A LOOK BACK AT 2008

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JIM BROWN: PERCEPTION AND REALITY IN LOUISIANA POLITICS

PERCEPTION AND REALITY IN LOUISIANA POLITICS

BY: JIM BROWN

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Wednesday, December 31, 2008

In 2008, Louisiana rode the bubble. A new Governor and a cadre of other new public officials were ready to put the Katrina mentality behind, and begin the process of bringing Louisiana fully into the 21st century. There was a perception, stirred by continuing editorials in the state’s daily newspapers, that major changes were on the way. The word "change" was a bellwether in the Bayou state well in advance of the new president making this his mantra in his quest for the White House. But in Louisiana, the perception of reality is often not reality itself, but our own version of it.

Few governors have come into office with the momentum of Louisiana’s Bobby Jindal. He followed a lackluster Governor damaged by her handling of Hurricane Katrina. Jindal effused with energy and new ideas on the state level that corresponded to the same image gushed by our new President on the national front. He was the young, ethic alternative in the GOP that was made up of older white guys with few new ideas. Bobby Jindal’s timing was just right.

But that was then. Louisiana was initially considered insulated form the national financial crisis due to high oil process and the billions being poured into the state for Katrina rebuilding. But the price of oil has plummeted from one hundred fifty dollars a barrel to a current thirty four dollar low. And the flow of hurricane recovery money has dwindled considerably. If there is any doubt about the state’s precarious economic condition, one only has to scan the daily newspaper headlines.

“Our Oil Drunk, Our Hangover (Jindal’s Folly)” Morning Advocate-Dec. 28th.
“Greed Came Home to Roost for La. Public Officials” The American Press- Dec, 29th
“Higher Ed. Ranking predict Dismal Future in La.” Shreveport Times-Dec. 28th
“Tax breaks Worsen budget Shortfalls in La.” The Associated Press-Dec. 29th

The financial problems are compounded by just released census figures showing Louisiana to be in last place nationally in population gain. Not only is the state in last place among all states including the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico in population gain, Louisiana is only one of two of the 52 states and territories to lose population.

So the bubble has burst, the rosy view of perception is in the tank, and reality has set in. Reasonable projections show a $1.2 billon drop in revenue in the coming year, with well over $2 billion dollars needed just to keep the current ship of state a float. This is the best case scenario and does not take into consideration further drops in oil prices (this has been predicted) and possibly more plant closings and further layoffs (some 20,000 jobs lost in the past year.)

Ethics reform has been the selling point ballyhooed by conservative columnists nationwide in pitching accolades at the Governor. But the consensus by knowledgeable observers her at home is that, at best, any changes were cosmetic and amounted to “ethics lite.” Legislators continue to be wined and dined at top restaurants. The only ethics opinion of note to come out in the past six months is to prohibit an assistant librarian in St. Tammany Parish from receiving Christmas cookies form a student who uses the library.

The Governor and the legislature are at a crossroads. There are a host of real, not perceived problems out there that have festered for years. Revamping the healthcare system, making tough decisions to consolidate the huge overlap in higher education, rebuilding a crumbling highway infrastructure. And realistic job training in areas that have potential. Spending $600, 000 to study building an auto manufacturing plant in the state, a contract that was just awarded by the Dept. of Economic Development, makes little sense when similar plants are closing down in other parts of the country.

Jindal will travel to Raleigh, North Carolina on Feb. 4th to speak to the John Locke Foundation’s 19th anniversary celebration. It’s a prestigious event for conservatives, with former speakers that include conservative columnists George Will and Peggy Noonan, former independent counsel Ken Starr and Weekly Standard editor Bill Kristol. The announcement came in this week’s Raleigh newspaper. In an adjoining column, there was a lengthy article about the successes of recent North Carolina Governors in developing new industry and creating new jobs. The point was made as to how hard the present and former governors were working to create these successes. They had tangible results.

If the Governor wants to consider a presidential bid in the future, the best thing he can do is show tangible results at home. Not perceptions, but a concrete game plan with specific, definable and obtainable goals. He can take all the credit, and if his national stature continues to rise then the national ambitions will come. But he and the legislature have a big, no an overwhelming job, to do right here in Louisiana.

********

“Some people see the cup as half empty. Some people see the cup as half full. I see the cup as too large.” George Carlin

Peace and Justice

Jim Brown

Jim Brown’s weekly column appears in a number of newspapers and websites throughout the State of Louisiana. You can read Jim’s Blog, and take his weekly poll, plus read his columns going back to the fall of 2002 by going to his own website at http://www.jimbrownla.com.
Jim also has a new book out on his views of Louisiana. You can read about it and order it by going to www.jimbrownla.com. .

Jim’s radio show on WRNO (995 fm) from New Orleans can be heard each Sunday, from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm.

THE CLECO DEAL AND THE DOWNTOWN HOTELS OF THE 12/30/08 COUNCIL MEETING

This was truly a momentous occasion in the Alexandria City Council meeting of December 30, 2008.

THE CLECO SETTLEMENT

Watch this video of the final vote, 5 to 2, on the Cleco settlement:

Mr. Lacour and Rhonda Reap Curiel expressed some doubts about the City continuing to do business with Cleco. But Rev. Green asked City Attorney, Chuck Johnson, what he thought would be the best for the City of Alexandria and he answered that it would be this deal. Also, Mike Redman asked whether or not the City will man the Hunter generating station, and the answer was yes.

In his usual verbose statement, Mayor Jacques Roy finally did the best job he could give on explaining the settlement deal. I thought that the Mayor did an excellent job on explaining the settlement.

One thing that brought several questions was the issue of a letter of credit being required of the City for the D.G. Hunter Generating Station's capacity. Basically, the City will have to furnish a letter of credit for the $29 million that Cleco will pay for that capacity for the next 13 years. But as the City Attorney explained it, the letter of credit will not actually cost the City anything.

One thing that I am not clear on is the up to $60 million additional payment by Cleco to the City. According to the Mayor, the Council will at a later date determine how that money will be spent. It seems that the Mayor favors a direct rebate of those funds to the people that paid the overcharges.

Another matter that I wish was more fully explained was what effect will the Larry English lawsuit have on the $60 million. It sounds as if the City will not suffer any additional exposure from that lawsuit even if successful.

Councilmen Goins and Laravadain were the two votes against the deal. They seem to be wanting payment of the electricity bills for the people of their districts, even thought the City cannot legally do that. It seems that the rest of the Council was more knowledgeable and experienced with the Cleco settlement. It was nice to see the rest of the City Council to agree and come together on this settlement.

You have to trust somebody that is more knowledgeable on the issues at some point.

