You will decide the leadership of Louisiana and Lafayette City-Parish governments for the next four years. Additionally, you will determine the fate of two propositions which, if approved, will have significant impact on the future of our public schools and the way we govern the City and Parish of Lafayette.

Your Chamber has taken stands on the two referendum proposals; opposing the "deconsolidation” of Lafayette Consolidated Government and issuing a neutral position on the proposal seeking approval on a $561-million bond issue for construction of public schools. Information relevant to the two Chamber actions can be found at http://lafchamber.org/newsspotlight/bChamber-Weighs-in-on-School-Bond-Proposal and http://lafchamber.org/newsspotlight/bChamber-Calls-for-Reconstituted-Charter-Commission. Additional information may be found at http://lpssonline.com/lpssmasterplan.

Empower PAC, the political action arm of the Chamber, has issued endorsements for certain candidates seeking election to various state and parish offices. Please, visit http://lafchamber.org/newsspotlight/bEmpower-PAC-Endorses-Candidates for more information.

Finally, you will consider five proposed amendments to the Louisiana State Constitution. Visit http://www.la-par.org/Publications/PDF/9-9_Amendments_Final.pdf for details on the suggested changes.

The election ballot will be lengthy and there may be a limit as to how much time you may spend in the voting booth; study all of the issues in advance so that you may cast an informed vote.

Please, exercise your most basic of American rights.