Posted: Wednesday, July 1, 2015 1:20 pm
Councilwoman Amedee seeking state legislative seat By JOHN DeSANTIS Senior Staff Writer The Times
A Terrebonne Parish councilwoman seeking the state legislative seat of a Napoleonville incumbent says her knowledge of local issues and adherence to what are generally recognized as conservative values and beliefs make her the best choice for the job.
Beryl Amedee, citing a 30-year record of public service, has formally announced her plans to unseat Rep. Joe Harrison for the District 51 seat. In the parish council, she represents District Four, which includes much of Schriever, Bayou Blue and Coteau.
The state representative seat she now seeks, District 51, stretches from Labadieville to Theriot and from Bayou Blue to Morgan City. It includes portions of Thibodaux, Schriever, Gray and Houma.
“The hardworking taxpayers of District 51 deserve a hardworking representative who is in tune with their concerns and dedicated to getting things done,” Amadee said in her campaign announcement, which boasts her candidacy as pro-life, pro-family and pro-business.
A small business owner, her company is called Forerunner, an errand and concierge service that specializes in personal assistance and lifestyle management.
Her support of the right to bear arms is also mentioned, as well as her belief that “parents have the God-given authority and responsibility to provide for their children and to make decisions concerning their upbringing, medical care and education without government interference.”
Although she recognizes that running against an incumbent can be a difficult task, Amedee expressed confidence in her candidacy. A proven history of working well with others and being a force for consensus, she maintains, make her an attractive, non-contentious alternative for voters.
Amedee has been an outspoken proponent of development in Terrebonne and expansion of transportation infrastructure.
“Businesses create real wealth. Government consumes it,” Amedee said when announcing her campaign. “We cannot spend our way out of a declining economy. We are taxed enough already. Tax reform is needed so that we can simplify our current tax structure and create fairness. The taxpayers’ sweat and sacrifice are represented in those dollars and the government owes taxpayers the respect to spend resources wisely.”
In addition to her civic involvement, Amedee is active in ministry at Vision Christian Center in Bourg. She and her husband John have been married for 32 years and raised three sons. They are now expecting a sixth grandchild.
As a member of the council, Amedee said she has done whatever is possible to keep Terrebonne safe from the ravages of nature, and that as a representative in Baton Rouge land loss will continue to be a primary concern.
“We must remain focused on building levees to protect our people from the imminent threat of storm surge,” Amedee said. “We also must continue to implement sensible freshwater diversion projects to restore life to the marshlands. Coastal restoration and proper drainage are critical to protect the lives and properties of the citizens of District 51.”