This is the fifth in a series of candidate question and answer features St. Tammany News will run before the upcoming elections. Each candidate was asked a series of the same five questions.

Samuel Walter Abney Sr. is a retired high school teacher and coach with the St. Tammany Parish School District. A lifetime resident of south Slidell, he taught at Pearl River, Salmen and Slidell High Schools and also served as assistant baseball coach and head football coach.

Abney has a B. S. degree from SLU and is the son of former St. Tammany Police Juror Wilbert “Scrappie” Abney. Married for 37 years to Cynthia DiLorenzo Abney, they have two children, Melissa Abney Haaga and Sam Abney Jr., and three grandchildren.

SAM ABNEY

A parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Abney is a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and a lifetime member of the Louisiana High School Coaches Association and the PTA. Abney is a Republican.

What do you think is the biggest problem facing your district? The challenges of District B include blighted buildings and homes, code enforcement, drainage, sewer, roads, plus recreation and education.

What can be done to protect Slidell from future hurricanes? Promote the levee south of Slidell, better drainage and awareness for preparation to protect life and property.

Do you think the city’s finances are in good shape? If not, what can be done to improve them? I understand that sales taxes are down and businesses are facing financial hardships. After reviewing the budget, I am prepared to make necessary recommendations to cut expenses to make a positive change in government spending. The promotion of economic development and encouraging new businesses will assist with revenues to enhance the city. Tourism is a great asset that cannot be overlooked. Attracting guests through the rail system and the promotion of cultural events within the city is a great avenue to attract dollars from around the region and benefit the city.

What can be done to improve the quality of life in Slidell? During my term in office, my goal is to work on the challenges of District B including blighted buildings and homes, code enforcement, drainage, sewer, roads, plus recreation and education.

The infrastructure is an issue with sewage and drainage. The redeveloping of U.S. Highway 11 is an asset to south Slidell, with a beautification plan that will work with the citizens and businesses. Economic Development is important for our quality of life to remain good for Slidell.

What can be done to bring more jobs to the city? I fully support economic development within or out of the city limits.

Promoting high paying jobs around the city limits can only benefit the city through housing and sales revenue. As a councilman, I will examine annexation policies and work to partner with private/public partnerships to help Slidell prosper in new ventures and revitalizing existing structures.