JEFF CORBIN
1. Why do you believe you are the best person for this position?
Throughout my career, I have worked in senior leadership positions for various companies and non-profits. I’ve been ORRHOA President for ~10 years. I have demonstrated my ability to engage/involve key stakeholders in critical decision-making processes and to encourage people with differing opinions to work together, collectively, to solve difficult issues.
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)?
Establishing a restricted section in the library is a reasonable approach to meeting the intent of Act 436. At the same time, I also believe it is a parent’s responsibility to oversee what books their child reads and make their own decisions regarding what is appropriate given their family situation.
3. How do you plan to force the Library Board to change current actions and make decisions according to St. Tammany community standards?
I will volunteer to serve as the Parish Council representative on the Library Board. In this capacity, I will work, from within and with the Board, to ensure our actions and decisions are aligned with St. Tammany community standards and representative of the diversity of people living in our Parish.
4. What do you see as the most important problem that needs solving in this parish?
We have many issues to address: infrastructure, drainage, growth, hurricane protection and coastal conservation. However, even given those challenges, I believe restoring trust/confidence between the Parish Council and the Parish President, and between Parish Leadership and the constituents of St. Tammany, is the most immediate and important issue we face.
5. What will be your approach to fix the financial crisis facing the parish?
I’ll meet with current/former Parish leaders and key stakeholders to better understand the facts surrounding our financial situation and seek advice on how to address it. After educating myself, I will work collaboratively with the Parish Council and key Parish Officials to develop a workable/viable plan to address the issue.
6. Bio Info:
As the oldest of four raised by a single mom, I put myself through the University of Missouri, earning a BS in Chemical Engineering. I moved to New Orleans to work as an engineer for Lockheed Martin. While working, I went to Tulane University and earned an MBA. When we were ready to start our family, my wife, Tammy, and I moved to Slidell. I retired from Laitram Machinery as Operations Director in June 2022.
CHRIS HOULIHAN
1. Why do you believe you are the best person for this position?
I was born and raised here. I have watched this Parish grow and thrive for the last 50 years. I’ve always given back to my community and now I want to serve the people. I am professionally qualified to navigate the parish government and I was raised with strong morals.
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 am fully in favor of a restricted section. Quite simply, we need to follow the laws provided by the state. The library needs to be kid friendly and aligned with community standards. This has unfortunately become a divisive political issue. We must put kids first and mend this issue.
3. How do you plan to force the Library Board to change current actions and make decisions according to St. Tammany community standards?
If the Library Board is unwilling to follow state law and align with community standards, then they need to be replaced accordingly. If there is a legal challenge in accomplishing this, then the Library Board should be dissolved, and the Parish Council should assume the role to represent the community.
4. What do you see as the most important problem that needs solving in this parish?
The culture between the Parish Council and the Parish President needs improvement. There is a lack of harmony and professional collaboration that is negatively affecting every important issue right now – including safe water, the library situation, the budget deficit, and smart housing development. It is time for a positive change.
5. What will be your approach to fix the financial crisis facing the parish?
I have a two phased approach. First – Manage spending by reviewing the budget through a conservative lens and cutting waste. Second – Increase revenue by providing a clear explanation to the public on where the money goes to let them make an educated vote for the allocation of tax money.
6. Bio Info:
I have been married to my best friend Lana for 30 years. We have raised three children here and I have a beautiful twelve-year-old granddaughter. I went to Our Lady of Lourdes and Salmen. I have worked in Transportation and Logistics for 30 years. I am a regional manager over a 10-state area for the largest delivery company in the world. I live on the West Pearl River, and I absolutely love it here.
KEVIN PETRUSKA
1. Why do you believe you are the best person for this position?
I am the best candidate for the job because I am here for the people. I am not politically connected. Leadership & service to others have always been important to me. I am persistent, honest, & transparent and will dedicate myself to doing everything in the best interest of the citizens of St. Tammany Parish.
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 am in favor of a restricted section for sexually explicit books at the public library.
3. How do you plan to force the Library Board to change current actions and make decisions according to St. Tammany community standards?
I believe we should disassociate from the ALA & govern our library on the parish level. When selecting members of the library board, we must ensure they have the best interest of our children in mind as opposed to any personal agenda.
4. What do you see as the most important problem that needs solving in this parish?
The parish has several problems. The first one we need to solve is the disconnect within the administration. We need to work together to begin resolving other concerns. Until we become resolute, we risk worsening problems.
5. What will be your approach to fix the financial crisis facing the parish?
I would study every line item on the budget to familiarize myself with each in order to work with the parish council regarding this upcoming fiscal cliff. Tax funds need to be reallocated and we need to have a system that is verifiable & auditable in a timely manner to make such determinations.
6. Bio Info:
I was born & raised in Slidell and a Slidell High graduate. I earned a degree in Finance from University of Louisiana at Lafayette. I learned core values from family & my Involvement as an Eagle Scout. I am a local business owner with Gulf South Mortgage Group. I am an active member in the business community & donate countless hours of time & philanthropy volunteering through local organizations such as Men of Steel, Krewe of Dionysus, & Krewe of Bilge.