Dear Claiborne One Visitor:
I'm honored to have this opportunity to share some of the "good news" happening in Homer. I commend the producers on this outstanding new publication which has certainly been received favorably in our area.
Nestled in the rolling hills of rural Claiborne Parish, Homer hails as the parish seat of the Greek influenced community which was 
incorporated in 1850. That being so, it was fitting that we celebrated our Sesquicentennial - 150th Birthday in the year 2000.
Having been mayor for more than two and one-half years, I can truly admit that Homer is being positioned to ensure its viability for 150 more years. Economic development projects, upgrading the infrastructure, and soliciting external funds are all priorities that this administration has focused on. We are well on our way to achieving our goals.
Just recently, the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana conducted an evaluation of our fire department and water system. The good news is we've maintained our rating as a Class 4 department and we're making progress toward being a Class 3 community by January 2002. These outstanding results are due to the hard work and dedication of our volunteer firemen under the leadership of Chief Dennis Butcher.
We're pleased with the results of several grants that the Town of Homer has received. We've rehabilitated several hundred feet of sewer lines, constructed 2.6 miles of walking trails, and repaved several streets which has tremendously improved our infrastructure. With a $25,000 grant from the Governor's Office of Rural Development, we are completing phase two of City Hall Improvements. Most recently, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry has awarded the town $5,000 to replace the Bradford Pear trees with Crepe Myrtle trees in the downtown historic district. All of these grants and others are helping us realize goals which were once considered dreams.
In cooperation with the Clean City Committee, we're cleaning up our town. We are making property owners responsible and accountable for cutting overgrown lots and removing abandoned cars and dilapidated structures. Committee Chairman Pete Pearson is to be commended for this untiring efforts of volunteerism on this major undertaking.
Citizens of Homer welcome several new businesses and developments which opened recently. HealthSouth Rehabilitation Center, Smiling Jack's Video, Subway, and Burger Shack provide not only jobs, but taxes to support services and activities for the town.
With so many achievements behind us, Homer is destined for even greater heights. Our schools, churches, hospital and community leaders are making plans to promote the continued growth of our town.
We have a proud past and most importantly, a promising future. Check us out!
All the best, I remain ...
David J. Aubrey
