Daily Iberian 2014 Citizen of the Year Dave Feldman thanks the people whom he says “did the real work” and are deserving of the award bestowed on him Feb. 27. The Daily Iberian has given Citizen of the Year Award out for the past 22 years. (Lee Ball / The Daily Iberian)
Retired anesthetist and volunteer addict Dave Feldman spent his speech at The Daily Iberian’s 122nd anniversary open house downplaying his personal accomplishments in the community and instead crediting those around him.
He, after all, had a reputation to uphold.
“He said strongly and several times how he was just part of a greater effort,” said Daily Iberian Publisher Will Chapman, explaining Feldman’s interview process for prior stories. “He did have a lot of help, but he also did a lot by himself and that’s why we wanted to recognize him.”
Feldman is The Daily Iberian’s 2014 Citizen of the Year, as nominated by readers and selected by the newspaper. Feldman’s extensive contributions to local organizations and efforts — chiefly the New Iberia Optimist Club and the Marine Corps League — and his own personal charities earned him the nomination. That the newspaper’s dining and production areas was unprecedentedly filled to standing-room only certified Feldman’s fame and reach throughout the Teche Area.
“I guess people just like coming to newspapers’ birthday parties,” he quipped upon receiving the floor.
The Daily Iberian has selected Citizens of the Year since 1993, in response to the dedicated local effort after Hurricane Andrew the prior year to help bring the community back on its feet. Chapman said the recognition also fit with the paper’s original publisher saying in the first ever issue (Feb. 9, 1893) that a paper should call attention to both wrongdoing and do-gooding.
“That kind of inspired us to do more to recognize and appreciate these people in our community who are doing everything they can to make a difference,” Chapman said.
