JERRY BINDER
1. Why do you believe you are the best person for this position?
My time as a member of the Slidell City Council and my experience & institutional knowledge as a St Tammany Parish Councilman have prepared me to continue to be a productive Councilman for Council District 12. Also, as a retired businessman, with 40 years experience, I have a solid background in budgeting & achieving goals.
2. Are you in favor of a restricted section for sexually explicit books (described in Act 436) at the public library (meaning a need for parental approval to view, not just putting books in the adult section that is still accessible)?
I’m supportive of an “Off the Shelf” section for the more egregious sexually graphic books. Such books would be cataloged with a “See the Librarian” notation. A parent or adult 18+ would have access at the library’s front counter. I’ll encourage the state legislature to make this modification to Act 436.
3. How do you plan to force the Library Board to change current actions and make decisions according to St. Tammany community standards?
The Library Board of Control can no longer use their own subjective views regarding any sexually graphic or sexually textual books. The new state law dictates that such books be placed in the “adult section.” Therefore, the adult section requirement supports compliance with community standards.
4. What do you see as the most important problem that needs solving in this parish?
One important issue is planning infrastructure improvements, i.e. roads & drainage, in anticipation of continued growth in St Tammany. In 2022, the Council’s “Simple Solutions” Committee removed several very dense zoning classifications. That has been helpful.
St Tammany also needs continued emphasis on Good Economic Development providing quality jobs for our citizens & future generations.
5. What will be your approach to fix the financial crisis facing the parish?
The State of LA mandated that parishes provide funding for Judges, Jail & the D.A. In past years, this funding came from a half cent sales tax. That’s no longer the case. The State needs to leave a percentage of what they collect in St Tammany “Here in St Tammany!” Also, look at other existing taxes & rededicating a small portion to the above needs.
6. Bio Info:
Personal – Married to Ruth Calamari Binder. Live in Slidell, 47 years. Our children were born & raised in Slidell. Blessed to have fifteen wonderful grandchildren. Long term Parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes Church.
Education – Bachelors Degree, Marketing, UNO.
Military-U.S. Naval Reserve, Honorable Discharge.
Business – Forty years with two Fortune 500 companies rising to Branch Manager with both companies.
Public Service – Elected to Slidell City Council. Later, I was elected to the St Tammany Parish Council. Since retiring from private business, I’m devoted to being a full time Parish Council Member.