DNC - LA. State Representative, Gary L. Smith, attends Democratic convention

By Cornelia Wick, Special to L’Observateur

DENVER--Gary L. Smith Jr., a delegate from district 56 including LaPlace at the Democratic National Convention this week in Denver, originally supported  Hillary Clinton supporter but now fully is on the bandwagon for Presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama.
“He has a tremendous following in our area,” Smith said. He also likes Senator Joe Biden and feels he will bring a great amount of experience to the ticket.
         As State Representative for district 56, Smith feels that flood control and hurricane protection are very compelling issues. “If hurricane Katrina had not made that last-minute turn, the river parishes would have much more impacted in a horrible way.” Smith said.   
          Smith believes if Obama is elected, the parishes hopefully will be able to obtain the funding needed from the congress and the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers to upgrade and improve all necessary levees in the area. “There is a great risk of storm surge from the Gulf of Mexico in District 56 if the upgrades are not completed,” he added.
         Born and raised in the river parishes, Rep. Smith loves the area and wants to create a place where the youth from the local communities will want to stay and prosper. He wants to expand the business community and bring in new industries.
         As a State Representative for nine years, Smith is thrilled to be in Denver and be part of the convention. “I think Barack Obama will be good for Louisiana.” Smith said.
         Also concerned for health care in the area, he feels that the St. Charles community health care clinic is a good example of what is needed in the more rural areas of the state. “Preventative health care is also very important.” Smith added.
         As for politics, Smith said his father and grandfather always said, “The only thing a man really has is his word.”