The other day I interviewed the mayor of New Iberia, Freddie DeCourt.
Freddie was an interesting guy and an atypical mayor. I don’t usually have a whole lotta interest in politicians—I’m usually much more drawn to tradespeople, engineers, construction folk, builders, artists—people who do stuff with their hands.
Freddie feels more like the cut-up class clown who somehow made good and became a builder. Because I think he honestly did. And then, later, looking at all the things that could be built in New Iberia, he took on mayor—which he’s now done for eight years.
He brings a vision, collaborative energy, and a can-do attitude—”look what we can do together if we really want it.”
Our conversation ranged from childhood, to boats and the river, to life in small-town Louisiana, to rustling up enough money and energy to make great things happen. Freddie’s projects include a space for public events downtown by the bayou, two marinas along Bayou Teche, a visitors center, historical callouts all over town, and much more.
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