Meeting Walter Boasso

The Community Editorial Board had the opportunity to meet gubernatorial candidate Walter Boasso today. Mr. Boasso's life is very much a microcosm of Louisiana today- extremes of poverty to tremendous wealth. Mr. Boasso has come from humble beginnings to become a very successful businessman. He has a incredible sense of community, family, and desire to improve Louisiana so that our children will stay, grow, and prosper in Louisiana. Mr. Boasso is also unique among all the other gubernatorial candidates in that he is both a successful entrepreneur and state government experience having served in our state legislature as a senator.

He has interesting ideas regarding changes in our educational systems- he believes all students should have the opportunity to leave high school with a marketable skill, no matter what their future plans are. He supports the expansion of early childhood education and making sure all students get the educational services they need.

He also described a 'hybrid' health care insurance plan that was much more specific than what I have heard from all the previous candidates. He basically wants to assist Louisiana residents in obtaining a basic health care package covering primary and preventive care services. He would further assist small businesses that are unable to provide health care, but want to, for their employees.

He supports insurance reform in our state and wants to seriously examine economic development to determine what the exact economic benefits are.

While I knew the least about Walter Boasso as a candidate coming into our meeting today, I had several impressions. While I find his campaign ads very amusing, the ads made me wonder if he was a serious leader capable of leading our state out of our current problems. I left our meeting today very impressed. He started with little more than his own sweat equity and has created real jobs for people in our state. Despite what I thought of his television ads, he understands the gravity of the problems facing Louisiana, understands that he must build consensus for us to succeed, and has the unique perspective of leading a successful corporation and being a successful legislator in our state's often brutal politics.

Business and Politics with Walter Boasso

Walter Boasso, not only knows business, but also knows politics, and recognizes that government can’t be run like a business. Likewise he knows that a patronage fueled government cannot make the necessary changes to bring the state into the 21st century.

Among the things he advocates is a new constitution for the state, but such a proposition begs details and direction prior to starting that ball rolling. He also advocates the continuation of the charity hospital system, but with some adjustments and fine-tuning.

Mr. Boasso, perhaps because of his connections to the shipping industry, sees the necessity of attracting Asian shippers to Louisiana’s ports and waterways system. It will be interesting to see if he can attract the port and shipping industries to his campaign.

Sagging is Now Illegal in Shreveport

Apparently, the ordinance passed 4-3. Long, Shyne and Walford voted against. Hmm, I wonder if this is REALLY a big deal.

WWBD: What Would Bobby Do

Our meeting with Bobby Jindal was like a sprint to an undisclosed finish line. Mr. Jindal is quick with the statistics, quick with the obvious, and says it extremely well. His "Fresh Start for Louisiana" offers some details worth studying for Ethics Reform and for Crime and Safety Reform. The details however become a little sketchy for Improving Health Care, Increasing Economic Development, Reforming Government, and Strengthening Education. He offered some tree-top ideas in each of these areas during the meeting and obviously has a plan in mind.

The very articulate Mr. Jindal is ready to go somewhere with an aggressive agenda if elected governor. Like the other candidates I've met he has a desire to take advantage of a unique time in our state's history to effectively realize the kind of change that brings us to a renaissance that will create a Louisiana that will be the envy of our neighbors and the nation.

My concern with Mr. Jindal is that he offers no interest in environmental issues and the lack of specifics in some of the topics he identifies on his web site. If he becomes Governor Jindal he will lead us somewhere fast and it will be where he believes will bring about the historic change that was never possible before. Those who are part of the Jindal administration had better buckle up for a fast and, at times rocky, ride. Change never comes easy.

Presidential Courage

The column in today’s paper entitled “The President is a Baboon” was intended to remind us of great leadership during perilous times. For an outstanding analysis of the difficult courses charted by nine Presidents pick up a copy of Michael Beschloss’ “Presidential Courage: Brave Leaders and How They Changed America, 1789-1989” (Simon & Schuster, 2007).