See this video of the entire debate and the settlement vote here:

Watch City vs. Cleco Settlement.mpg in News Online  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

THE ALEXANDER FULTON

Chuck Johnson also received yesterday a copy of the Bankruptcy judge's ruling appointing the Fred Rosenfeld company as the manager of the Alexander Fulton to keep the hotel operating for the time being.

Mr. Goins also made a motion that passed to study the best uses for the Fulton, the Bentley, and the River Convention Center.

See the Economic Development Committee here:

See Also:

CITY COUNCIL MATTERS ON THE AGENDA MAY BE DELAYED

TOWN TALK EDITORIAL ON THE CLECO SETTLEMENT
CLECO OFFER & COMPROMISE

THE CITY'S BEST CHANCE AT GETTING TO THE TRUTH WILL BE DASHED WITH THE CLECO SETTLEMENT
MYRON LAWSON'S CLECO ANNOUNCEMENT
12-16-08 ALEXANDRIA CITY COUNCIL MEETING

See Also "Cleco" on this Blog

HOW WE SPENT PART OF THE BAILOUT MONEY

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JINDAL ANNOUNCES BUDGET CUTS

As usual, health care and higher education will bear the brunt of the Gov. Jindal's budgetary cuts for the state of Louisiana.

Gov. Jindal proposed that the $341 million budget shortfall be made up by:

"$118 million at the Department of Health and Hospitals, and $55 million from the state's higher education systems. The Department of Social Services would bear another $20 million in reductions for the fiscal year that ends June 30." (See: "Jindal pushes $341 million in budget cuts; tell us what you think; Health, social services to bear brunt").

"Jindal made about $163 million of the cuts by executive order. The rest require approval from the Legislature's joint budget committee, which meets on Jan. 9." id.

With our deplorable conditions of our health care and education, it seems like the programs that need funding the most are the ones getting the most cuts. Just goes to show that the Legislature's free -spending attitude makes little sense.

SWEARING IN OF CHIEF JUSTICE KITTY KIMBALL

"Justice Catherine D. (Kitty) Kimball, the first woman elected to the Louisiana Supreme Court, will become the first woman to serve as Louisiana’s Chief Justice. A Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 12, 2009, at St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans. The swearing-in ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. on the steps of the Louisiana Supreme Court, 400 Royal St. A reception will follow. The Mass and swearing-in ceremony are open to the public. For more information, contact Jan Tolar at (504)310-2607 or e-mail Tolar@lajao.org." (See: "Louisiana Bar Today - Tuesday, December 30, 2008; Your E-mail newsletter about legal issues and bar activities).

FEAR OF LOUISIANA ATTACK ON GAY CAUSES

The homosexuals are worried that things are about to get worse for them in Louisiana. The Commission on Marriage and Family, largely inactive since its inception under Gov. Mike Foster and renewal under Gov. Kathleen Blanco, but that is expected to pick up now under Governor Bobby Jindal. (See: "La. attack feared on gay adoption; But members of panel call worries overblown").

This follows California's doing away with gay marriages in its Proposition 8, which was a Constitutional amendment to overturn the state Supreme Court ruling granting gay and lesbian couples the right to marry. (See: "California Cliffhanger, Florida, Arizona, Arkansas Voters OK Anti-Gay Ballot Measures").

"Similar bans on same-sex marriage were approved by voters Tuesday in Florida and Arizona; while in Arkansas the electorate endorsed a measure to prevent same-sex couples from adopting." id.

It appears that most people in America still consider that most family matters are to be between men and women and not homosexuals.

AUDITORS POINT OUT CITIZENS PROBLEMS

Auditors pointed out Auditors were unable to determine how much of the personnel expenses the Property Insurance Association charged Citizens related to the insurer’s actual operations. “No time or other detail was evident,” the audit says. Insurance Corp.’s 2006 budget that failed to clear up several deficiencies in the way in which they did business. (See: The Advocate's "Audit points out insurer’s defects; Expenses paid without proof").

"The auditors found that the Property Insurance Association billed Citizens for payments to apartment complexes for rent, furniture, cable, cleaning services and utilities. However, the records did not contain enough information to determine the nature of these expenses, the audit says." id.

Other problems included:

• Reimbursement requests by association employees frequently lacked any supporting documentation, the audit shows. One employee turned in an expense under the heading “Mardi Gras.” It was one of several expense requests that appeared unrelated to business.
• Mileage reimbursement requests contained only amounts, not mileage logs or other details.“One trip contained 596 miles for a one-way trip to Baton Rouge but did not disclose where the trip departed from or the nature of business,” the audit says.
• Meals were another problem area, the audit says. The auditors considered at least nine bills “excessive.” Auditors found per-person costs for meals ranging from $40 to $117. There were also per-diem payments to workers who did not stay overnight during travel, the audit shows.
• Auditors were unable to determine how much of the personnel expenses the Property Insurance Association charged Citizens related to the insurer’s actual operations. “No time or other detail was evident,” the audit says. id.

See Also:

JIM BROWN: LOUISIANA INSURANCE SCANDALS CONTINUE TO GROW

JIM BROWN: THE MOST DYSFUNCTIONAL AGENCY IN LOUISIANA

FEDS ACCUSE CITIZEN'S PROPERTY INS. CO. OF RACKETEERING AND FRAUD!

INSURANCE COMMISSIONER ACCUSED OF PRICE FIXING! FIGHT ENSUES OVER E-MAILS!

AND YET MORE CITIZENS CORP. PROBLEMS

WHAT THE HELL IS THE PROBLEM WITH CITIZENS PROPERTY INSURANCE CORP.?

JENA 6 DEFENDANT ARRESTED AGAIN AND SHOOTS SELF

The poster child for liberal racists of the bogus civil rights movement, Mychal Bell, was arrested for shoplifting and then shot himself. (See: "Jena Six defendant shoots self
Mychal Bell suffers chest wound following reports of new charges").

On Christmas Eve, Mychal Bell was arrested on charges including shoplifting, resisting arrest and simple battery, related to an incident at Dillard's in Pecanland Mall in Monroe. id. The two allegedly stole $370 worth of merchandise and Bell was found hiding under a car.

"Sgt. Cassandra Wooten said Bell apparently shot himself in the chest about 7:40 p.m. at his home with a .22-caliber weapon. She described his injury as not life-threatening.

Wooten said an ambulance took him to the hospital.

Asked if Bell gave a reason for the self-inflicted wound, Wooten said, "he said he couldn't take it anymore; he was back in the media again." id.

Already Bell's lawyers are claiming that the arrest was racially motivated.

