WESTLAKE - Local businessman and engineer Vernon Meyer, known for his work throughout the region, was recognized recently by Westlake officials for his 50 years of dedicated service to the city. Mayor Bob Hardey and City Councilman Dan Racca presented a special commemorative plaque to Meyer at the February 15 meeting of the City Council for that service. "God has been good to me, and I give Him the total credit," said Meyer at the presentation. A Westlake resident since 1962, the engineer has assisted a vast number of communities and municipalities throughout the southwest Louisiana region over the years. His consulting firm, Meyer & Associates, Inc., is headquartered in Sulphur. "Without [Vernon], there is no telling where [Westlake] would be," said former Westlake mayor Dudley Dixon. "I tell you that everything you see in Westlake that is good - this man has had a hand in it," he added. "And the big thing is that Vernon not only kind of engineered all this and saw that it was built properly; he also went after the money to get it done." Dixon also pointed out the important role Meyer played in the city acquiring the gas system. The engineer convinced Westlake to purchase it back in 1968. "The gas system is what carried the town for a number of years," said Dixon, and according to him, it is still "doing good for the City of Westlake." Meyer stated that it was an idea that he had presented to Lake Charles and Sulphur. They both said no. "The other three communities that ended up listening were DeQuincy, Westlake and Oberlin. I won't take the· total credit in those other two cities, but I know in Westlake, thanks to J.C. Templeton and his wisdom and foresight, along with the Council at the time, I did acquire the Westlake gas system from United Gas. And, in a way, it has been a godsend," said Meyer. Aside from the purchase of the gas system, Meyer has been involved in a vast number of projects for City of Westlake over the last five decades. However, he did make special note of a few significant ones, including the five-laning of Sampson Street, the West Trace Development project and the National Golf Club of Louisiana. "It has been a pleasure and privilege to represent Westlake for the past 50 years," said Meyer. "And I hope he stays with us for the next 50," said Dixon with a laugh. Meyer and his wife of 53 years, Carolyn, have three children, 11 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
