Nicholls to host forum introducing U.S. Senate candidates

U.S. Senate candidates will discuss issues relevant to the Bayou Region during the U.S. Senate Forum tonight at 6 p.m. in Peltier Auditorium.

Nicholls Student Government Association partnered with The Lafourche Parish Chamber of Commerce and Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce to host a forum where candidates campaigning for retiring representative Sen. David Vitter’s open seat in the senate can discuss issues such as coastal restoration, health care, energy and workforce development. John Lombardo, Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce and Lafourche Government Affairs chairman, said forum is an opportunity to allow a chance for citizens to have input about which individuals represent them in Washington D.C.

“We’re trying to provide an opportunity to the community and the area to meet the top four candidates and get to know where they stand on issues that very much concern Terrebonne, Lafourche and the surrounding areas,” Lombardo said.

The four candidates are attending are U.S. Representative Charles Boustany- R from Lafayette, attorney Caroline Fayard- D from New Orleans, Treasurer John Kennedy- R and Foster Campbell- D from Shreveport.

After each candidate gives a one-minute opening statement, moderator Paul Wilson will ask the candidates a series of questions concerning topics such as coastal erosion, oilfield, agriculture, healthcare, energy and workforce development. The candidates will also receive questions from panelists with specific fields of expertise. Lombardo encourages people of all kinds to come out and hear what the candidates have to say.

“Not everyone is an expert on financial policy or on oil and gas but we have some experts that are and for everyone else in attendance it’s an opportunity to learn about the topics or hear something interesting, research it and maybe become a champion for that cause,” Lombardo said.

While there were other venues the forum could have been hosted, a committee chose to host the event on campus.

“Nicholls represents a great hub for business and other interests to this parish and it just makes sense to be in a place so central and focused to our region,” Lombardo said.

As an encouragement for people to vote in the upcoming months, Lombardo said, “I think a lot of individuals feel like their voice can never become part of the bigger conversation but anyone can see throughout the country that one voice can really make a big difference.”

Lombardo also said he promotes the welcoming of new ideas during the forum.

“I think everyone should take advantage of this opportunity on Thursday for the sake of being more knowledgeable even if it’s from meeting one individual that might have new ideas,” Lombardo said.