Watch this KALB report on the shoplifting:

See also:

'JENA SIX' MOTHER HITS SOMEBODY WITH A SHOVEL

THE FRUIT DOESN'T FALL FAR FROM THE TREE

BELL TO CNN: JENA IS RACIST; ISN'T THAT THE BLACK POT CALLING THE SKILLET BLACK?

'JENA SIX' COMPENDIUM

DETAILS OF THE STATE'S DEAL WITH THE SAINTS

The state of Louisiana has a sweetheart deal with the New Orleans Saints. Under the deal the Saints get:

"a total of $186 million. Those payments end in 2010, when the state can decide whether to continue those financial incentives. If it does not, the Saints have the option to pay $15 million, break the lease and leave -- a scenario, though, that seems unlikely." (See: "State still working on long-term agreement with Saints").

Listen to this WWL news report, that points out the audacity of these people in keeping their future dealings secret, even though this is public money. What the Hell is the state doing in the professional football business anyway with all the budget cuts having to be made to health care and higher education.

See Also:

LEGISLATURE HAS SCREWED UP PRIORITIES

WE CUT SPENDING ON HEALTH CARE AND HIGHER EDUCATION BUT PAY CORPORATE WELFARE TO PROFESSIONAL SPORTS

ISRAELI ATTACKS ON GAZA CONTINUES

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Only a deranged idiot could blame Israel for these attacks. What is Israel supposed to do, sit back and endure rocket attacks by Hamas? I think that most reasonable people think not.

GOP LEADERSHIP CHOICES

The question should not be why the Republican party is in shambles now, but rather why, with the bailouts and bad economic conditions, the War, and all of the other baggage from the Bush administration that they did so well in the national election.

"The first practical order of business will be to elect a new party chair. Current Chairman Mike Duncan is running again, stressing that under his tutelage, the party raised over $300 million for the 2008 election." (See: "GOP facing tough choices, must find party leader").

"Other announced candidates include state chairs in South Carolina (Katon Dawson) and Michigan (Saul Anuzis). Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, former Ohio Secretary of State Ken Blackwell (on a fusion ticket with Texas State Chair Tina Benkiser seeking the vice chairmanship) are running, as is Chip Saltsman, a former Tennessee GOP chairman who ran Mike Huckabee's presidential campaign in 2008." id. "This is where both Steele and Blackwell, prominent black activists in the party, could make compelling choices." id.

POSTS THAT YOU MAY HAVE MISSED DURING THE HOLIDAYS

TOWN TALK EDITORIAL ON THE CLECO SETTLEMENT

THE LEFT-WING LIBERAL TACTICS OF MAYOR JACQUES ROY AND LAMAR WHITE

and

TRIAL LAWYERS INC. DECEPTIVELY HOODWINKS LOUISIANA

SU LAW CENTER IS EXPANDING

Chancellor Freddie Pitcher, left, announced that Southern University's law center is expanding to a two-floor, 9,000-square-foot facility with the $4.1 million project being fully funded through federal dollars to add classrooms, seminar rooms, library space and a faculty lounge. (See: "SU Law Center growing; Increased enrollment sparks expansion project").

DELTA AIRLINES KEEP FLIGHTS

Delta Airlines has ended speculation and kept its flights between Monroe and Atlanta and Memphis. (See: "Monroe retains flights to Atlanta, Memphis: Decision eases fears over Delta, Northwest merger").

Monroe holds a special place with Delta.

• In 1924 Huff Daland Duster's headquarters moves to Monroe, Louisiana. Huff Daland's 18 planes are the largest privately-owned fleet in the world. (See: "Delta Through the Decades").
• In 1928 it was renamed "Delta Air Service for the Mississippi Delta region it served. D.Y. Smith, President; C.E. Woolman first Vice President";
• It wasn't until 1941 that Delta headquarters moves from Monroe to Atlanta. id.

CITY COUNCIL MATTERS ON THE AGENDA MAY BE DELAYED

The Alexander Fulton and the Cleco settlement are scheduled for the City Council agenda but are likely to be postponed to a later date. (See: "City Council has Fulton, Cleco items on agenda").

The Alexander Fulton is still awaiting the bankruptcy judge to rule on the lifting of the automatic stay order before any action can be taken on that issue. But the Cleco settlement still is ripe to be heard.

Councilman Rosevelt Johnson said:

"I think there's a chance it could be delayed a little longer," said Councilman-At-Large Roosevelt Johnson about the proposed power supply agreement.
"It's important for the city to understand the agreement."

* * * *

"To foster better understanding, Johnson said he wants to hold additional public meetings on the agreement and the ramifications it holds for the city." id.

Councilman Chuck Fowler, on the other-hand, said that he doesn't intend on delaying the vote.

"If you can't make up your mind now than there's got to be something wrong with you," Fowler added." id.

City Attorney Chuck Johnson said that there "There's no expiration date on the proposed agreement" and that the "the mediation agreement between the city and Cleco expires Wednesday". id.

I agree with Councilman Johnson that there is absolutely no need to rush this settlement until all of the answers are known to us. We still need some plain talk on what will the amount of consumer rebates be and whether or not we have to continue doing business with Cleco before this deal goes through. Cleco should not be giving any ultimatums on when this case should be settled, if ever.

See Also:

TOWN TALK EDITORIAL ON THE CLECO SETTLEMENT

CLECO OFFER & COMPROMISE
THE CITY'S BEST CHANCE AT GETTING TO THE TRUTH WILL BE DASHED WITH THE CLECO SETTLEMENT

MYRON LAWSON'S CLECO ANNOUNCEMENT

12-16-08 ALEXANDRIA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
See Also "Cleco" on this Blog

SIX MONTHS SINCE ETHICS HEARING & MORE DELAYS EXPECTED

It has been six months now that the Ethics Board has not heard any ethics cases, and it appears that there will be more delays ahead. (See: "Louisiana ethics probes face more potential delays").

These delays will be a direct result of Gov. Jindal's "gold standard' of ethics reforms that led to the resignations of 10 if the 11 Ethics Board members due to the loss of their powers of being able to hear ethics charges.

"But it will take time to line up the cases for hearings, Division of Administrative Law general counsel Vivian Guillory said in an interview.

The administrative law judge agency is in the process of contacting those accused of violations, and ethics prosecutors will have to schedule hearings, Guillory said.
In order for January hearings, Guillory said, the parties would have to waive a requirement to provide at least a 60-day prior hearing notice. She said there are also discovery and other pre-hearing deadlines.

In addition, “I’m going to have to find a place around the city to conduct hearings,” Guillory said." id.

The hold-up with the new ethics hearings are:

"The law judges were supposed to be appointed in August at an Ethics Board meeting, but there was no board left to meet. The first two judges panels were set in November, but no cases were transferred, and their terms end Dec. 31.

