John Bernhardt tells The Indsider he is resigning his position as chairman of the Lafayette Parish Democratic Executive Committee. Bernhardt, an attorney and president of Empire Energy Corporation, says he now has several work obligations outside the parish and can no longer be as active as he would like as chairman. Bernhardt was elected to a four-year term in 2007. He says he will remain on the committee, which will likely vote in the next two months on its next chairman. Here’s his full statement:
It is with regret I hereby announce my intent to resign as Chairman of the Lafayette Parish Democratic Executive Committee effective October 1, 2009. I am very proud of the accomplishments of the last two years. The Committee and Democratic Party has proudly been a part of world changing events. The Election of our President has brought us back to America's core values as a democracy. We again will govern consistently with our Constitution. We have regained respect in the world's eyes. America has always been and now again is the one country on earth where a person’s dreams can come true with hard work, determination and character. A large percentage of the great accomplishments by Americans were achieved by first and second generation immigrants. The Chairman of the Democratic Party in Lafayette Parish needs to help grow the party with such ideals and to encourage public service by our citizens. The Chairman should encourage our citizens to seek public office as a Democrat and know he or she will have our support. I unfortunately have many obligations which keep me out of the parish at this time. I feel we need a chairman who will be here daily to lend a hand to all our citizens who need us. It is has been my pleasure and honor to serve. Thank you and God bless America.