from the east. This morning I learned that our most needed assets were to be moved over 100 miles away when we most needed them.
It has taken the better part of ten hours of negotiation that need never have occurred to reach the following agreement:
All barges will remain in St. Tammany Parish. If necessary, they will be moved to safe harbor and positioned to respond as quickly as possible post-storm.
All equipment will be stored at Camp Villere, north of Interstate 12, with easy access back to our coastal areas.
St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain will house area response employees at his training center in Pearl River, Louisiana, should that become necessary.
On behalf of all the parishes in the Lake Pontchartrain Basin, I want to thank those who tried to work with us today. It is my hope that those who lost the concept of partnership and cooperation today will recognize that local partners must be included in all decisions regarding our communities.
This is our home and we will do everything necessary to protect it.
Kevin Davis stressed his record of creating jobs and encouraging the arts in St. Tammany Parish in announcing his candidacy for lieutenant governor Thursday.
Davis, the Republican president of St. Tammany Parish, qualified Thursday morning and held press conferences in five cities, including at the Alexander Fulton Hotel in downtown Alexandria.
“I believe with our experience creating jobs and in the tourism and cultural sectors, we can bring that throughout the state of Louisiana,” Davis said. “I think 24 years of public service dealing with an array of issues makes me qualified to be lieutenant governor.”
Calling his approach “solution-oriented,” Davis cited several initiatives he has been a part of in St. Tammany, including:
having 1 percent of the cost of all public building projects dedicated to the arts.
the “Rails to Trails” program that converted unused rail lines into the Tammany Trace recreation and entertainment corridor.
helping create a “new St. Tammany” by attracting more business, changing the parish’s previous dynamic of a bedroom community where residents worked elsewhere. Davis said 56 percent of St. Tammany residents now work in the parish.
One of the biggest issues facing the next lieutenant governor, Davis said, is altering the perception of Louisiana seafood and tourism in the wake of the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
“What’s that going to mean to towns across the state?” Davis said. “People across the country don’t want to eat our seafood. They are not visiting us. It’s going to take some real leadership from the lieutenant governor’s office.”
Davis described his view of the role of government as “helping out any way you can, then get out of the way.” He also touted greater partnership from the different parts of Louisiana in promoting the state, especially as a tourist destination.
SLIDELL, La. — For the first time since the BP oil spill began, oil reached Lake Pontchartrain Monday in the form of tiny tarballs.
The tarballs floated to the shore in the Treasure Isle subdivision near Slidell.
“The weather is not cooperating,” St. Tammany Parish President Kevin Davis said. “You have to pull all those people in for safety reasons and you can’t fight it. So then, when we pull in, this is what happens. Last night, it came through, wasn’t spotted by air. It goes underwater, then it comes back up.”
Monday morning, workers in Tyvek environmental suits, contracted by BP, began scooping up tiny pieces of emulsified oil.
“We collected this morning, and we’re collecting this afternoon, and it’s very likely it’s going to be going on into the evening as well,” said Third Class Marine Science Technician Kyrion Gray of the United States Coast Guard.
While workers scooped oil with minnow nets, other crews worked at the barge line blocking a channel in the Rigolets. Surveillance boats searched for oil, then skimmers picked up the oil. That method was used to pick up larger collections of oil blocked by the barges.
“We are using these guys to collect the smaller patches,” Gray said, “and they’re using those little fish nets, and it’s actually very, very easy to pick up the tar balls because they kind of clump together. It’s working very, very efficiently so far.”
15-year-old Jared Bullock first spotted the oil while fishing near his family’s home at the end of Treasure Isle Road South.
“It was about nine o’clock this morning,” Bullock said, “and tarball started rolling up.”
“Sometime during the night,” St. Tammany Parish President Kevin Davis added, “it came through the Rigolets in different spots. We contained some at the barges, they’re out there working it, skimming it, and some of it got here. This is the first sighting at Treasure Isle.”
In the water, the tiny tar balls look like wood chips.
“The modeling indicates this oil, most likely, was moving toward Alabama and Florida,” Dr. John Lopez said. Lopez is the director of coastal sustainability for the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation.