New panels of judges that will serve during 2009 were picked at the Ethics Board’s Dec. 11 meeting. Those panels will hear the ethics cases." id.

See Also:

ETHICS BOARD MOVING

ETHICS ADMINISTRATOR SEARCH HALTED

ETHICS BOARD ACTIONS FOR DECEMBER

IT WILL BE NEXT YEAR BEFORE ANY ETHICS CASES ARE HEARD

ETHICS BOARD TRYING TO HIDE ITS OWN MISTAKE

HOORAY! THE ETHICS BOARD IS IN DISAGREEMENT

ETHICS IS MOVING ON

UNETHICAL CONDUCT BY CHICK FILET, CAVALRY BAPTIST CHUCH AND THE FIRE DEPARTMENT

ETHICS BOARD SHOCKED AT ITS LACK OF POWER

LAST ETHICS BOARD MEMBER PICKED: MEETING TOMORROW: AND WOOTEN IS AN OBNOXIUS ASSHOLE

JINDAL APPOINTS HIS REPLACEMENT ETHICS BOARD MEMBER

EVEN JINDAL'S OWN PEOPLE DON'T KNOW THE ETHICS LAWS

BLUEPRINT LOUISIANA YOU CAN TAKE THAT CHECK-MARK OFF YOUR LIST

SENATE APPOINTS AN ETHICS BOARD MEMBER

THE NEW ETHICS BOARD TO MEET IN OCTOBER

ETHICS BOARD NOMINEES

REPLINISHING THE ETHICS BOARD A STEP CLOSER

ETHICS IN GOVERNMENT COMPENDIUM
ETHICS SPECIAL SESSION COMPENDIUM!
MORE ON JINDAL'S "FOOL'S GOLD" ETHICS STANDARD
INTERVIEW OF ELLIOTT STONECIPHER: THE GOVERNOR, HIS EXECUTIVE COUNSEL, CERTAIN LEGISLATORS & THE L.M.A. INTENTIONALLY DESTROYED THE ETHICS BOARD

AIRSTRIKE AGAINST HAMAS

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Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

TRIAL LAWYERS INC. DECEPTIVELY HOODWINKS LOUISIANA

The Lafayette Advertiser falls prey today to the deceptive advertising of the defense oriented Trial Lawyers Inc. and its cohort the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research in stating that Louisiana is ranked 50th in the nation "in its treatment of scientific and technical evidence, its timeliness in grant-ing summary judgment or dismissal, its discovery process, and its judges' competence". (See: "Legal environment is nation's worst").

A careful reading of these organizations' writings show that they are mere shills for the defense bar and big business interests that hate trial lawyers and the rights of people to sue. Recently, although they attack the legal instituiions of many states, they came out with their attack upon Louisiana "LOUISIANA LITIGATORS: While People Leave the Pelican State, Attorneys Thrive".

The Advocate stated that:

"There are some positive aspects:

This year, the state Legislature approved a law that promises to help remove junk science from the courtroom.

The court refused to force insurers to cover flood damage from Hurricane Katrina for holders of general homeowners' policies when the policyholders had expressly declined to purchase flood insurance.

The state Supreme Court moved last year to reverse a lower court's activist decision to overturn the state's long-standing medical-malpractice litigation damage caps." id.

The second two observations are simply nothing more than the Louisiana courts applying two existing tenants of Louisiana law that already existed. The first one, however, on removing "junk science" from the courtroom , shows the falacy of the Trial Lawyers Inc.'s incideous tactics.

This past session the Legislature adopted Senate Bill 302 (Act 787) which was passed largely by the Jindal controlled Republican legislators. It delt with existing law called the "Daubert" motion which allowed a party to hold a hearing to test an expert's scientific facts. The reason it was opposed so strenously was due to:

• This bill is totally unnecessary, as a Daubert-Foret motion is already in use to contest experts;
• Louisiana has very open discovery, which allows asking the opposing parties questions (interrogatories) about their case and requests for production of documents, in which you can ask for information about their expert witnesses, and for a report from him or her. A lawyer can also take the deposition of (out of court testimony, under oath), and the pre-trial order from the court also mandates the disclosure of experts;
• Senator Danny Martiny, a primarily insurance defense attorney from Metairie, stated this bill was all about money. He, along with Senators Amedee and Marionneaux, realized that the bill would work a tremendous hardship upon litigants, by drastically increasing the costs of litigation by thousands of dollars;
• An amendment allow the Law Institute to study the bill, was rejected. (See: "SB 308: A NEEDLESS AND COSTLY AMENDMENT TO THE CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE").

The bill, to allow the loser of the motion to pay the cost of that motion, went into the final Act as merely allowing the court to tax those costs in its discretion.

So don't fall prey to these foolish claims that Louisiana ranks 50th in the nation in our judicial system. Remember its source, a pro- big business group that is attempting to take away the rights of the common man to seek redress for his injuries.

See Also:

SB 308: A NEEDLESS AND COSTLY AMENDMENT TO THE CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE

MERIT SELECTION OF JUDGES IS NOT THE WAY TO GO

WORKERS' COMP. REFORM, WHO WINS?

IF MEDICARE IS SO IMPORTANT, WHY AIN'T WE ALL GOT IT?

DO THE MANUFACTURERS SHARE PART OF THE BLAME FOR TOXIC FEMA TRAILERS?

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DOESN'T LIKE PEOPLE SUING ITS MEMBERS

WHAT CAUSES LOUISIANA'S HIGH AUTO INSURANCE PREMIUMS?

Is State Farm A Good Neighbor and Are You in Good Hands With Allstate?

BAILOUT MONEY ALREADY BEING MISSPENT

The Times-Picayune reports today that :

"it's appalling that top executives at many of those bailout-grabbing firms received huge bonuses last year -- even as their bad decisions were creating the nation's current financial morass. Even now, executives at some of these firms continue to get excessive pay and perks. That should be unacceptable.

Top executives at 116 banks that have taken bailout money received almost $1.6 billion in salaries, bonuses and other benefits last year, according to an Associated Press analysis of the companies' federal filings.

The largesse included executives at firms that were already losing money last year. Their benefits included stock options, personal use of company jets, club memberships and professional money management. (See: "Mr. Gekko would be proud: Bailed out firms gave hefty bonuses ").

Also, watch this "Hardball" report on the misuse of this money:

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BAD NEWS ON STATE BONDS

The Times-Picayune announced today some bad news on state bonds. (See: "State's rate deal for bonds backfires").

"In 2006, when state officials during stable economic times planned a $485 million bond deal to pay for the Huey P. Long Bridge upgrade and other major highway projects, they gambled on a financial mechanism called an interest-rate swap
Locking in a low interest rate for a bond deal that would be two years into the future, they did not foresee the looming international financial crater and the state's inability to sell the bonds in the current tenuous market. Now the state faces a penalty of potentially more than $200 million to settle the wager." id.

