LMR May 2018

President’s Message
IT’S SUMMERTIME AND THE LIVING IS…BUSY!
BY MAYOR LAWRENCE HENAGAN, CITY OF DEQUINCY, LA
Last month we lost a great man
and I lost a dear friend. Mayor
Eugene Smith was someone I
admired and respected deeply,
and he will be dearly missed. Della and I ask that you
join us in keeping his wife Billie and their family in your
prayers.
Spring has come and is marching on to a fast
approaching summer. Many of us have invested a little
time in sprucing up the yard and planting the garden
and now we look forward to the blooms and fruits of
our labors that will come when the temperatures will
surely be warmer. Summer’s a comin’ … let’s see what
all is in store.
As you read this message, the LMA has entered a
busy season starting with the 41st Annual Municipal
Day, on May 2nd at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Baton
Rouge. The day-long event affords municipal leaders
an opportunity to meet with elected officials to
discuss issues of importance. The conference serves
to facilitate conversations surrounding passage of
laws relevant to state and local governments. The
day always includes a visit to the State Capitol where
attendees witness the Legislature at work and meet
State Legislators. The grand finale is the annual
Municipal Day Crawfish Boil, an event that is highly
anticipated and well attended each year. What better
way to end a day of lobbying and policy discussion
than to indulge in an evening of food and fellowship
with friends and associates, old and new? In addition
to “passing a good time”, it’s another opportunity to
“talk shop”, but in a more relaxed setting. We would
love to hear from you to find out how much you
enjoyed this year’s event.
As the Regular Session of the Legislature continues to
meet, our legislative team is hard at work monitoring
the progress of bills that impact local and state
governments and maintaining a strong presence and
active voice on behalf of our membership. I encourage
each of you to engage in the legislative process
by contacting your Legislators to apprise them of
the issues and initiatives of which you are in favor
or opposed. They need to hear from us and most
welcome the interaction.
In addition to attending the Legislative Session, the
staff is working with Vice Presidents of each District
to finalize plans for upcoming District Meetings to be
held during the month of June. During each meeting,
nominations are presented for election of District Vice
Presidents, and State 1st and 2nd Vice Presidents. You
will want to attend so that your municipality can be
represented in the vote. In addition to nominations,
these meetings provide an opportunity for Mayors,
Council Members, Clerks and Police Chiefs in each
municipality to discuss pertinent issues, challenges and
successes unique to their locales.
Following closely on the heels of the District Meetings,
the 81st Annual Convention will take place in Lake
Charles, LA from July 31 – August 2. For the first
time, this convention will be held on Tuesday through
Thursday, rather than the traditional late week and
weekend. This three day event offers a chance to view
exhibits and resources offered by a variety of providers.
You will also hear addresses by state leaders and have
the opportunity to attend educational workshops all
carefully chosen to appeal to everyone whether you
represent a large or small municipality. During the
Annual Meeting, elections are held and new officers for
the coming year are installed. Mark your calendars and
begin making your plans now to attend.
With all that said, my best wishes to you and yours for
a safe, productive and happy summer. And while we
are on the subject of summer, let’s be sure to include
in our prayers a request that Mother Nature doesn’t
provide any additional excitement! Looking forward to
seeing you all soon!
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LMR | May 2018