TTT Reporting
Nov 21, 2023
On November 18th, Louisiana voters headed to the runoff polls to cast their votes for several positions throughout the state. In St. Bernard Parish, a competitive months-long race which included thousands of dollars in campaign donations and investments ended with Republican Louis Pomes, chief of operations for the parishes department of public works, taking the title of Parish President.
According to reports, Pomes was able to secure 55% of the votes, defeating his strongest competitor for the role, Republican and former hospital executive Wayne Landry. Pomes will replace current Parish President Guy McInnis, who was term limited after serving two terms as president.
Pomes was able to raise over $100,000 for his campaign. Both Pomes and Landry had similar work experience and views. In the weeks leading up to the election, each made claims that, as parish president, they would focus their efforts towards preventing a $1.8 billion dollar shipping container facility from being constructed in Violet. However, since this project is being overseen by the state and the Port of New Orleans, there is very little the parish’s chief executive would be able to do to stand in the way.
Since winning the runoff election, some of Pomes top issues he wants to focus on include reopening Station 11 and Station 12, expanding the Recreation Department, creating a community outreach committee to invite parents to provide guidance and input regarding opportunities for youth, and creating more affordable insurance rates for residents.