CONTRIBUTERS TO OBAMA PARTY

The Lafayette Advertiser gives us a little insight into to some of the contributors to the Presidential Inauguration Committee. (See: "Myers donates $50,000 to party").

"Keith Myers, chairman and CEO of the Lafayette-based LHC Group Inc., joined Dana Bernhard, wife of Shaw Group CEO and former Louisiana Democratic Party chairman Jim Bernhard, among the $50,000 donors.

* * * *

Myers and Bernhard join a $50,000-contributor list that also includes actors Jamie Foxx, Samuel L. Jackson, and Halle Berry; funds manager and political activist George Soros; and director Steven Spielberg and his wife, Kate Capshaw Spielberg." id.

TOWN TALK EDITORIAL ON THE CLECO SETTLEMENT

The Alexandria Town Talk published an editorial Saturday dealing with the Cleco settlement. It stated:

"Alexandria residents are wondering if a proposed sales contract with Cleco Corp. will satisfy allegations of fraud; and Pineville gets a new big-box retailer. Our views follow:

A RARE PUBLIC HEARING on a proposal to end Alexandria's fraud lawsuit against Cleco Corp. left residents attending Tuesday's meeting with no commitment from city officials that rate payers would receive money. Pending before the City Council is a proposal, hashed out in private, for Cleco to pay the city $29 million up front and guarantee under-market electricity rates for 13 years. In return, Cleco would gain control of the generating capacity of the city-owned power plant. If approved, the proposal would end the city's lawsuit, filed June 22, 2005.

WE THINK: It's disturbing that city officials chose to make residents wait until two days before Christmas for a first chance to ask questions about a settlement tied to a lawsuit that is three-plus years old. The same can be said for the city's decision to schedule the matter for a yes-or-no vote Tuesday, two days before New Year's Day. All the more reason to pay attention to this: If the city turns down the deal and takes its case to court, it stands to: 1) lose everything on the table; 2) win something less than what has been offered; or 3) win triple the damages awarded by the court plus court costs plus attorney's fees."(See: "Our View: Make sure Cleco accord isn't rushed").

I think that the Town Talk is correct on not wanting the City of Alexandria to rush into anything. Who says that we must settle immediately a lawsuit that has take years thus far.

When a lawyer settles a case he must first tell the plaintiff what he could possibly win if he goes to court. That is where Mayor Roy has fallen miserably. He tells us that that the City is getting everything that it wanted, but that is not true.

First, he says that the City cannot tell us how much we were overcharged because of the confidentiality of the federal court mediation proceedings. That is not Mayor Roy's fault, but we need somebody separate from the mediation to tell us exactly how much we were overcharged and how much is the best case scenario on how much we stand to win in court.

Next, what is the status of the Larry English lawsuit. Mr. English filed a class action lawsuit against the City, tracking the allegations made by the City in its suit against Cleco. It is possible that the City could settle for a lesser amount that Mr. English would get from the City if both lawsuits are not settled at the same time. So it is imperative that we know what the status is of the English lawsuit and perhaps settle them both at the same time.

It seems that the administration is pushing better utility rates for the future over rebates for past wrongs to the Alexandria rate payers. That is not what the citizens of Alexandria want. Talk a bit more straight talk and on the common folks level. Don't get bogged down in the scientific talk of the future utility rate and the status of D.G. Hunter Generating Station. Show us the money, that is what is most important to us. Let's take our time and get it right and all out in the open.

See Also:

CLECO OFFER & COMPROMISE

THE CITY'S BEST CHANCE AT GETTING TO THE TRUTH WILL BE DASHED WITH THE CLECO SETTLEMENT
MYRON LAWSON'S CLECO ANNOUNCEMENT
12-16-08 ALEXANDRIA CITY COUNCIL MEETING

See Also "Cleco" on this Blog

THE KWANZAA RIP-OFF

This morning KALB TV had a well meaning woman on who had completely fell under the scam of the national Kwanzaa celebration by the Arna Bontemps African American Museum.



See this reprint of the history and celebration of Kwanzaa.

DO YOU KNOW WHAT 'KWANZAA' IS REALLY ALL ABOUT?

KEELBOAT IN MONROE

A 38-foot replica of a keelboat "Aux Arc" will be in Monroe this month. (See: "Keelboat replica to travel Ouachita").

"The primary purpose for constructing the Aux Arc and floating the Ouachita River was to replicate the downstream travels of the Dunbar-Hunter Expedition of 1804 and 1805.

The William Dunbar and George Hunter expedition explored and officially documented the Ouachita River from the confluence of the Ouachita, Black and Mississippi rivers to the hot springs in present day Hot Springs, Ark.

In addition to Dunbar-Hunter; servants, slaves, family (George Hunter's son), and a complement of soldiers left St. Catherine's landing south of Natchez in mid October 1804 and by mid November had arrived at current day Monroe." id.

JEFFERSON PLACES BETS ON SUPREME COURT

William "Cold Cash" Jefferson has his current hopes riding upon an appeal (writs?) to the U.S. Supreme Court. (See: "Prosecutor pushes trial; Jefferson’s appeal awaits high court").

"Jefferson argues that the charges are invalid because a grand jury got access to information about his actions as a member of Congress. That, Jefferson claims, runs afoul of a constitutional clause that shields members of Congress from civil or criminal action stemming from the performance of their legislative duties." id.

But federal prosecutors allege that

"prosecutor Mark Lytle said delaying the trial would cause “further prejudice,” or harm to the government’s case against the nine-term congressman. The government brought the charges 18 months ago. Jefferson, Lytle wrote, has not shown the required “reasonable probability” of success with the high court on the merits of his case.

“And, at trial, the District Court will scrupulously guard against any possible violations of the Speech or Debate Clause” that Jefferson cited, Lytle wrote." id.

"The 2005 discovery of the money in Jefferson’s freezer led to an indictment on charges that he took bribes, laundered money and misused his congressional office for business dealings in Africa. Jefferson has promised there is an “honorable explanation” for the money in the freezer, although he has yet to make it public."

GOINS REMOVES A GAEDA MEMBER

Just after a new Greater Alexandria Economic Development Authority (GAEDA) member was voted into office in September, 2008, he was replaced by a new member at the December 16, 2008 Alexandria City Council meeting by Councilman Jonathan Goins of District 3. (See: "Goins engineers GAEDA commissioner swap").

Several questions come to mind over this replacement:

1). Why was this change, after a recent election, necessary?

2). Why does one Councilman have the authority to make this change for an organization that is supposed to have a City wide mission?

