Pets and Politics

Written by Betsy O'Leary

Photos by Johnny Chauvin

If you are a pet owner in Tangipahoa or Livingston Parish, you may already know Dr. Bill Wheat, DVM. As an area veterinarian for over 40 years, he has provided a high level of commitment and compassion when treating his animal patients. As the State Representative for District 73 in Southern Tangipahoa Parish, he has shown those same values when representing his constituents in Baton Rouge.

Representative Wheat has now set his sights on the newly created Senate District 37, the result of a burgeoning population shift to three parishes — Livingston, Tangipahoa, and St. Tammany. Wheat notes that District 37 is large and fully-encompasses the entire House District 73, so once elected, he will still serve all his current constituents.

GIVING A VOICE TO THE NORTHSHORE IN BATON ROUGE

As the new district has no incumbent, Wheat looks forward to becoming the voice in the Baton Rouge Senate to those living in the region, sharing their unique concerns. For instance, many residents of Livingston Parish and southern Tangipahoa expressed their unease with the carbon dioxide capture and sequestration beneath Lake Maurepas. Representative Wheat urged caution to slow the process until more can be learned about the long-term effects.

Infrastructure improvements for roads and bridges, drainage, traffic congestion, along with the rising crime rates are some of the other concerns that Dr. Wheat is committed to work on within the new Senate District.

ROOTS RUN DEEP IN SOUTHEAST LOUISIANA

Dr. Wheat is a lifelong resident and native son of Ponchatoula. He was born and raised on a small farm on the east side of Ponchatoula where the core values of community involvement, helping neighbors and human kindness were instilled in his character. He built his thriving veterinarian practice on the west side of the city. Before becoming a public servant, Representative Wheat was always active in identifying a need in the community and working on a solution for it. He was involved with establishing the Ponchatoula Area Recreational District (PARD) and was its commissioner for a decade, developing programs for youth activities.

Dr. Wheat has chaired Ponchatoula Youth Baseball and Softball programs, served on the Strawberry Festival Board as well as its king, and was Ponchatoula Citizen of the Year in 2011. As a veterinarian, Dr. Wheat realized the need to establish an animal shelter in the parish and was instrumental in lobbying extensively to develop the animal control program.

While wearing his legislator hat, Representitive Wheat pushed state leaders to address the long-delayed 1983 flood settlement. Thanks to his diligence, some people in the hardest hit areas are now receiving their award letters 40 years after the disaster. He has served on multiple legislative committees, including the House Committees on Appropriations, Natural Resources, Agriculture, School Safety, and Joint Medicaid Oversight. He believes his past speaks to his commitment to bringing the area a successful future.

When asked why do you want to become the State Senator for District 37? Dr. Wheat is quick to point to his family. His wife, Andrea Hebert Wheat, four children; Derek Wheat, Dana Daigle, Kristen King, Kellie Turnage, along with their spouses and his seven beautiful grandchildren are the best reason to want to help with solutions for Louisiana. “I want every family to have the resources and opportunities to succeed in our area.”

ALWAYS ACCESSIBLE TO THOSE IN NEED

Dr. Wheat wants everyone to know he is totally accessible to the public and readily communicates with his constituents. He’s easily reached at his Legislative office number (985) 386-7844, on his Facebook campaign page, and at drbillwheatstatesenate@gmail. com.  He can also be found at his vet clinic, Animal Care Center in Hammond and Pet Care Center in Ponchatoula, where he proudly talks “Pets and Politics” with everyone who has the time and inclination to do so.