Joey Durel, City-Parish President

There has never been a more exciting time for our city. We stand at the threshold of the digital age and we hold in our hands the key to economic prosperity. The fiber optic network already in place around our city gives us a unique advantage over other cities that are lagging behind in developing technology infrastructures. It is our duty as responsible citizens and community leaders, to insure that this opportunity is embraced and implemented to best serve all of our citizens. In the past Lafayette has had similar opportunities to take the lead and position itself as a center for economic development. At the turn of the century, during the Industrial Age we missed an opportunity to develop an electric rail system connecting several communities in Acadiana, including Abbeville, New Iberia and Crowley. In the post World War II boom of the early 50's our failed efforts to annex surrounding communities into the city cost us untold losses in economic opportunities and has had repercussions to this day, including why Lake Charles has an interstate loop and we do not. These and other opportunities slipped away due to poor planning and lack of vision. We cannot afford to let history repeat itself this time. How can we avoid this?—by studying history and learning from our past mistakes. We as city leaders must not allow ourselves to be distracted by anyone whose first priority is not to serve and improve our community. We cannot let the hidden agendas of a few private concerns impede our city from realizing the full potential and positive growth this fiber optic network will bring to every home and business.