3). Is there any personal relationship between this new member an Councilman Goins?

"Moller said the other new City Council member, Ed Larvadain III of District 1, also could opt for a commissioner swap." id.

See Also:

PUBLIC FUNDS GO TO THE BAYOU CLASSIC IN A RACIAL PRACTICE; A SCAM UPON THE PUBLIC EXPOSED! ETHICS COMPLAINT WILL FOLLOW!

I RECON THAT REGIONS BANK WILL GET BAYOU CLASSIC TICKETS THIS YEAR

WHY DO WE NEED SO MANY LOCAL BOARDS & COMMISSIONS ANYWAY?

WILL JINDAL'S "GOLD STANDARD" OF ETHICS BRING STATE & LOCAL GOVERNMENT TO A HALT?

RESIGNATIONS RUMORED TO HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO VARIOUS LOCAL BOARDS

ARE LOWER THIRD AREA RESIDENTS BEING "PLAYED" TO GAIN SUPPORT FOR DIXON'S TIF BILL?

GAEDA WILL SPONSOR A BLACK RODEO?

CITY PUTS THE BRAKES ON DIXON'S TIF PLANS, AND DID MARSHALL VIOLATE THE CODE OF ETHICS AGAIN?

CONGRADUALTIONS TO THE TOWN TALK FOR FINALLY REPORTING THE NEWS!

THE LEFT-WING LIBERAL TACTICS OF MAYOR JACQUES ROY AND LAMAR WHITE

I have been attacked for racial attitudes of this blog where none exist. Mayor Roy, ignoring the political beliefs of most people of the South, including Louisiana, had this to say:



Futhermore, Mayor Roy said this about this blog:



The offensive post concerned several Black political figures such as Mrs. Brown, Kelvin Sanders, and Alexandria City Councilmen Lawson, Hobbs, Larvadian, Johnson, and Goins, and arose from the post on this blog entitled "THE "NIGGA" STREET THUGS OF ALEXANDRIA". The term "Nigga Street Thugs" was meant to be offensive, and is incuded within an online Hip Hop dictionary and in the vocabulary of many Rap artists.

If one were to truly read this blog they would see just how idiotic the term racist is. Posts in favor of African Americans such as REELECT JUDGE CURTIS CALLOWAY, Represtative Karen Carter Peterson in VIDEOS: GOV. JINDAL STILL CRAWFISHING ON TRANSPARENCY and A CRITIQUE OF ETHICS REFORMS BY REP. PETERSON, local Pastor Michael Howard in THE AMAZING ROAD OF PASTOR MICHAEL HOWARD, and REP. PATRICK WILLIAMS COMPLETES WALK TO THE CAPITOL.

What this blog is, however, is a political blog. Just as this blog has primarily been concerned with ethical violations of politicians, that includes Black and White politicians. Now comes Alexandria Mayor Jacques Roy and his administration. this blog supported the election of Mayor roy, and strongly supported the efforts of Rep. Chris Roy, Jr., the Mayor's brother. This blog has also been supportive of Mayor Roy's lawsuit against certain members of he Black City Council, the Open Meeting violation of the City Council, Mayor Roy's open support of Mr. Villard and Mr. Smith, also an African American, against present City Councilman, and African Americans, Goins and Johnson. (See: THE ETHICS BOARD CHARGES AGAINST MYRON LAWSON & BRIDGET BROWN!, REPRINT: "SMELL FISHY TO YOU?": THE LAWSON - BROWN - SANDERS BUFFET AT THE PUBLIC TROUGH, MYRON LAWSON: THE PERPETUAL LIAR AND IDIOT!, PUBLIC FUNDS GO TO THE BAYOU CLASSIC IN A RACIAL PRACTICE; A SCAM UPON THE PUBLIC EXPOSED! ETHICS COMPLAINT WILL FOLLOW!, GOINS TRANSITION TEAM; A GOOD FOR A BAD THING FOR THE CITY, WST's local attorney answers mayor roy's call to action will you?, alexandria, la. city council to get long awaited attorney general 'presentation' on open meetings law and local attorney answers mayor roy's call to action will you? part 2, VIDEO DISCUSSION OF LOUISIANA'S PUBLIC MEETINGS LAW!, and MAYOR ROY ENDORSES 2 CITY CANDIDATES).

Lamar White, Jr., a member of the Mayor's administration, came out in support of homosexual rights, as did his hero Barack Obama, in his post entitled Unelectability. Then, this weeks, Lamar White came out an accused me of being a racist in his post entitled Greg Aymond Needs to Apologize.

Mayor Roy, and many within his administration, need to know that the City of Alexandria is no place for national politics. What Mayor Roy did by relying upon the words of President-elect Barack Obama is to, in effect, disregard the political beliefs of the vast number of people of Alexandria who did not support Mr. Obama. Mayor Roy has set his administration upon a road of complete and absolute liberalism, favoring the opinions of the left, instead of realizing that this is a community people who get along despite many differing national political beliefs.

Mayor Roy is the type of White guilt ridden politician who favors Black politicians no matter how bad they are for government. Bad politicians are not good for government no matter what race they are. From Mr. Goins activities in complaining to the Alexandria City Council over the amount of money spent on his district to the recent changes he made to GAEDA, to Mr. Larvadain's rude attempt to usurp the Mayor's power to appoint a utility director and overrule a decision of the Zoning Commission and the support of local residents, to the entire Black Council's decision to remove the Mayor and his administrative team from their seats in the Alexandria City Council.

I shall not overtly attempt an attack on Mayor Roy. But I am also one of his constituants that he has deeply hurt and offended by taking sides with a couple of Black bad government politicians. One must wonder the type of man who allows racism to favor one group in the fight for good government, truly is.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

LAFAYETTE FIBER OPTICS COSTS

Lafayette's new fiber optics costs will be:

The first option will cost $84.85 per month for expanded basic video, with more than 80 channels; Internet service of up to 10 megabits per second; and phone service that will include three-way calling, call waiting, anonymous call rejection and 5-cents-per-minute long distance service in the continental United States.

The second option, VIP Silver, will cost $137.21 per month. That package will feature digital plus video, with more than 250 channels, including some in high-definition; Internet service of up to 30 megabits per second; and phone service with additional features such as automatic callback, selective call rejection, outgoing call blocking, speed dialing and intercom.

The most expense bundle, VIP Gold, will be $199.99 per month. Included in that package will be digital plus video, with more than 250 channels, as well as premium movie suites with more than 45 other channels; Internet service of up to 50 megabits per second; and phone service with a premium features package and unlimited long distance.

