Concerned Citizens of ST. Tammany (CCST) is a grass roots, non-partisan, diverse citizens group that was incorporated as a “not for profit organization”. The original organization Concerned Citizens of Lacombe was founded in January 2010. Although the organization concept was on the minds of many people in 2010, the group mobilized quickly and formidably when the Parish Zoning Dept., permitted a Waste Transfer Station in the front entrance to Lacombe at the intersection of I-12 & Hwy 434. This was done in our opinion under the radar and without a public hearing.
Within 60 days of our establishment of CCL, we had a membership of approximately 150 people and in less than one year we had a membership of over 600 people. CCL brought a community together like never before with support from people all over St Tammany Parish. CCL’s mission was to truly represent the people regardless of race, creed, color, nation origin or economic status. The goals were simple yet vitally important to the citizens of Lacombe and all of St Tammany to insure honest transparency in combination with positive and appropriately planned growth. CCL decided that it will be a proactive partner in the community and will help to enhance the quality of life for all of our citizens.
After winning the legal battle in court, CCL Board led by President Rick Franzo decided that after witnessing such blatant abuse of power and back door deals, the only way to effectively change this “good ole boy” system was to have CCL go Parish wide under the name of Concerned Citizens of St. Tammany. This would give us the ability to reach more people and better serve the community.
Concerned Citizens of St. Tammany, President Rick Franzo and Terry King who is the author of the book “Dead People, Crazy People, Drugs and Politicians” came together during the corruption issues surrounding the St. Tammany Parish Coroner’s office and former Coroner Peter Galvan. With the help of the media and CCST, a great deal of pressure was put on the law enforcement, which ultimately led to the indictment of Peter Galvan. Terry’s experience and knowledge fighting the Coroner, led to establishment of CCST Investigative Committee, which Terry King has chaired since 2012. The years that followed, CCST Investigative Committee assisted in the indictments of the St. Tammany Parish District Walter Reed, St. Tammany Parish Sheriff Jack Strain and approximately 30 others to date both in St. Tammany or surrounding Parishes.
Through the years, CCST organization continued to grow and evolve into a Parish wide “WatchDog Group” being involved with some of the highest profile issues in St. Tammany, as it relates to corruption, ethics, infrastructure, zoning, high density developments, taxes, School Board, Library Board, Fire Boards, Recreation Boards, Human Trafficking, St. Tammany Levee Board, Family Court, City and Parish Council, while working with various law enforcement agencies when applicable.
Concerned Citizens of St Tammany simply wants and supports, “Good Government”! CCST will be St Tammany Parish Government’s best supporter and cheerleader when our government is working openly and honestly for taxpayers. Conversely, we will be its worst opponent when we witness bad government and will actively seek accountability of any and all in our government when we observe unethical or questionable behavior.
The measure of a person is measured by the charter of the soul and the actions they take in their journey!
Respectfully,
Rick Franzo /President Concerned Citizens of St. Tammany
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