05 May 2024 Final

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Happy to be Here
It seems strange addressing
you all, as I’m so used to seeing
you in my former capacity
as mayor. But I’m not a
mayor anymore, so I’d better
get used to it! And I’m happy
to say hello as your new Executive
Director.
Why’d I go for this role seems
to be the question I’m getting
asked most often, and
if you read our April LMR, I
address that. To put it simply,
it just felt right. Gonzales
has gone from strength
to strength over the years,
and although I can’t take
full credit for that, I can take
some. If I can take the lessons
I’ve learned that have
worked and apply them to
all of us on a state-wide level,
then we’re heading in the
right direction.
My first large-scale event in
my new role will see us all
gathering for our May 15
Municipal Day. I can’t stress
the importance of advocacy
enough, and this event allows
us to take it to a heightened
level. This month’s cover
story gives us all some
useful tips on how best to
advocate. Sure, the LMA
has a team that
advocates on
our behalf,
but we’re an
organization
of 305 member
municipalities.
If
each of you
takes it upon
yourselves to advocate
on your behalf, and
on the behalf of other member
municipalities, there’s
no limit to what the LMA
can accomplish as a whole.
I encourage you to read the
article, as there are things
you can do now to ensure a
successful May 15.
As a veteran, it’s a privilege
to be able to use my first
letter to also remind you
that we’ll commemorate
Memorial Day on May 27.
So many gave the ultimate
sacrifice so that we could
know freedoms many other
countries have yet to realize.
I hope you remember those
lost in the line of duty and
take a moment to honor the
gift they’ve given to us
all. General Douglas
MacArthur
said that “no
man is entitled
to the
blessings
of freedom
unless he be
vigilant in its
preservation.”
May we be equally as
vigilant in honoring our fallen
heroes and heroines.
I can’t speak enough about
how happy I am to be coming
aboard as Executive Director.
I thank everyone who
encouraged me and believed
in me. I am humbled
by that faith in me, and I’ll
do my darndest to make you
proud. I’m excited by the opportunity
of working with
all LMA staff, leadership, and
members across the state,
as well as partners, affiliates,
subsidiaries, and external
agencies that are consistently
fighting to help move
Barney Arceneaux
LMA Executive Director
the LMA forward. I plan on
having the same open-door
policy I had while mayor of
Gonzales, so please know
you can reach out whenever
you need me. I’m working
for you now, and it’s an absolute
honor.
If I don’t see or talk with you
before, let’s find some time
at Municipal Day. We have
a lot to accomplish, and together
I’m confident we’re
going to get it done.
Let’s get this show on the
road!
I’m excited by the opportunity of working with
all LMA staff, leadership, and members across the
state, as well as partners, affiliates, subsidiaries,
and external agencies that are consistently
fighting to help move the LMA forward.
Page 4
LMR | MAY 2024