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Tassin Running for Futrell's Seat By MIKE DUNNE

Tassin Running for Futrell's Seat


By MIKE DUNNE
Advocate staff writer

Metro Councilwoman Martha Jane Tassin said late Monday she will seek the Louisiana House of Representatives District 66 seat being vacated by incumbent state Rep. Mike Futrell, R-Baton Rouge.
Futrell announced recently he would step down and become the state director for U.S. Sen.-elect David Vitter. The special election to fill Futrell’s seat will be held later this spring.
Tassin, also a Republican, now represents about half of District 66 in her role as District 6 Metro Council representative. She was re-elected this fall after having been elected more than three years ago to fill the post vacated by her late husband, Mike Tassin.
“As a longtime resident of District 66, I know firsthand that our area has been well represented by Mike Futrell,” Tassin said. “Mike and I have worked closely together on a number of issues important to the constituents we share and, as the next representative for District 66, I hope to continue his legacy of positive public service in the Legislature.”
Tassin, an LSU graduate, is a retired teacher with 20 years of experience in the East Baton Rouge Parish school system. In addition to her council duties, she serves as the chairman of the East Baton Rouge Parish Planning Commission. She and her son Bradley reside in Broadmoor subdivision.
Tassin outlined her top three priorities for District 66 and all of Louisiana if elected:
--Improving public education. “As a former teacher, I know what it’s like to serve on the front lines teaching our children every day,” she said.
--Continuing the many road and infrastructure projects across the district. “Mike Futrell did so much to move Baton Rouge area road projects to the top of the priority list, and I intend to keep them there. I will fight to make sure we see the long-awaited improvements to Airline Highway begin next year” along with improvements on Old Hammond Highway, Tassin said.
--Bringing more and better paying jobs to the greater Baton Rouge.
“The economic development of our Capital Region is critical to the future growth of Louisiana. Just as I have on the Metro Council, I will work with the (state) Department of Economic Development and my contacts within the district to lure the right kind of companies by using innovative approaches that make Baton Rouge an attractive job partner,” Tassin said.
She is a member of the 2004 Chamber of Greater Baton Rouge Leadership Class, the board of directors of Working To Achieve, the “CAN DO!” Advisory Board, the Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) Advisory Board, and the Arthritis Alliance Board of Directors.
District 66 includes Afton Oaks, Broadmoor, Cedarcrest, Eastgate, Goodwood Homesites, Lake Sherwood Acres, Sherwood Forest, Villa Del Rey and Woodland Ridge subdivisions.