Travis Tharp

Incredible team preparing for this EXERCISE’S HYPOTHETICAL landfall tomorrow. Unfortunately Louisiana Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness is the best in the business at managing hurricanes, but even the best need to get better. https://www.getagameplan.org

Your voice matters!
Every vote contributes to shaping our future. Take a moment, make a difference, and let your voice be heard.

My experiences and accomplishments have distinguished me from my competitors, the hands-on leadership, extensive expertise, and steadfast dedication I have demonstrated in our community time and time again prove that I will be there for the citizens of Livingston Parish.

As the CERT program director, I have prepared hundreds of local residents to respond effectively to emergencies, showcasing my commitment to proactive community involvement and readiness.

Opening and operating the only pre-storm shelter in the parish during Hurricane Ida at the direction of the Livingston Parish Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, highlights my ability to navigate crises under challenging circumstances, ensuring the safety of our community when they needed it the most.

Receiving the national FEMA CERT Preparing the Whole Community Award and the Louisiana Volunteer Service Award from Lt Governor Billy Nungesser validates the effectiveness of my approach, signaling recognition from both state and national entities for my disaster management and volunteer services.

My ongoing training at the FEMA Emergency Management Institute keeps me abreast of the latest best practices, equipping me with the knowledge necessary to lead our community through potential emergencies effectively. Working closely with the Governor’s office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness has also allowed me to forge crucial inter-agency relationships, contributing to a more efficient and integrated disaster response strategy.

These experiences prove that I am not just an individual with a track record of service but a councilman with a deep understanding of emergency management and a commitment to community welfare.

https://youtu.be/Zotz-3oYeJU?si=FwDGxKWln5lXSl0t&t=9

Coffee with Candidates Night 3 | Travis Tharp Travis Tharp discusses his campaign for Parish Council District 6

Today, October 6th is World Cerebral Palsy Day

A day I choose to bring awareness to the fact that 17 million people world-wide have been diagnosed with some form of this disorder, including my Grand-Buddy Mason.

I have firsthand experience and intimate understanding of the struggles and needs of children with special needs and their families, as a grandparent of a grandson with cerebral palsy. It gives me a perspective that is rarely seen in public office, making me sensitive to issues that might often be overlooked by others.

I was honored when I was chosen to serve on the Livingston Parish School Board’s Special Education Advisory Council.

I have honed my abilities to listen, collaborate, and advocate. I have learned to work alongside educators, administrators, parents, and community members to shape policies that directly affect the most vulnerable among us. This experience teaches the value of compromise, patience, and clear communication, skills that will be directly transferable to a role on the council.

My role on the Special Education Advisory Council also allows me to engage in significant outreach activities. Through these, we foster strong connections with the community, learning more about the diverse needs, concerns, and aspirations of its members. It is this deep community engagement that I believe is essential for a councilman's role.

My focus on special education also represents a broader commitment to inclusivity and equity in our community. Ensuring that all members of our community, especially the most vulnerable, have equal access to opportunities and resources is a priority that will inform my work on the council.

My experience with the special education advisory council, coupled with my personal understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with special needs and their families, makes me a uniquely qualified candidate for councilman.
I will bring empathy, perspective, and a commitment to inclusivity and equity to the role.

My journey both personal and professional has embedded in me the deep-seated values of commitment, transparency, and steadfast dedication to the people of District 6. With four decades of memories tied to our roads, schools, businesses, and community, I am not just a candidate but a fellow resident who has worked, strived, and thrived alongside each of you. My qualifications are not mere titles or positions but are reflections of my relentless pursuit to serve, understand, and uplift every corner of our district. I humbly ask for your support, not just because of what I've done but because of what I know we can achieve together. For District 6, for our families, for our future
– I am Travis Tharp, and I am here to be your voice on the Livingston Parish Council –

Qualifications

Proud 44-year resident in District 6:
I have lived, grown, worked, and raised my family in our community for over four decades.

I know our values, our strengths, and our challenges.
Educated and Rooted in Our Community

Alumni of Walker High School:
Where I learned the values of hard work, community, and dedication.

Leadership Livingston 2022 Class Spokesperson:
Honing my leadership skills and deepening my connection to local initiatives and concerns.

A Proven Business Leader
Built a multi-million dollar commercial floor covering business from scratch: I know what it takes to turn dreams into realities and know the dedication it requires. I understand the challenges of running a business and have faced the pressures of making payroll. I have experienced firsthand how government overreach can hinder and strangle local businesses.

Preparedness and Public Safety Advocate
Trained in emergency management at FEMA's Emergency Management Institute.

Nationally recognized and given FEMA’s 2020 National Preparing the Whole Community award for my work in the parish post 2016 flood.

Founded a disaster preparedness nonprofit:
Community Emergency Response Team Inc which educated and trained nearly a thousand parish residents in disaster readiness, ensuring our community is resilient in the face of adversity.

Chairman of the Louisiana Citizens Corps Council:
Continuously advocating for a prepared, safe, and empowered community.

Champion for Education and Special Needs
As the PawPaw of a grand-buddy who has cerebral palsy I understand the challenges faced by some of the most vulnerable among us. I am very proud to have been selected to be a member of the Livingston Parish School Board’s Special Needs Advisory Council where I can work to ensure that all our children receive the education and support they deserve.

Appointed Commissioner to the Volunteer Louisiana Commission by the Governor and Lt. Governor of Louisiana: reinforcing my commitment to community service and volunteerism representing our state nationally.

It is so great to get to give back to the community. It was such a pleasure to get to work with the City of Denham Springs - Mayor & City Council the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce and Livingston Council On Aging to create this beautiful outdoor oasis for our seniors.

Honored to be a 2022 graduate and Class spokesperson for the Livingston Parish Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Livingston Program, I deeply appreciate the unparalleled experience and education it has provided. Under the adept leadership of April Wehrs and her dedicated team, this program diligently prepares the areas best and brightest to address the pressing challenges our parish faces while celebrating our distinctive culture and diversity. It has been a privilege to be a part of this transformative journey. Armed with this invaluable knowledge and perspective, I am committed to championing our community's aspirations as your voice on the Livingston Parish Council District 6.

My appointment to the Volunteer Louisiana Commission by Governor Jon Bell Edwards and Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser demonstrates their confidence in my leadership, vision, and dedication to public service.

This experience gives me a broader perspective and deeper understanding of the governance and policy-making processes at the state level. It has allowed me to build relationships with key stakeholders across the state, which will be invaluable in serving our parish effectively.

This appointment has allowed me to work directly on initiatives that improve our community's quality of life. By being directly involved in volunteer efforts and the Lieutenant Governor’s office of disaster services, I have had hands-on experience tackling some of our region's most pressing issues, managing emergency disaster response, education, environmental conservation, and public health.

This real-world experience and proven track record set me apart from my opponents. When elected, I promise to leverage these connections and the knowledge I have gained to ensure our parish gets the resources and attention it deserves.

Come out tonight and visit with the candidates. This is a great opportunity to express your concerns and insight. Hope to see you there