Debbie Howell Garrot candidate for Abbeville City Council, District A

On March 26, 2022, we will be voting for a new councilperson to represent our interest in District A. I would be honored to represent the people of our district, and I am asking that you consider me for this position. Let me be your voice. I will address each issue with compassion and leadership. Together we can resolve the problems of our district and continue making District A and Abbeville a better place for all.
I am a Christian, a wife, a mother, a stepmother, a grandmother and was privileged to be a foster mom.
My Public Service Career of 32 years was in the Vermilion Parish District Attorney’s Office. I began as the Receptionist, and then advanced to head Felony Secretary and Co-Manager of our office. Some years later, I became our Office Administrator and remained Chief Felony Secretary. During this time, I witnessed first hand the felony crime rate in Vermilion Parish. I listened to the struggles of many of our Law Enforcement Officers as they tried to provide for their families on meager salaries. I can attest to excellent law enforcement, as well as Police Officers, on muncipal and state levels, who chose to go down a “dark path”. In developing the leadership and decision making skills needed as Administrator and Chief Felony Secretary, I refined my abilities as a mediator, problem solver, organizer and more. I feel that the greatest gift that I shared with so many of our citizens during these years was the gift of compassion.
In 2005, I opened my first Bed and Breakfast Cottage, a second one in 2016, and have maintained an excellent rating. I am still amazed by the large number of people from Europe, Canada and various states in the US who choose our city as their destination - whether for an overnight stay or a reservation for several weeks. They are drawn to our hospitality, friendly nature, great food, music, landscape and much more. Through this endeavor, I understand the importance tourism and of paying our local and state sales tax, especially the hotel/motel tax, which contributes to funding our State Welcome Centers, local Tourism Bureaus and some of our Museums.
Ten (10) years ago, I decided to give back to our community. I accepted a position on our Film and Visitors Commission, promoting the “Visitors” portion of that title. My projects were as follows: Movies Under the Oaks, Painting Under the Oaks, several downtown murals by renowned artist Robert Dafford, Renovation of the Gazebo in Magdalen Square, and the addition of the tables and chairs for people to enjoy in our lovely Square. We are celebrating our 10th year of the Abbeville Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market which is an ongoing project. My most recent project is our yearly Sicilian Celebration honoring the contributions to our city by Abbeville’s Sicilian Families. I attribute the success of each of these projects to the support of my family, my fellow Commissioners, Mayor Mark Piazza and the City Council, some of our local businesses, my team of wonderful friends and this great Community.
Seven years ago, I accepted an offer made by the Vermilion Parish Police Jury to serve as their Liaisons between Vermilion Parish Rabies Animal Control employees and the volunteers of Animal Aid for Vermilion Area. Three years later, I agreed to manage VPRAC and remain in that position today. In the past seven years, together with the VPPJ, Dr. Paul Whittington and his staff, AAVA and other partnering rescues, we have saved the lives of approximately 7,000 animals. We created an Owner Surrender Program, as well as a Foster Program. We have reduced the number of stray cats by trapping and altering them, established a fund to have our shelter dogs neutered and much more.
I was so honored to be named Citizen of the Year by our Louisiana Cattle Festival Association in 2016 and Person of the Year by the Abbeville Meridional Staff in 2018.
In recent years, Mayor Piazza, our City Council, along with Business and Civic Leaders, Civic Organizations and civic minded citizens, like myself, have implemented improvements and innovative, progressive ideas making Abbeville a better place for all to live, while creating an inviting atmosphere for new businesses, new residents and tourists. I recognize that we have more work to do and look forward to getting the job done.
Again, I would be honored to represent the people of District A. Whether you allow me to be your voice, or we stand side by side in addressing an issue, the interest of the citizens of our district will be the number one priority.