Running for Office: City of Gonzales Mayor

GONZALES — Barney Arceneaux is seeking a second term as the city’s mayor.

A lifelong resident of Gonzales, the 61-year-old Democrat spent eight years as the city’s chief of police and was elected in 2008 as the city’s mayor. He said over the past four years the city has invested nearly $35 million in transportation, recreation and public safety projects without raising taxes and while maintaining a budget surplus.

“Four years ago, I promised the people of Gonzales that I would work to build upon the progress of the past and forge new relationships that would lead our great city into the next era,” Arceneaux said in a prepared statement. “With the improvements we’ve made to infrastructure, the arrival of new businesses, and the relocation and construction of the new River Parish Community College campus, I believe that we are fulfilling that promise.”

Arceneaux qualified for the Nov. 6 election last week, and he is being challenged by fellow Democrat Jeff Little.

During his first term, Arceneaux said, his office spent $10.5 million on road improvement projects and plans to spend $1.5 million more on road overlay projects throughout the city.

“Addressing the traffic congestion within our community has been and will remain my top priority,” Arceneaux said. “We continue to grow because of our prime location and friendly, hardworking people. As your mayor, I will continue to reinvest the revenue raised from increased business investment into safer streets, improved parks and better educational and employment opportunities for our community.”

Arceneaux also touted the construction of the new $4.5 million Gonzales Police Department and the future development of the Kidz Kove Discovery Park, which will be the first facility in Ascension Parish to serve the recreational needs of children with special needs.

“I am particularly proud of these two projects and what they mean for the city of Gonzales,” Arceneaux said.