by KAREN LAGRANGE COX
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The following questions were emailed to Louisiana State Representative 43 seat candidates. The election will be held on October 14, 2023.
The candidates are Josh Carlson and Ludwig Gelobter. Both were emailed this questionnaire on August 10, 2023. Candidates were advised their responses were needed no later than Monday, August 28, 2023. Responses were not received by Gelobter as of August 28, 2023. Carlson’s answers are below.
- What are your reasons for running as a candidate for Louisiana Representative District 43?
Carlson: I believe Louisiana is a crossroads. We must make big changes in order to make our State more competitive so that our children and grandchildren have a state they can be proud to call home. - What unique qualities and skills make you the ideal candidate for State Representative of District 43?
Carlson: As a member of the Lafayette Parish Council for District 3, I have been working on issues for the past 4 years that directly affect District 43, which overlaps Parish Council District 3 by approximately 70%. Additionally, I have already been working with our Acadiana legislative delegation, so I already have relations with my colleagues and am very familiar with the issues affecting the District. - What do you see as the most urgent issue in District 43?
Carlson: The most pressing issue facing District 43 is the overall business climate of the state. If we don’t drastically change the how we do business, we won’t be able to compete with surrounding states. - What are your top priorities if elected?
Carlson: Improving Educational outcomes is one of my top priorities. Education is directly tied to crime, business retention and recruitment, economic development, and workforce readiness. We cannot continue to perform poorly in our Schools and hope to compete with neighboring states. - Do you have plans to introduce any new legislation through the Louisiana State House of Representatives branch of the Louisana State Legislature?
Carlson: I have plans to introduce legislation creating a framework for insurance captives creating specialized insurance funds for certain industries, which will help reduce the cost of insurance. Additionally, I want to propose legislation that would require automobile insurance to cover specific drivers, not just the vehicle. This too will reduce the cost of insurance in the state. - To help small businesses, how would you simplify the bureaucratic red tape that small businesses have to go through?
Carlson: I plan to streamline and simplify our tax code, making it easier and simpler to understand and pay taxes. Additionally, I plan to remove many of our workforce licensing requirements so we have more people who are able to work in the State. - Our elderly, those with developmental disabilities, and military veterans with disabilities are some of our most vulnerable citizens and are at greater risk for abuse and neglect. Do you have plans to ensure the safety, protection, and well-being of our citizens who are elderly, have developmental disabilities, or are military veterans with disabilities?
Carlson: I would create stiff penalties and mandatory minimum penalties for anyone found abusing or harming our most vulnerable citizens. I would also make the the reporting and compliance for companies working with these citizens more of a priority. - Considering the various issues currently impacting oil and gas companies in Louisiana, could you please share any plans or strategies you intend to implement to stimulate exploration and development in the state?
Carlson: I would help stop legacy and coastal lawsuits that have crippled the oil and gas industry. Additionally, I would help lower the severance tax so we can better compete with Texas.