“Then it was this east wind we’ve had the last few days that sort of pushed it back toward the Lake.”
Lopez actually pulled a larger tarball out the Rigolets Sunday, roughly three to four miles from the opening into Lake Pontchartrain.
Much of what he saw made it’s way into the Lake on Monday.
“It’s certainly not something that represents a catastrophic oiling or threat,” Dr. Lopez added, “but it is maybe the leading edge of maybe something larger that could be coming.”
Coast Guard flights Monday morning did spot more oil sheen near Half Moon, according to Kevin Davis. Half Moon is roughly eight miles from Lake Pontchartrain.
SOURCE: WWLTV.com
by Doug Mouton / Eyewitness News
Posted on July 5, 2010 at 2:15 PM
Parish President Kevin Davis has secured Tyvek suits for the first responders in St. Tammany Parish who may have to respond in case of a hurricane. The threat of the oil in the Gulf prompted parish officials to officially request the protective suits for first responders from BP, but an answer from BP is still pending.
“We are not waiting on anyone,” said Parish President Davis. “We don’t know what type of conditions we may be facing in the event of a hurricane, and our first responders need to be protected.”
St. Tammany Parish has purchased 5000 full coverage Tyvek suits, including gloves and booties, for distribution to the various first responders, such as firefighters, law enforcement and public works employees. Distribution will be coordinated through the St. Tammany Parish Emergency Operations Center. A brief instructional class on proper use of the suits will be provided to the different categories of first responders.
The protective gear was purchased from Grainger at a total cost of $26,559.44.
“This needed to be done to provide protection for our first responders. They play a crucial role in any hurricane situation, and we cannot wait and wonder if this protection would be a good idea,” said President Davis. “We continue to move forward and be proactive on our own because this is what the citizens of St. Tammany Parish deserve.”
To view this message on the stpgov.org site, click here.
On May 27, United Way serving St. Tammany ended its 2009-10 annual campaign with “A Night of Distinction” dinner and award ceremony at Benedict’s Plantation, honoring top contributors, volunteers and corporate sponsors.
United Way honors St. Tammany Parish President Kevin Davis as a ‘Hidden Hero.’United Way Executive Director Shirleen Carter emceed the event and began by introducing guests Gary Ostroske, President of the United Way for the Greater New Orleans area, and Chief Operating Officer Michael Williamson. She was joined by 2009 Council Chair Matt Faust to give out special awards.
Among the honorees was Parish President Kevin Davis, who received the “Hidden Hero” award. Davis has served United Way in the past as Advisory Council President and Leadership Council Chair and currently as Honorary Council Member. He has made appointments to serve on the Board of Trustees for Greater New Orleans, the Community Impact Committees and the St. Tammany United Way Leadership Council.
“He has always been there for us, for whatever we needed,” said Carter.
“United Way represents a mission and a vision worth investing in,” said Davis, “The idea of creating partnerships in communities to benefit everyone is something in which I strongly believe. Helping people to help their own community raises the standard of everyone involved. I am proud to have worked with United Way for more than seven years, both in a leadership capacity and as a member of St. Tammany Parish government.”
Davis noted that in the past two years, 162 employees of St. Tammany parish government have donated almost $20,000.
A special “Thank You” gift was presented to retired Red Cross volunteer Frances Barker for years of contributions made to local non-profit agencies, including United Way.
Gwen Wade received the 2009 Volunteer of the Year award for her tireless work for United Way and numerous contributions to charitable causes, including Haitian relief.
Chris Kaufmann, St. Tammany’s 2009 Campaign Chairman, and Chris Finnan, Co-Chair, joined Alex Hocevar, the Greater New Orleans 2009 Campaign Chair, in honoring corporate contributors. The two highest contributors, receiving the “Platinum Award,” were Chevron, with more than $344,000 contributed, and the St.Tammany Parish School Board with more than $131,000.
Among the top employee campaign coordinators were Lori Nelson, of Whitney National Bank, Rebekah Johnson of Hancock Bank, Linda Gough of Lowe’s in Slidell, and Cheryl Gross and Julie Watson of St. Tammany Fire District No. 1.
