Maurizio D Francescon

It is time for new faces and constructive ideas for Harahan's growth and future development in these challenging times we face together. Ask yourself "Has hanging on to past leadership helped Harahan?" That is an important question for our city. As we look at what is happening on the national level, we can see identical trends happening right here locally. For example, holding office for over 30 years and bouncing around from one elected position to another to maintain relevance and not allowing natural succession of new leadership, is being done by career politicians today on a national level and here in our own city and state. It is time for Harahan's rebirth! We need to let go of the past haunts that have put our friends and neighbors against each other. It is time to look at our community as a whole and what will bring us together, not apart. My position for being a representative for the City of Harahan is to be the peacemaking person, a diplomat, a voice of reason, and a logical thinker. I will commit to the promises that I make and will be accountable to the residents.

 

Currently, the City Harahan is confronted with financial issues of having to work within a balanced budget by becoming engaged in a prodigal spending pattern. It is important to have transparency. Meaning all financial decisions, contracts, justification of job duties, and other pertinent documents pertaining to the city’s operations affecting the residents, should be easily made available for public viewing, not a hassle.

 

Harahan’s sewer treatment system is riddled with patch work and band-aid fixes, it is time to develop a 5, 10, and 20 years plan to upgrade or replace the current system. In addition, a commitment to the plan regardless of who the mayor or council may be in the future. Harahan's first responders and in particular our front-line responders are the backbone of our community which keep our city safe and secure. Unfortunately, mismanagement of funds, lawsuits, and poor leadership have hampered efforts to increase pay, attrition rate, and loss of focus on successful succession plans for rank officers.

 

Next, is the development of Colonial and its future outcome. Currently, I am the Chairman of Harahan Planning and Zoning Board. I volunteer my time to make sure the aspects of this development follow all city, parish, and state laws when it comes to developing Colonial. I have spent many late-night hours researching and understanding all aspects of this project and other planning and zoning projects in Harahan. Any questions or concerns about this project, I can call the developer, Danny McKearan, directly. He has always been open, honest, and transparent with me. This is the largest project in Harahan's history that will double Harahan's tax base, but it is also important that the future growth of this project continues, and the city’s infrastructure (sewer and storm water) maintain and grow with the development’s demands. So, it is important to have a long-term plan in place for future generations.

 

The City of Harahan suffered wide-spread damage due to Hurricane Ida. In the recovery, Harahan Playground became center stage for holding debris; but prior to Hurricane Ida, there were promises made to redevelop this park to accommodate children from all aspects of life. Sadly, bathrooms, handicap walkways, and the gym are still in disarray, or the project was never fulfilled. Just like I stated with the sewer system, Harahan Playground, the gym, and Harahan Senior Center needs to develop a 5, 10, and 20 years plan on maintenance, growth, and sustainably.

 

Lastly, Harahan's sovereignty is important to its residents, and I understand what that means. This autonomy has ranked us at the top of the state as the safest communities in Louisiana. We enjoy knowing we call upon our leadership with a phone call or knock at their door. This means we control our results and our future. It is also important to recognize our partner communities, Jefferson Parish, and our state leadership because we are all in this together. Working together will bring about the change needed to grow and maintain our community for future generations. 

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