As a wife, parent, grandparent, and small business owner, my focus will be a common sense approach to efficient, effective, and honest government. I believe that the people of St. Tammany deserve a government that respects the vote of the people and their tax dollars. For too long, we have suffered under an administration whose actions demonstrate their belief that citizens are here to serve them — an administration that has forgotten that they work for us.
Since 2003, I have been a resident of St. Tammany and have become extremely concerned about the growing problems in this parish. High taxes/fees; extreme permitting/licensing; ridiculous traffic congestion; poor drainage; and, high density developments are just some of the ways the current administration has made life in St. Tammany more difficult and expensive for all of us. The track records of the other candidates show that they will only offer more of the same. I am stepping up to provide new leadership that is driven by a concern for the demands on each household and a vision of the St. Tammany we all moved here to enjoy.
I want to change the dialogue so that “Economic Development” no longer means using tax dollars to pay the expenses of businesses that “pay to play.” This practice has heaped extreme costs on the backs of taxpayers and provided little benefit to the individual citizen.
Under my administration, “Economic Development” will mean reduced regulations, taxes, and fees so that all businesses and families can prosper. I will move government out of the citizens’ way and return tax dollars to their pockets. It’s a simple idea: the more we each have to spend, the more businesses will benefit.
Over the years, I have been driven to do anything I can to help return our parish and state to the place I intended for my children and grandchildren when I first moved to St. Tammany. Some of my efforts may speak to my determination, research and confidence, and ability to take the lead in repairing the damage that has been done to us by this administration:
- Received the Order of St. Louis Medallion for help in restoring Our Lady of the Lake Church post-Katrina
- Obtained Attorney General opinion in support of parental rights
- Wrote an Amicus Curiae Brief which was accepted by Louisiana’s Supreme Court
- Adressed:
School Board
Parish Council regarding property rights
LA’s Board of Elementary and Secondary Education
Numerous House and Senate Committees at LA’s State Capitol since 2009 - Drafted laws currently in force that:
Protect a parent’s authority to view all content used in teaching their child
Provide the strongest student data privacy protection in the nation
Give control to the school board over curriculum, content, and teaching methods
Please, join our growing grassroots effort, “Karen Champagne – St. Tammany Parish President” as we focus on meeting St. Tammany Parish residents face-to-face. I am very interested in meeting groups of neighbors, civic groups, individuals, and small business owners. Since I am a political outsider, I look forward to the help of everyone who has had enough of the current administration. If you would like to assist in making this change a reality, contact my campaign to schedule a meeting or to donate time, money or services.
Visit karenchampagne.com
