INTRODUCTION

Coming from a long line of sugar farmers, Dale Hymel is the President of the Council for St. James Parish, lying roughly halfway between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. In spite of his tie to farming, Hymel recognizes that “the majority of people realize that industry in this area is the driving force in the parish. Without industry we would have to go back to where we were before in the thirties and forties with just agriculture and trapping and logging. That doesn't pay a whole lot of money in wages.” The industry Hymel refers to is eighteen chemical plants and manufacturers of all sizes, which employ approximately 1,800 people and contribute significantly to the local tax base.

To keep the parish economy growing, Hymel believes that the parish government should assist all business and industry in developing in any way it can. He said that the government will provide companies with access to office space, phone, and copy machines while they are getting set up in the parish. He also believes that local government representatives should “walk” companies through the permitting process, making them aware of parish ordinances and regulations, and generally make the businesses feel welcome.

Hymel believes that community residents have a minimal role in decision making concerning which industries should be welcomed into the parish. He views the community's role as electing leaders, such as himself, who will, in turn, make the development decisions for the parish.