Kirby Roy for Louisiana State Representative
I am now publishing letters written to and for the people of Avoyelles Parish here on my website. I would like the voters to know that I am not only asking for your vote, but I am already working for your vote. Please look at the letters I have written, my biography, and my resume on my new page. Please check back frequently as I will publish more information as I compose them.
Please contact me on my feedback page. I look forward to hearing from and working with the people.
You can also see my letter to the members of the Avoyelles Parish School System on by Blog.
Official Announcement: Candidacy for Louisiana State Representative for the People of the Parish of Avoyelles
TO: PEOPLE OF AVOYELLES PARISH
Once again, I am asking that you vote (Oct. 2011) for me as your full-time (at current pay schedule) State Representative. I know that I am asking a lot from you when I ask for your vote, but I know that I can and will do this job well for you. It takes a certain type of mentality to deal with the public and I have so much valuable experience in that area. Being a coach and teacher in public schools, handling labor in the fields, teaching martial arts, working with the public as President of the Police jury, being a leader in many civic and community organizations has given me the valuable experience that I need to serve you well. Even though it has not been easy, I have always been able to place the needs of others first. That is an attitude that I consider a must in public service.
My family has a long history of public service and I would like to continue this tradition. I have been known as “Coach” for over 30 years. Being an educator has been my passion and I have seen the results of my work in the success of my students. I grew up in Mansura and attended Mansura High School graduating in 1972. I was a farmer, with my father, until 1993, so I know the plight of farmers very well and I will work for them. At this time, I rent property to Mr. James Deshotel with a positive relation. My mother, Marjorie Roy, was head of Green Thumb for many years. My grandfather was Dr. Kirby Roy and my great grandfather was Dr. Thomas Roy who served as Mayor of Mansura and Coroner and Sheriff of Avoyelles. My great uncle was V.L. Roy who was superintendent of schools and started the well-known 4-H program. Even though I had a hearing problem, my parents encouraged me to make the best of myself. I have a Masters Degree and I thank my parents for their help and inspiration. Now I want to give back to my community and parish.
My life has not always been a bed of roses. I have raised five children and lost two of them. No parent should have to bury a child, but I have survived and push on. I lost Mandy in a murder-suicide when she was only 22(March 7, 1998). Because of her, I now serve on the Domestic Violence Outreach Board. I also lost my son in a so-called hunting accident on November 20, 2004, at the age of 18. The tears have never stopped but have slowed down. Both of these tragedies have put my family through many court cases and unbelievable stress. I push on and try to forgive those who caused our problems. My personal relationship with God, my many good friends, my devoted family and my work with you, the people of Avoyelles, keeps me going and gives my life purpose. I always look at what I have left and try not to look at what I have lost.
My experiences in dealing with a family, working and coaching in public schools, putting all my children through the public school system, growing up on a family farm, being a volunteer bus driver without accepting any pay, working as a mental health specialist for low income families for six years, and being a public servant have prepared me for the full-time job of Representative that I am now asking for. My former basketball players and martial art students are helping me with this campaign and I ask that you welcome them when they call on you. I also kept the public informed on police jury matters and parish events for eight years and now discuss community/civic organizations on KLIL and jobs on KAPB each month.
I serve on many different boards in the parish and hold memberships in many organizations in the parish. I am 55 years old and have handled some touchy situations, but I always took a stand and made the decision that I thought was best for the people I serve. I have fumbled and stumbled many times, but I get right back up and get the job done. I’m not perfect and I do make mistakes. I believe in action more than words, which means talking the talk and walking the walk.
Children are our most precious commodity. Having raised five of my own, coached hundreds and served as a teacher/mentor for thousands, I want their future to be better than what we had. That is always the desire of any parent. I serve(d) on the Boys and Girls Club Committee, Avoyelles Community College Board, Spring Bayou Board, worked with the school board for three years while President of the Police Jury to have a summer recreation program, JAG Specialist, Teen Institute, supervisor for student teachers for four years and many other youth service projects too numerous to mention. If you have been part of something, chances are we crossed paths.
I thank you for supporting me during all of those years and I now ask that you give me the chance to serve you as your Representative. I understand the tremendous public trust involved, but I know that I am ready to assume this job and promise you my full attention to this job. If you call me, I will answer or return the call. If you have a problem and bring it to my attention, I will do my best to solve it. I will be there for you and yours on a full-time basis. Please give me this opportunity and join my team. I will be a voice and not just fill a chair.
My best to you and your families,
Click here for the printable personal letter from Kirby to the citizens of Avoyelles Parish.