Lafayette's Big Vote: Health and Safety Win Big

In a significant move, Lafayette Parish voters made a choice that will impact their community's well-being. They decided to keep a property tax that supports essential services. This tax, known as a millage, brings in about $10. 8 million every year. It helps with things like fixing drainage, supporting rural fire departments, taking care of animals, controlling mosquitoes, and keeping the coroner's office running. The vote happened on a Saturday, and a majority of 70% of those who showed up supported the tax. However, only a small number of registered voters, around 6. 2%, actually participated. This means that a large portion of the community did not have a say in this important decision.This wasn't the first time this tax was up for a vote. Earlier in March, it was rejected by a narrow margin, with 52% saying no and 48% saying yes. But this time, the outcome was different. The community showed that they value these services and are willing to pay for them. It's interesting to note that even though the tax passed, the low turnout raises questions. Why didn't more people vote? Maybe they didn't know about the vote, or perhaps they didn't think their vote would make a difference. Whatever the reason, it's clear that more people need to get involved in these decisions. In the end, this vote shows that Lafayette Parish cares about its health and safety. But it also shows that there's room for improvement in getting more people engaged in the democratic process.