Dr. Russell T Ribando has announced his candidacy for West Bank councilman-at-large in Jefferson parish in the Feb. 25 Democratic primary election.
Dr. Ribando pledged to work for improved sewerage and drainage, added facilities for the West Bank general hospital, better pay for firemen and employes of the sanitation department and other improvements that will benefit "the independent residents" of Jefferson. ,
In announcing his candidacy, Dr. Ribando said:
In the past years there have been many candidates who have qualified for office in Jefferson parish, most of these candidates after ^edging good independent government have become part of a political machine that has ruled the parish throughout the years. In announcing my candidacy for West Bank councilman at large, I considered it my responsibility to run for public office as a resident of my community, interested in helping and guiding the people of the parish of Jefferson.
Recently, workers in the sanitation department found it necessary to strike for higher wages. As a matter of fact, these workers have been underpaid and are due increases in wages. The council under the charter has the right and the power to use the funds of one department for other purposes.
A study should be made and all available funds used to increase wages in the sanitation department. The parish has many high paid employes. Some of these salaries should be cut and the little men should receive the benefit of these decreases.
Sewerage and drainage is a problem that Jefferson must face in the near future. In the past, these problems have been met in a piece-meal fashion without the benefit of a general and overall plan of improvement. I will work for and support a crash program
of sewerage and drainage improvement.
The West Jefferson General hospital was financed through a bond issue and in this bond issue the homestead exemption laws did not apply. All of the property owners of the West Bank are paying for this hospital and most of them cannot afford the rates. In order that more people may use this excellent facility, we must solve the problem of rates. It is also important that the hospital acquire ambulance service, inasmuch as the coroner's office and the sheriff's office are the only parish department with this facility.
The firemen have long been neglected and work more hours and are paid less than similar employes in surrounding areas. This must be remedied immediately.
In Grand Isle and Lafitte as in other areas of the West Bank of Jefferson, there is a tremendous need for road improvement of all types and descriptions. I hereby pledge to support a program of parish improvements without the necessity of going to private contracting companies to do this work.
I received a B, S. degree from Southeastern Louisiana college, and am a graduate of the LSy Medical School in New Orleans, Louisiana. I am a member of the West Jefferson General hospital, the Jefferson parish medical society and the Louisiana state medical society.
With the help of the voters we will win this fight for the independent residents of Jefferson parish. PHOTO: DR. RUSSELL T. RIBANDO
