Billy Nungesser and Why You Should Believe Him

I have a history with Plaquemines Parish. In early October of 2005 I went there attached to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers running crews to remove the debris from Hurricane Katrina. No matter what is said to the contrary this was one of my proudest moments and I stand by my work and those I worked with at the Corps. We were all good people trying to do the best job we could under the circumstances.

It was hard not to be emotionally involved as the areas we worked most were Buras and Empire, Louisiana. The two towns were destroyed to the point it looked like they had been hit by a nuclear bomb. There was nothing to speak of left and New Orleans looked good when compared to these towns. Yet the residents were some of the most courageous and proud people I have ever seen.

The people of Buras and Empire were simple people that were the salt of the earth. Simple not in a derogatory sense, but in a very endearing and honest way. These were the forgotten of all the Katrina stories, the cameras all over the TV never caught their plight. They didn't ask for anyone to feel sorry for them. They had the worst circumstance yet made the best of it.

We were constantly called criminals by the powers that were in Belle Chasse that had easy conditions by comparison. The people of Buras and Empire took us in and we held a special place in our heart for them. The Parish President at the time, took every shot at us he could. Many in the lower parts of the parish felt like he was just trying to make money off of them. Often we got pulled away from our work in political battles that seemed to be based on money. To say the least it was an aggravation to be trying to help people in a bad situation when someone seemed to trip you up every step of the way.

When I left Plaquemines Parish in December there was a sense of sorrow as we wanted to stay with these people until they had their lives back. There was also a sense of anger as we felt like the parish government had disrupted our mission. I am not a violent person, but the situation had me angry enough to walk up to the parish president and lay a right cross on him for the people of Buras and Empire. I had a Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Deputy who agreed to take me out of the parish and get me to the airport if I did it. Fortunately or unfortunately, saying goodbye to my friends proved more important on my last day.

A few days later a new contract took me a few bayous over to Terrebonne Parish where I live to this day. I always kept an eye on what was going on in Plaquemines Parish, and not long after Katrina Billy Nungesser became parish president. Knowing the politics in the parish I watched him with a suspicious eye. Over the years I came to find more in what he was saying.

Billy Nungesser gave me hope for Plaquemines Parish and the people of Buras and Empire. Mr. Nungesser speaks for the people down the river that don't have a voice, instead of just the well to do in Belle Chasse. He has done a good job and it took a lot for me to admit that.

The BP oil spill has brought out the best in the man though sometimes he looks so upset it will kill him. He has been a voice for everyone in South Louisiana when we have needed one. I have talked to friends across the country and everyone has come to know Billy Nungesser and they believe him. He is helping Terrebonne Parish which I live in by explaining our aggravations and plight along the Louisiana coast.

Many who see him on TV are impressed by this passionate man who is cutting through the usual politics. Yet it is important to understand why he is so urgent in his pleas. He is speaking for a proud people that when you ask them how they are, they are inclined to say they are doing good. He is a big change from previous administrations which included the infamous Judge Perez. This is a man who has changed things and perceptions. The man is working as hard or harder as we were because he has to look good people in the eye.