Campaign announcement for Jean Doerge 

     Jean Doerge will seek re-election this fall for her third and final term in office (due to term limits) as State Representative for Webster Parish.  Jean Doerge was elected in 1998 following the death of her late husband State Representative Everett Doerge. She went unopposed in 2003.

     The retired school teacher with more than thirty years of service in Webster Parish moved her focus from education to the legislature.  As a proponent of education, she has supported the future of education at all levels.  Her continued efforts to represent the needs of all citizens are evident in her work and the results of her tirelessness can be seen from one end of the parish to the other.

     Mrs. Doerge has always maintained that her success in the legislature is directly connected to the communication, collaboration and spirit of cooperation she shares with local business men and women, community leaders, elected officials and concerned citizens throughout the parish.  Her most significant contributions to our parish and our state came when she successfully authored legislation establishing a special district for the creation of a fire and emergency training service district.  This district known as the Pine Country Educational Training Center based at Camp Minden is only the second fire and emergency training facility in the entire state. 

     During her first six years in office, Mrs. Doerge was instrumental in securing major funding for projects in her district.  Obtaining funding to purchase 28 acres of property on the service road for the future construction of a new Northwest Technical College was a major accomplishment. This year’s capital outlay bill as signed by the Governor as well as SB 337 by Senator Robert Adley will provide over 14 million dollars for the future construction of this new technical college.

     Improving the quality of life for everyone in her district also resulted in the successful acquisition of funds for water and sewer improvements parish-wide. “Many water systems in our parish are in continuous need of upgrading,” states Mrs. Doerge. “HB2 will provide more than three million dollars in funding to upgrade our water systems and another nearly two million dollars for sewage improvements and renovations for various municipal facilities in our parish.” HB2 will also provide passing lanes between Sarepta and Cullen on US Highway 371. This has been an ongoing issue. Attempts to move the improvements on this highway have been requested for a segment between Cullen and Sarepta.

     Mrs. Doerge’s nine years of service has brought Webster parish many economic development opportunities, improvements for various fire districts, historic preservation and general improvements in the quality life for many residents from basic water needs to health care needs. Her persistence and determination to see a project through was witnessed by many when she initiated an innovative approach to a water problem in the Dixie Overland Water System. Working with Mike Jackson and residents in Dubberly, a grant through the LeStep program provided the much needed funding to furnish residents of dried up wells with piped water.  “Many of the residents were retirees, widows and low income families,” comments Mrs. Doerge. “This was a difficult task and many of the residents provided the labor for a major portion of this project. I am extremely proud of their efforts and I know it was difficult but I am happy that they now have water,” adds Doerge. “The Dixie Overland Water System is to be commended for their assistance in getting water to these residences. Projects such as this are what makes this job such a joy,” she adds.

     In 2003, Mrs. Doerge came to the aid of the Springhill Medical Center. Successfully designating the north Webster hospital as a rural hospital provided them with much needed resources. Her actions now insure that residents in the Springhill and surrounding communities will continue to receive quality health care.  And more collaboration with the Webster Parish Police Jury will mean additional health care provisions made possible to Springhill residents with the future construction of a Health Unit in Springhill.   Mrs. Doerge was also instrumental in securing funds for the renovation of the Spring Theatre, the Frank Anthony Park, and the Shadows Estate. 

      This year, Mrs. Doerge has authored several pieces of legislation that will improve the infrastructure of our parish, open the doors to more economic development opportunities and continue to improve the quality of life for all Webster Parish residents.

      As a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives she serves as a member of the House Appropriations committee, Health and Welfare Committee and Retirement. Mrs. Doerge will be asking for four more years and one last term as State Representative for Webster Parish.

      Many supporters of Jean Doerge will tell you quickly that there is no request too small and no task too big for this legislator. “It has been a real pleasure to serve the good people of my district,” remarks Mrs. Doerge. “ I am complimented by an impressive host of individuals who have worked closely with me. These accomplishments aren’t mine alone.  Working together regardless of party affiliation makes for good government and I will promise to continue to work for the people of my district with honest, fair and true representation.” Jean Doerge’s seniority in the House and her years of service networking with statewide elected and appointed officials will only strengthen her ability to bring even more attention to Webster Parish in the coming years.

     She is an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Minden.  Her immediate family consists of her daughter, Sherie Lester and her husband Kevin.  She is the proud grandmother of two grandsons, Justin and Jacob Lester.