Ascension Parish President Kenny Matassa praised the public service of wounded New Orleans-area Congressman Steve Scalise Thursday night and called for greater awareness of the public service component of politics.

Matassa recalled that over the past two years, Scalise has met with parish delegations visiting Washington, D.C., even though Scalise doesn't represent Ascension.

The fact that he would meet with us is a testament to public service done right. He cares about Ascension Parish and he cares about . the state of Louisiana, Matassa told the Parish Council in Gonzales.

Matassa, who also called for a moment of silence before speaking about Scalise, said the shooting that occurred during practice for a planned baseball game in Alexandria, Virginia, is a reminder that the solemnity of politics is needed more now than ever.

He called on his colleagues to raise awareness of the public service component in politics.

The best partnerships are among people who know how to respect others and people who seek ways to mend fences and invite others to join, Matassa said.

Council members also offered a prayer for Scalise, who arrived at a Washington hospital Wednesday in imminent risk of death, his doctors said.

Scalise, who was shot in the hip by a gunman upset with Republican policies and President Donald Trumps election, remained in critical condition Friday. However, his long-term prognosis has improved, his doctors said. The gunman was killed by return fire from law enforcement.

Follow David J. Mitchell on Twitter, @NewsieDave.

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Ascension president praises Scalise for public service, calls for mending fences in politics - The Advocate