I have known and admired Councilman Chris Williams since he was in my first-grade class. I know his character better than many people. He is like a son to me.

He made a mistake out of anger, but we all have made decisions we have regretted. He apologized and has accepted the comments and negative publicity. Many of you have painted an ugly picture of him and really do not know him.

Chris is one of the finest, well mannered and respectful men in Lafayette. In St. Anthony Church Parish and at UL, he was a leader. He should continue to be a role model and mentor. One of a few politicians who has not forgotten his roots, Chris cares about his constituents.

It is because of pride for his community that the street renaming means so much to him.  When speaking to my students and many other students throughout the area, a portion of his message is that we all make mistakes. The important thing is to admit it and continue in the right direction.

Chris supports his community through service and financial means. The scholarship he and his family provides yearly is just one example.

His wonderful middle-class parents instilled great values in him. Chris and his wife, Bonita, have wonderful children who love their father very much. They do not deserve to be exposed to the negative publicity.

Think about the contributions Chris has made to Lafayette. He made a mistake, owned up to it and accepted the ridicule. Let's let go and use the energy to fix other issues we are facing in this city.