Political veterans face off in Port Vincent mayoral race

PORT VINCENT — An alderman and two former aldermen are running to replace incumbent Mayor Laura Savoy.

One of the issues facing the village of Port Vincent is a toll road proposed to be built between Livingston and Ascension parishes.

That road, backed by the Livingston and Ascension parish presidents, would bypass the two-lane bridge over the Amite River at Port Vincent.

James Rawls Sr. said it would be a “great thing for Port Vincent,” because of the heavy morning and afternoon traffic clogging the bridge.

“We just can’t stand this traffic,” the 68-year-old Republican said.

A toll road between the parishes would be a good idea if it makes it quicker for people to get from one parish to another during rush hours, Alderman David Carter said.

Evelyn Baughman said she’s concerned about the effect on businesses in Port Vincent if the toll road is built.

“Lots of money crosses that bridge,” the 64-year-old Democrat said.“How would village business owners feel with plant traffic suddenly bypassing their small businesses?”

Rawls said he would bring back former Police Chief Terry Farmer to replace Norris Hull, who has returned to the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office.

Carter said he wants to talk to people in the community before the decision is made.

Baughman said she doesn’t have a chief picked out.

Baughman, a 64-year-old Democrat, said she feels the village needs a full-time mayor. “When you are not full time, you can’t get all of the grants that are available to improve the village,” the retired artist said.

Rawls said he would like “to get rid of buildings that are an eyesore” in the village.

Carter, a 53-year-old Democrat, said he would like to enlarge the water system, do needed work on the community center and put a new roof on the town hall.