Friday, February 15, 2013

T/P Spotlights District 79 Race

The Times-Picayune profiled the four candidates, all Republican, running the Special Election to replace former District 79 State Rep. Tony Ligi.

District 79 encompasses a portion of North Metairie and all of North Kenner.

The four candidates are:

- Allison Bent Bowler, the Chief Financial Officer of Benjamin Franklin High School and daughter-in-law of former Harahan State Rep. Shirley Bowler. This is her first try at public office.

- Jack Rizzuto, the CEO of a family-operated hospitality business with interests in daiquiri shops and real estate. He ran unsuccessfully for the seat in 2007 receiving 20% of the vote and also lost an earlier campaign for Jefferson Parish Council.

- Julie Stokes, a CPA and small business owner. This is her first try at public office. Stokes did qualify for the special election to serve the remainder of Terry McCarthy's seat as Kenner Councilman-At-Large in 2005 but withdrew from the race after qualifying.

- Paul Villalobos, an Attorney and also a first time candidate.

Early voting in the race begins Saturday, 2/16. There will also be a candidate forum Wednesday, 2/20, at 7PM at the Kenner Pavillion, corner of Loyola and Vintage Drives.

Here's a link to ClickJefferson.com's coverage of a recent forum.

Here's the T/P's candidate profiles.

Here's the T/P's candidate snapshot.