Recently I was looking back at what we have accomplished as a team.  One of the main concerns after being elected by the great citizens of Leesville was that we needed jobs. Then boom! Just like that God provided and Industrial Park was filled with a great tenant. Since opening they have brought 250 jobs to our community with intensions on expanding. Then as the priority shifted to restaurants God made the way again. We have been fortunate enough to add a variety of restaurants on the north end of town that are doing very well. But the need for chain restaurants and shopping still remains on the forefront. 

A sore subject that we have tackled since day one was the need to repair our infrastructure. But what people don’t remember is that prior to my administration the last roads ever to be repaired or overlaid were done 16 years earlier by Mr. Shapkoff’s administration. No blame to anyone because when you look at the books of the city you can easily see it was not any of the past Mayors faults. There just simply was no money to do any repairs to the streets. As a matter of fact they barely had enough money to keep the water system operational. 

Now you can say, well they should have done this or they should have done that. But the truth is during that time there was no options to increase revenue or profitability to have the funds available to even be able to do the necessary repairs to the infrastructure. Do I wish it would have been handed to me in better shape? Yes.  Do I wish we weren’t trying to overcome 16 years of neglect because of revenue and funding? Yes. But rather than us focusing on what we didn’t have we will continue to focus on the future and march forward. 

During these 2 terms since our administration has been serving we have spent millions of dollars on our streets and for the first time in history we have budgeted and spent money every year on the streets, water and sewer departments. We can proudly say we have done this all without borrowing money or going into debt. No the process is not as fast as some would like but even the naysayers have to admit that God has been good to us here in Vernon Parish. 

Nationwide we are known for our great relationship with the leadership at Fort Polk. We thank them tremendously for being such a great partner to the City of Leesville. 

I’ve heard it said that you can’t drive forward while looking in the rear view mirror. I’ve also heard it said that the windshield is bigger than the rear view mirror for a reason. I think it is necessary to focus on the future but being thankful for our blessings helps us remember what we have accomplished together.

Feeling Thankful, 

Your Mayor,

Rick Allen