By KAREN LAGRANGE COX
The following questions were emailed to Louisiana State Senate District 22 seat candidates. The election will be held on October 14, 2023.
The candidates are Hugh Andre, Dexter T. Lathan, Blake Miguez, Melinda Narcisse “Mel” Mitchell, and Phanat “PX” Xanamane.
All of these candidates were emailed this questionnaire on August 10, 2023. Candidates were advised their responses were needed no later than Monday, August 28, 2023. As of August 28, 2023, responses were not received by Andre, Lathan, Mitchell, and Xanamane. Miguez’s answers are listed below each question.
- What are your reasons for running as a candidate for Senate District 22?
Miguez: I’m running to serve as your State Senator for District 22 because we need a strong conservative voice that champions limited government, personal freedoms, and economic opportunity. I want to create a Louisiana where our children and grandchildren can thrive without having to look for opportunities in other states. - What unique qualities and skills make you the ideal candidate for State Senate District 22?
Miguez: Not only have I served as a State Representative, but I also hold the role of House Republican Majority Leader. This has armed me with the skills and conservative leadership needed to tackle our state’s challenges head-on and to be an effective advocate for our core principles in the Senate. - What do you see as the most urgent issue in District 22? What are your top priorities if elected?
Miguez: The alarming outmigration from our district is not just a demographic issue; it’s a loss of conservative values and future leaders. We lost 48,000 Louisianans last year due to poor economic conditions and rising living costs. I aim to reverse this by attracting conservative-friendly businesses and working to lower costs like outrageous insurance rates. - Miguez: Upon election, I will apply fiscally conservative, common-sense budgeting principles that I’ve used in my own business to control government growth and waste. We will root out fraud and abuse and ensure your hard-earned tax dollars are respected and wisely spent.
- Do you have plans to introduce any new legislation through the Louisiana State Senate branch of the Louisana State Legislature?
Miguez: I intend to introduce and support legislation that holds true to our conservative values: enhancing election integrity, instituting spending reforms, restructuring our tax system to incentivize growth, and defending our Second Amendment rights. I’ll also fight against the encroachment of ‘woke’ ideologies in our educational systems and work to build robust infrastructure without unnecessary spending. - To help small businesses, how would you simplify the bureaucratic red tape that small businesses have to go through?
Miguez: Small businesses are the backbone of a free-market economy. We need to cut through the bureaucratic red tape by simplifying and centralizing the sales tax collection system. This will free entrepreneurs to focus on what they do best: creating jobs and driving economic growth. - 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? If yes, what are your plans?
Miguez: Our most vulnerable citizens—such as the elderly, those with developmental disabilities, and disabled military veterans—deserve more than lip service. I will enhance and enforce existing programs to ensure their safety and well-being while making sure these initiatives are run efficiently and effectively. - 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?
Miguez: The oil and gas industry is critical to Louisiana’s economy and energy independence. My conservative approach will involve cutting unnecessary regulations and providing incentives to stimulate exploration and development so our state remains a leader in the energy sector.
By standing firm on these conservative principles, I am confident that we can improve the lives of the people in District 22 and set a course for a prosperous Louisiana.