The United Way serving St. Tammany fell just short of the ambitious goal of raising $850,000 this year. Carter reported that $806,655 was raised and that all community partner agencies were expected to receive the same amount of funding as last year.
She also cited additional positives, including an expanded donor base by 142 people and seven businesses. More than $14,500 was raised over last year and 19 businesses increased their giving by more than $44,500.
Charlotte Champagne, St. Tammany Community Impact Manager, gave a heartfelt “thank you” to the contributors.
“You have woven a beautiful tapestry into the community of St. Tammany,” said Champagne.
Building on the tapestry theme, 2010 Campaign Chair John Smith closed the ceremony by issuing a challenge to set a new fundraising record this year.
“There is a common thread that runs through the great people in this room tonight,” said Smith. “It is passion. You make a difference in the community because of that passion and we have to guard and maintain that passion.”
SOURCE:
By The Times-Picayune
June 01, 2010, 3:43PM
This story was written by Kenneth Mathews
Various Interviewees
“Kevin Davis was a boy scout. And I can just see the boy scout ethics coming through.”
“He really impressed me as a young man. I liked what he stood for. I liked what he said. I liked everything about him. He is the complete package.”
“Kevin’s devotion to his family is second to none.”
“Kevin is a very caring father. It’s a beautiful family.”
“If I need to call on someone, it’s Kevin Davis.”
“The fact that he was our leader during Katrina was a true Godsend.”
“Kevin was hands-on and got the job done. He’s just that type of guy.”
“We are thankfully recovered, and I really do credit that to Kevin’s leadership. He’s my hero.”
“I will follow him because I know that he will create a better Louisiana.”
Kevin Davis: An Introduction to a Louisiana Leader:
Kevin’s VO as he is in home and with family and Kevin speaking on screen “I love my home. It’s a place to me that means more than anything in the world. To enjoy and watch my son grow up, enjoy time with my wife, and the things we like to do. After 23 years in public life, I have come to know so many people who have become very close friends.”
Kevin Davis: Friends and Family:
“I met Kevin in the late 80s as a business man when he was in an independent business here in Slidell. As time went on, we had an opportunity to meet each other’s families. I was impressed by his easy demeanor and his leadership style. When he approaches a roomful of people, he can immediately put them at ease.”
Kevin: “People have issues and they have problems, and it is our job to try to understand what those are, and to then be able to accumulate all of that into how we govern.
“The way that he is able to guide people, the way that he is able to lead people, the way that he is able to bring a community together: there is no doubt that Kevin is a true leader. But also the love that he has for his family, that he can separate being Parish President, but also being husband and dad.”
“Kevin is a very caring father. Maria is a fabulous mother. I mean, she is so nurturing. The household is welcoming and warm. It’s a wonderful place to be. They are a beautiful family.”
“I first met Kevin Davis in 1999 across the table from each other at a crawfish boil. And I thought he was a great guy because I had hands that were full of crawfish and he brought me back two beers. He is jovial, he is kind, yet he can have a good time. Mr. Davis, my friend, did not stop me from putting a pink wig on him at a Halloween party with a green cape. And he had fun.”
“We were in Washington D.C. for the inaugural parade for President Bush, and it was a monsoon. We were all in garbage bags and hats on our heads, and he wasn’t getting caught up in who he was, he was just himself, and really tried to make all of us enjoy ourselves and have a great time. So that was very endearing.”
Kevin: “As Parish President after Katrina, certainly in the leadership position, to be able to try to move things forward, there were many times when I had to get down to the smallest level.”
“After Katrina, unlike other politicians, Kevin was hands-on, helped the people, and got the job done. He’s just that type of guy.”
“He gave us all hope. I think he made all of us feel better that the rest of the nation was seeing us for what we were: smart, resilient people.”
Kevin: “I had to make decisions in reference to creating an emergency operation center, which we didn’t have. Making sure that we could inform the public on how we move forward.”
