Kambri A. Williams' Letter to the Editor

Re: Controversy Between Town of Franklinton Administration and Doug Williams , dba CD Enterprise Products Co.
Kambri A. Williams, daughter of Doug Williams and an officer with CD Enterprise Products Co., expressed her thoughts about a controversy that has developed following Doug Williams' proposal to purchase property in the Industrial Park from the Town of Franklinton. Ms. Williams submitted a “Letter to the Editor” dated April 29, 2017. 
For background, scroll down to our April 28, 2017 article headlined “Harsh Words Heard at Franklinton Council Meeting” and view the video.

April 29th, 2017

Dear Editor,

I am writing to express our concern that the Town of Franklinton’s mayor (Richard Dillon), attorney (Ellen Creel), and auditor/CPA (Bruce Harrell) are inhibiting growth and job opportunities for residents. These town officials have refused new businesses from purchasing the city’s land that is allotted for Industrial/Commercial growth, causing the community to remain economically stagnant.

I am co-owner of CD Enterprise Products Co., a wholesale building material manufacturing facility that will be producing bricks, blocks, and pavers, catering to industrial/commercial buildings, residential homes, and roads. At the initial meeting in January 2017 with Mayor Richard Dillon, we presented a proposal to purchase property in Franklinton’s Industrial Park to start production. Mayor Richard Dillon’s initial words were “why don’t you all buy land elsewhere?” After disregarding the comment, we persisted in requesting what was required to obtain the industrial property. Bruce Harrell, the town’s auditor, indicated what was needed. Soon after we provided all that was requested, the above officials sat on the process with no movement for three months.

Mayor Richard Dillon blamed the extended length of time on the Louisiana State Statue’s process (LA. 33:4717.2). The problem is that he created unnecessary delays by waiting three months before he ordered the appraisal and started the State Statue process, despite our consistent and diligent follow up.

After many follow up meetings, we found that nothing ever moved forward or progressed. In private meetings with the above officials, the only thing that was enacted was the request for more information (just kicking the can down the road). We decided to cancel a private meeting scheduled for April 24th to go public at the town hall meeting to inform all committee members and town residents the details of what was conspiring privately.

Even though we have the necessary bank financing arranged, own the needed equipment, and have years of experience in the industry, we were asked by town attorney Ellen Creel, why were we in such a “rush” to purchase the land and start production. We understand that time is money, which means that the economic progression of the community is prolonged as well. This means the local medium-income jobs that were going to be provided are now delayed. The city’s revenue for roads, public schools, public safety, and local hospitals are also being affected due to this delay.

We need city leaders that understand the devastating impact of refusing economic growth. As a community, we expect our leaders to be diligent and concerned about the growth of our parish and its’ residents. Creating conflict against new businesses that aspire to generate revenue in Washington Parish is counterproductive for everyone.

Regards,