Candidate Profile-State Senate Dist. 4-Warren A Ducote, Jr. (D)

Birth date: 8/28/48

Profession: Retired teacher and USAF Officer

Educational background: B.S. Education and M.A.T.

Public service (elected or appointed offices): None

Community service (service clubs, nonprofit boards, etc.): Treasurer, CDA Teachers Credit Union, Board of Directors, CDA Public Golf Course, and member of St. Pius Parish Council

How many years as a resident of your city: 33

Marital status: Married

Family: 3 Children and 3 Grandchildren

Hobbies: Golf, Boating, Photography, and Traveling

1. Why are you running for office? I am running for office because I am very concerned with the direction our state and country are headed. I have the time, energy, and skills needed to pursue this office. I am a retired teacher and have been involved in the education professsion both as a teacher and administrator for 34 years. We need more balance in our legislature.

2. What do you see as the three biggest issues you’ll face? The biggest issue we face is improving our economy and creating jobs that provide individuals and families with liveable wages. Strenghthening our public education system through meaningful and thoughtful reform is essential. Rejecting Propositions 1, 2, and 3 will be a step in the right direction. Lastly, working to improve the image and the

ethics of our Legislature is important.

3. If elected, what steps will you take to resolve these issues? As far as improving the economy, we need to support the right of workers to earn a fair and decent living so that they have the ability to purchase products and services. I will work to restore our manufacturing capacity and increase exports. I will also work to provide a fiscally responsible and equitable tax system. The second issue, education, is very much related to improving our economy and creating jobs. By ensuring that our students are prepared for the 21st C., educationally speaking, they will be more qualified to apply for higher paying jobs. I will work very hard to strenghthen public education by allowing teachers and parents to have more input into the reform process, assuming Props 1, 2, and 3 are rejected. Finally, I will work toward

creating an independent Ethics Commission that will fairly investigate unethical, inappropriate, and/or possible illegal behavior and take appropriate action to punish misconduct. Our legislature in my opinion lacks balance, diversity of opinion, and in too many cases, integrity. Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

4. What specific skills or experience qualify you for this job? I have served in the military as an Air Force officer, where I learned the importance of teamwork, discipline, honor, and the importance of completing the mission. I have had the opportunity to supervise people both in the military and in the education profession. I believe that I possess the necessary personal qualities and skills to serve my constituents well in the Senate.

5. Why should voters elect you, rather than an opponent? Voters should elect me because I believe there is a need for change in who represents the 4th District. My opponent has served for 12 years and I think he has lost touch with the people he serves. I am retired and can devote more time and energy to representing the good people of the 4th District. I also firmly believe there are a great many voters that are very upset with his advocacy of Props 1, 2, and 3.