Baker Council District 2
BAKER — Saying he wants to improve the city’s image, former Mayor Norman E. “Pete” Heine declared he is a candidate for the District 2 seat on the City Council in the March 24 primary election.
Heine, 83 and a Democrat, said in his statement of candidacy he is not running against any one particular candidate, but is offering his experience to fill the District 2 seat.
“The main thrust of my campaign will be to work with the mayor, whomever you elect, the City Council, police and fire chiefs, court officials, school officials, business and community leaders and all ministers to improve the image of our city. This can be accomplished by working together with one agenda,” he said.
Heine was Baker’s mayor for 23 years, served eight years on the council and was the first parish manager for West Feliciana Parish, serving nearly eight years.
Heine said it has been said that he is “too old” to run for public office, “but those who know me best know that this is not true.”
“I learned long ago that wisdom comes with age,” he said.
Heine is a member of Baker First Baptist Church, serves as church coordinator for Christ Fellowship Church of Leland and is a Man of Manresa. He and his wife of 53 years, the late Georgia Lea Pilcher Heine, had five children, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Heine is a U.S. Air Force veteran, having served as a crew chief on an F-86 Sabre jet during the Korean War. He also participated in the Berlin Airlift.
District 2 includes most of the city west of La. 19 and several areas north and south of Groom Road east of La. 19.
Incumbent A.J. Walls and Yolanda Vessel also are candidates for the seat.