Though he made efforts, newly-elected Louisiana Representative Andy Anders said that attempts to stall the enactment of Act 12 would have to wait until the spring legislative session.

But Anders assured members of Ferriday’s Chamber of Commerce Wednesday that he would not ignore the issue.

“This thing is going to get worked out,” he said.

Anders was the guest speaker at the chamber’s monthly meeting.

During a special session in December, Anders and other representatives brought a resolution before the House that asked Gov. Kathleen Blanco to postpone the enactment of Act 12, a piece of legislation that would require new home or business construction to be inspected by a certified building officer, which will cost builders more money.

The governor could not legally suspend enactment of Act 12 until the session in April because it had already been made law, Anders said Wednesday.

The law took effect Jan. 1.

After the meeting, Anders said he would continue to meet with local police juries in the district, senators and representatives to discuss what action they will take toward Act 12 once the session starts in April.

Police Jury President Melvin Ferrington said by phone Wednesday the jury would not change its rules in the building application process.

Ferrington said the jury will continue to issue building permits to contractors or homebuilders and give them a certified building officer’s contact information.

Once the officer has signed the permits, Ferrington said they will sign a waver with the clerk of courts office and the builder can start construction.

“Because the more we get involved in it, I think it will cost more money to the home builder,” he said.

Ferrington said he thinks amendments will be made to Act 12 at the spring legislative session that will help Concordia Parish.

“I do think they’ll (make an) amendment to it because it’s not fair for our homebuilders and contractors to bear the burden to something we don’t have any problem with,” Ferrington said. “We’re not in a hurricane zone here. We may have 50 to 60 mile-per-hour winds but not hurricanes, so why penalize us?”

In other business at the meeting:

4Director of the Ferriday Music Museum Judith Bingham said Ferriday’s Music Festival is scheduled for April 17.

Bingham said the museum will induct country duo Dale Houston and Grace Broussard into its hall of fame.

4 Mignonne Ater, dean of the Louisiana State Technical College, Ferriday, said the college is accepting applications for free welding, air condition and refrigeration and forklift operation classes.

Ater said applicants must be 18 years old or older, a resident of Louisiana, have a social security card and must be registered with selective service.

4Chamber of Commerce President Liz Brooking said Ferriday’s chamber Website would be completed sometime in March.

4The chamber appointed Ater as secretary and Lloyd Ellis as treasurer.