Businesses will be able to choose from different packages, the details of which were not released Tuesday night. Huval did say that businesses would be able to receive Internet service of up to 10 megabits per second for $64.95 per month; service of up to 50 megabits per second for $119.95 per month and service of up to 100 megabits per second for $199.95 per month. (See: "LUS unveils fiber prices; tell us what you think; Controlled January start includes Internet, phone, television service").

CLECO OFFER & COMPROMISE

The Cleco Power Agreement with the City of Alexandria consist of the POWER AGREEMENT and the review by the Alexandria City Attorney which can be viewed at the Town Talk website.

The meeting turned into a detailed presentation of the actual power agreement. But from the citizens in attendance the real questions were not answered. Carrol Lanier, Rev. Green, Mike Redman, and Sybil Holt addressed the crowd with questions. Also, a very informative question was asked by Patrick Lacour why:

"the city wasn't considering other energy suppliers in light of concerns that Cleco may have overcharged ratepayers. If Cleco took advantage of the ratepayers once, who's to say they won't do it again, Lacour questioned." (See: "Public gets explanation of Cleco-city tentative pact ").

But the most important thing that Mr. Lacour let be known was that Cleco cannot by federal law stop another company from transmitting gas through them. That made the administration's point that we could do business with anyone other than Cleco look pretty weak and pro-Cleco.

Also not understandable is why the City cannot give us a figure for the amount of money the City customers spent during a certain period of time with Cleco. Damages consist of either general or special damages. General damages are those that cannot be assessed with mathematical certainty, such as pain and suffering. Whereas special damages are those that can be given a value of absolute certainty. So the thing to have happened when the Alexandria vs. Cleco suit was initially filled was to simply figured out how much Cleco was claimed to have defrauded Alexandria Citizens out of.

To ex-mayor Carroll Lanier, Mr. Redman and Rev. Green brought the City's question to a head. How much money did Cleco steal from us and how much money are we going to get back. The rest of this talk is the sort that experts can handle. What we want to hear is how much.

So the City is getting us bogged in technicalities. We don't care about the D.G. Hunter's sale of reserves to Cleco for $29 million or the rest of the information about the business aspects of the deal. What we want to hear is how much money we are getting back.

See this video of the meeting:


Watch Cleco Meeting Full.mpg in News Online  |  View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

See Also:

THE CITY'S BEST CHANCE AT GETTING TO THE TRUTH WILL BE DASHED WITH THE CLECO SETTLEMENT

MYRON LAWSON'S CLECO ANNOUNCEMENT

12-16-08 ALEXANDRIA CITY COUNCIL MEETING
See Also "Cleco" on this Blog

THE CRIMINAL WORLD OF THOSE RECEIVING BAILOUT MONEY

Those receiving bailout money are engaged in a criminal consiracy designed to steal from the American people. See here:

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THE AMAZING ROAD OF PASTOR MICHAEL HOWARD

Pastor Michael W. Howard is a success from prison walls back to religion.He is also

now married to his wife of nine years, Tracy, and in 2001 became the president of his non-profit organization for at-risk youth. (See: "Author Bio").

Watch this interview done with Michael on KALB Television.

LOUISIANA'S POPULATION GROWTH SLOWING

State Cenusus growth figures show that "the repopulation of Katrina-hit areas has slowed considerably." (See: "Census: State’s growth slowing").

SPEAKER TUCKER BIT WITH HIS OWN BILL

State Speaker of the House, Jim Tucker, testified before both houses on a bill which became law in June, 2007, signed by Gov. Kathleen Blanco. (Act. 5o1 of 2007). The law "allowed a divorced party who moved in the months after the hurricanes to transfer the case to a more convenient court." (See: "Politics cited in custody case struggle; Speaker’s wife ends effort to move suit using ’07 law").

" The Tuckers married in July 2006 and moved into a house in Orleans Parish. In September 2007, Marisol Tucker asked to have the lawsuit with her former husband transferred to Orleans Civil District Court." id.

But then Mrs. Tucker ex-husband filled an motion alleging that the law "is an unconstitutional, classic example of Louisiana politics at its best … Rep. Tucker’s statements and actions show a conflict of interest by directly supporting legislation which would affect ongoing litigation to which his wife is a party.” id.

But yesterday, Lannes, the ex-husband, said that

"dropping the matter derailed what would have been a hearing on whether the law — “which was probably never used by anyone but this one person” — was constitutional." id.

This seem like just a threat to implicate Speaker Tucker in the midst of something.

CHRISTMAS MELODIES

SeeqPod - Playable Search

LAFAYETTE MAKING PROGRESS ON ITS FIBER NETWORK

Lafayette's fiber network is a closely guarded secrete.

"For months, the basics of Lafayette Utilities System's fiber-to-the-home project have been known. It will provide high-speed Internet, television and phone service throughout the city. The rollout is scheduled to take place in four phases, with all customers having service by 2011. A head-end facility has been built and is in operation on Distribution Drive and serves as the hub of the fiber operations.

But beyond occasional updates at Lafayette City-Parish Council meetings, there's been virtually no marketing or promotions surrounding the project, and officials have been quiet on details such as the channel lineup and what kinds of pricing packages will be offered. Also unknown is exactly when in January the system will be unveiled." (See: "Fiber taking shape; Project moving forward, but few details released").

See Also:

INTERNET TOMFOOLERY & SB 807 MAY LEAD TO A LAWSUIT BY THE CITY OF ALEXANDRIA

Lafayette Pro Fiber Blog
CONSUMER CHOICE TELEVISION ACT SIGNED INTO LAW
INTERVIEW OF REP. CHRIS ROY, JR., ON JUNE 15, 2008SB 807 THE CONSUMER CHOICE TELEVISION ACT???

PIE IN THE SKY CABLE BILL PASSES THE HOUSE

GOP LEADERS SAY THEY HAVE PUT VITTERS ADULTERY PAST BEHIND THEM

Louisiana GOP leaders are giving Vitter a pass on his adultery past. (See: "Vitter to run again; GOP’s leaders are supportive").

"Vitter supporters, such as Republican U.S. Rep. Rodney Alexander of Quitman, say they’ve put the matter behind them.

“I think he’s doing a good job,” Alexander said. “He’s one of the hardest workers I’ve ever seen. He made a mistake but as long as he keeps working for the good of Louisiana, we’re going to support him.”

“He’ll have to answer to the voters,” Jindal said Wednesday when asked about Vitter’s refusal to discuss the prostitution scandal.

“He’s going to have the chance to do that in the next few years,” said Jindal, adding that it was much too early to decide who he will support in the senate race." id.

It is truly a shame when the high and mighty GOP shrugs off adultery. That may be some of the Republicans shortfalls when it comes to their moral superiority. All Vitter has to do is make a legitimate apology.