“Kevin was so prepared for Katrina. But for Kevin Davis, this parish would not be back. Not until a week after the aftermath of the hurricane did the governor show up. The governor was in tears. FEMA arrived with her, and they asked him, ‘What can we do for you?’ And he said, ‘We’re done. Our roads are open. Welcome to St. Tammany.’”
Camp Salmen: St. Tammany Parish
Kevin’s VO, shots of Camp Salmen, Kevin talking on screen at Camp Salmen
Kevin: “About seven years ago, I negotiated the acquisition of this property to make a recreational park for the citizens of Louisiana and residents of St. Tammany Parish. For the citizens of Louisiana, the parks are so important. The recreation activities, the passive park, the family picnics, and just the beautiful scenery. This piece of property was 107 acres, highly populated all around it. But it was going to be developed as subdivisions.”
Kevin Davis: A Public Life:
Kevin’s VO, shots of his at his office, and interviews with colleagues
Kevin: “From my business as being in small business, and my experience here in the political arena, My goal as Lt. Governor would be to bring those two together. The planning aspect, moving forward, the direction. Private business makes a decision and moves forward. Government is a little more complication. So we try to streamline that so that it’s a shorter period, so we can move on the ground as fast as we can. Bringing that experience from business to this office, helps us tremendously.”
Susan Brunner: “He understands the issues that are related to the business of the cultural economy, the business of art, and the business of tourism. He gets that. Kevin Davis possesses a sincerity and a genuine love of the arts that cannot be described. You can’t create that. It’s who Kevin is. He’s not afraid to lead. He’s a leader. And I believe in that leadership. He can pull us through any situation be it cultural, be it tourism, be it recreation, or being in a disaster.”
Jeff Schoen: “I’ve watched him take everything on, and usually he’s got a cool demeanor, but he’s got a very precise approach to finding solutions. I was at headquarters the first day after the storm and watched him take control and show leadership, and eminate confidence to everybody around him, that he would and we would find a way out of that natural disaster. I have watched Kevin develop and mature as leader, and one who understands the responsibilities of being a servant to the public.”
Louis Fitzmorris: “He doesn’t have a problem getting up in the morning and going to work and doing his job and doing it well. The culture we have here in Louisiana is one of our greatest assets. And I know Kevin appreciates that. We have in Abita Springs, something that is very unique, that’s no where else in the state, and that is called the Abita Opry. And Kevin Davis has been a big supporter of it. When I need to call on somebody, its Kevin Davis.”
Dr. Joan Archer: “It’s been amazing to watch the progression of his political career, and see him stay grounded. He’s accessible. He takes your concerns, whether they be big or little, very personally, and tries to help you.”
Emile Lombard: “I’ve had people and say ‘Listen, I got a problem with that State, DOTV, and I can’t get any response.’ And I say ‘Let’s go talk to Kevin.’ He’s got a vision that most people don’t have. You can’t learn that in school. You have to have the ability going in. And Kevin has that. He has dignity. He has class. You name it, Kevin Davis is the total package, and he knows how to get things done. I think the best thing Kevin brings to the Lt. Governor’s position is one, his ability to listen to people. I’ll bring people to him from St. Tammany Parish and their major comment is, ‘ Wow, the guy just sat there and listened and asked me questions that pertained to the project.’ He is so attentive that is impresses people.”
Kevin: “I try to listen to everybody. Our job is to make sure that we acknowledge what people are saying so that they feel you have taken what they have said with the merit they have given it to you. And you acknowledge what they were saying.”
Kevin Davis: Louisiana’s History, Louisiana’s Future
Kevin’s VO, shots of Kevin in front of river and Kevin speaking to camera:
Kevin: “As Lt. Governor, I want to cherish all the things that are important to Louisiana: the stories of Lousiana, the hunters, the fisherman, the ports, all of the other things that we have, the fairs and festivals, all across the country. To try and sell Louisiana is very easy because of its people, its culture, the hardworking people of Louisiana, and at the same time, the fun that we like to enjoy like no one else in the world. I love Louisiana for its fishing, for its food, for its culture, and for its people, the scenery, the bayous, the rivers. I love Louisiana because of the opportunities that it has for our children and for the future.
