Running for Office: Amite mayor

Citing a comprehensive plan to grow Amite by making it a place where everyone succeeds, Charles D. “Boo” Christmas announced his candidacy for mayor.

A lawyer and former alderman, the 61-year-old Republican said his narrow defeat in the 2008 mayoral election did not discourage him from seeking Amite’s top post, but gave him an opportunity to develop relationships with groups who can help build a stronger Amite.

Economic development will be a top priority, Christmas said. The town must make use of available resources, including the Tangipahoa Economic Development District, and work with businesses to entice them to Amite and keep them there, he said.

Emphasis also must be placed on infrastructure needs, like drainage, Christmas said. But improving infrastructure should not be done as a means to generate extra income for the city, he said.

Rates for city services like water, sewer and garbage should generate only enough revenue to pay expenses, he said.

Christmas also plans to develop a litter abatement program, begin a recycling program, work hand-in-hand with civic groups, acquire state and federal grants for community needs and put an end to the divides that have splintered and thwarted the town’s progress.

“Amite is at a crossroads. We can bring our town forward, but it’s going to take strategic and aggressive leadership to take us to that next level,” Christmas said. “I am the candidate who can and will make that happen.”

Christmas is a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University and Southern Law Center, and a member of the Amite Chamber of Commerce, 21st Judicial District Bar Association, Tangipahoa Economic Development District and Tangipahoa Parish Sewer District 1.

He is married to Amite Elementary Magnet School Principal Kay Christmas. The couple has one son and four grandchildren. They attend First Methodist Church of Amite.

Christmas may be reached via email at christmasmayor@gmail.com and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Committee-to-Elect-Charles-Boo-Christmas-Mayor-of-Amite/404769039549579.

Also running for mayor of Amite in the Nov. 6 primary are “Buddy” Bel (O), Nicholas Cefalu Jr. (D), Walter Daniels III (D), Johnny “I Can” Duncan (O) and “Pat” Murphy (R).