See Also:

See "David Vitter" on this blog

TOWN TALK IS WACKO TODAY

The Town Talk has appeared a tad wacko on on us today, when it announced that beads go out for Myron Lawson today.

"BEADS: To Myron K. Lawson, for standing up for what he believes, following through on his promises to friends and lawyers, and giving Alexandria residents what they really need from their City Council president -- something to talk about. As new president, Lawson announced his presence with authority this week by banishing the mayor and his entourage to the cheap seats in the council's meeting room -- out where the unwashed masses have to sit and squirm while straining to hear insightful public discussion of important public matters by knowledgeable and civic-minded public servants. Good for President Lawson. We look forward to further actions that showcase his leadership and desire to focus on issues that are important, urgent and necessary." (See: "Our view: Council prez shows mayor to his seat").

While it is a good thing that the Town Talk shows our smart assed mayor a thing or two, shutting him up during Alexandria City Council Meetings is a terrible way to conduct business.

Where open meetings is the way we should strive to handle governmental affairs, shutting the mayor up during City Council meetings is yet another slap in the face of the Citizens. This is yet more of the bickering between the mayor and the City Council that catches the citizens in the middle.

There was nothing wrong with the way in which the City Council had for years handled the City Council meetings with the mayor in attendance. And what is meant by "unwashed" masses are banned? Perhaps the Town Talk editors has let us be know how they feel in their own witty way?

And at the same time they say:

"BOOS: To Myron K, Lawson, president of the Alexandria City Council, for taking 22 chairs out of the council's meeting room. That's no way for an elected official to endear himself to his boss, the public." id.

Why can't the Town Talk see that the two issues go "hat in hand" with each other. They are simply one big smear upon the public in depriving them of open meetings.

But is the Town Talk attempting to try one of its witty jokes on us?

SEARS A FINE COMPANY FOR OUR TROOPS

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SHREVEPORT TO PUT RED LIGHT CAMS UP FOR DEBATE AGAIN

Shreveport, Louisiana, is to debate whether or not to install red light cams again. (See: "Red light cameras, water meter contract before council again").

"Police Chief Henry Whitehorn gave the green light to red light cameras at a council public safety committee meeting earlier this month. He met with Baton Rouge police, who also use the equipment, and advised Shreveport to do the same.

"I believe that it's something we should move forward with and try to do with our city as well." id.

Shreveport City Councilman Calvin Lester is pushing the matter this time.

"But not everyone likes the idea of red light cameras. New Orleans and Jefferson Parish recently were the subjects of lawsuits that say they are unconstitutional. Making traffic offenses civil violations cuts out due process, the suits say." id.

Besides those lawsuits, there is also the lawsuit from Lafayette. Doesn't it make better sense to wait and see the outcome of those lawsuits rather than jumping on the idiot bandwagon?

See also:

Red light cameras

and

Redflex

ETHICS BOARD MOVING

The Louisiana Board of Ethics is moving to downtown Baton Rouge,

"with offices opening Tuesday in the LaSalle State Office Building, 617 N. Third St." (See: "Politics for Dec. 21, 2008; Board of Ethics moving downtown").

The Ethics Board will also

"When the Louisiana Board of Ethics next meets Jan. 28, it will be on a Wednesday instead of the traditional Thursday.

The board’s monthly meetings will be mainly on Wednesdays through 2009. However, there will be several Friday meeting sessions." id.

See Also:

Ethics Board on this Blog

THE CITY'S BEST CHANCE AT GETTING TO THE TRUTH WILL BE DASHED WITH THE CLECO SETTLEMENT

The Town Talk warned us that:

"And the lawsuit, dismissed with prejudice, will go away, along with the chance to win triple-damages, attorney's fees and other costs while telling the truth in court. (See: "Our View: Power deal ends chance to get truth").

I think that is somewhat premature, and that we should wait to see what information the City actually turns over to us. If we are to believe Councilman Myron Lawson we are assured to have all of the facts of the settlement deal.

But I don't see why the mayor is so afraid to go to court? He may be right, but that remains to be seen.

See Also:

MYRON LAWSON'S CLECO ANNOUNCEMENT
12-16-08 ALEXANDRIA CITY COUNCIL MEETING

See Also "Cleco" on this Blog

WITH $100 MILLION CLECO CAN AFFORD A REBATE

Cleco just had a $100 million bond approval "that will provide funds for Cleco Corp. to upgrade its power transmission and distribution systems in three Louisiana parishes." (See: "$100 million slated for Cleco improvements").

That should be enough to repay the millions of dollars stolen from the ratepayers of the City of Alexandria.

I also do not see how difficult it would be to rebate whomever actually paid Cleco, through the City, be it business or residential. Seems like the utility office would have records of everyone that paid.

See Also:

MYRON LAWSON'S CLECO ANNOUNCEMENT

12-16-08 ALEXANDRIA CITY COUNCIL MEETING

CLECO DEAL SNEAK PEAK

ALEXANDRIA ADMINISTRATIVE BRIEFINGS

JUDGE DRELL ALLOWS DISCLOSURE IN CLECO CASE

See Also "Cleco" on this Blog

CAYLEE'S BODY FOUND

The story of the Caylee Anthony murder, how it took place, the utility worker, the body has been found, and what is expected from this trial:

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DEEP THROAT OF WATERGATE FAME DIES

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RACISM ALLEGED IN BOSSIER

Black Police Juror Jerome Darby is asking for changes to the running of the Bossier Parish library "after past and present employees have brought forward allegations of racism and race-based hiring." (See: "Allegations of racism surface at Bossier libraries").

Several Black employees have complained that matters "came to a head last fall when Peggy Gillham, an assistant cataloguer who is white, mentioned a need to use a whip for motivation in front of two black employees." id. Also, Black workers allege that "qualified black workers are ignored for open positions while unqualified white workers are chosen." id. One possibility is it concerns the hiring of people who belong to a certain church.

However, Library Director Delbert Terry, pastor of the Blanchard Church of the Nazarene, conducted an investigation onto the matter and issued verbal reprimand.

"The Times obtained several resumes and job descriptions of personnel within the library system whom Johnson and others said they felt had been preferentially chosen, and all of the resumes at least met the basic job descriptions advertised by the library system and sometimes more so. Terry said he followed standard procedures for hiring employees, including publicly advertised notices of open positions, as required for these public positions. id.

I hope that this Library is the recipient of of good and fair investigation. Which every way it comes out I hope it is well publicised and the guilty parties, whomever they are, will be duly noted.

MYRON LAWSON'S CLECO ANNOUNCEMENT

Click on photo to Enlarge

BUSH ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR AUTO BAILOUT

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