The author deals with obvious choices: Lincoln, Washington and F.D.R. But he also details lesser known historical episodes such as John Kennedy’s behind-the-scenes maneuverings to pass a Civil Rights Act; Theodore Roosevelt’s attack on the Northern Securities Company; Harry Truman’s efforts in support of the new state of Israel; and Ronald Reagan’s stance and strategies against the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

This is an excellent, thoroughly researched study with current relevance as our country enters the 2008 political season.

Jindal's Fresh Start Plan for Louisiana Refreshing

In the onset, I must admit, I had my doubts about Bobby Jindal's views on many issues that would affect not only my family, but families across Louisiana. After listening to him in the Community Board meeting on yesterday, his slogan, "Fresh Start" really rings true to the bright ideas and concepts he hopes to bring to Louisiana to get us back on the road to success.


Jindal has really done his homework and seems to have a genuine, vested interest in Louisiana and its people, culture, economics, education, and health care. I like the fact that he studied previous terms closely to recognize the trends of our state and local government.

Because education and health care are very important, especially in Louisiana, I was especially impressed with his view on education. He mentioned that in many of our schools there are essentially older students (age 17-18 yrs old) in classrooms with students performing in their appropriate grades age 12-13 for example. Instead of giving our children only one option of dropping out of school why not offer "dual enrollment" to give those that have not been as successful an opportunity to succeed?

I was glad to know he supports the expansion of I-49 which will be detrimental to the Allendale community. All in all, Jindal although a republican, has a pretty well thought out plan of how to bring growth to Louisiana.

Governor Candidate Bobby Jindal - Impressions

Republican candidate for governor Bobby Jindal met with The Times Editorial and Community Boards Wednesday morning. Again, my gut reaction to his strengths and weaknesses:

Jindal was strong on:

- reforming the state’s tainted “corrupt” image. One of his first moves would be a special legislative session to enact reforms
- detailed plan to reform the state’s educational system. Proposes a “Teacher’s Bill of Rights” holding both teachers and students/parents responsible. Also proposes a “dual enrollment” option for students opting for college prep or technical training courses
- push for completion of I-49 as a benefit to the entire state
- tie univerisity course work to local economic strenghts – i.e. LSUS programs to Barksdale AFB Cyber Command Center. Reward universities for accomplishments in this area
- eliminate current business taxes for debt, equipment and utilities. Proposes a detailed plan to make up for lost revenue via other measures. Proposes a long term phase-out of the state income tax

Jindal was weak on:

- tendency to lapse into “politician speak” when listing his accomplishments – “I have done this….I have done that….”

I must admit I was impressed with Mr. Jindal’s knowledge of a wide variety of issues and the ability to offer specific plans to address state problems. His responses were more than “it’s broke, let’s fix it” – my impression was that his comments were thoughtful and well researched.

Governor Candidate John Georges - Impressions

Republican candidate for governor John Georges met with The Times Editorial and Community Boards Tuesday morning. My gut reaction to his strengths and weaknesses:


Georges was strong on:
- running the state like a business - avoid political patronage - appoint the qualified regardless of political party
- setting a state tax structure comparable/competitive with neighboring states
- plan to phase out state income taxes for seniors 65+
- tie LSU-S curriculum to Barksdale AFB Cyber Command Center

Georges was weak on:
- explanation of Louisiana's "corruption/ethics" image. This is not "media hype" but a valid, on-going issue
- tendency to stress what he has done personally as opposed to detailing a governing philosophy/specific plans
- tendency to stray off-point

Community Board Meeting with John Georges

As a community board member, I recently had the opportunity to sit in on an editorial board meeting with John Georges, a Republican candidate for governor. What follows are my impressions of our meeting and his answers to a standard set of questions that will be put to all candidates, but were not available to them prior to our meeting. I am not affiliated with or have financially or otherwise supported any of the gubernatorial candidates.

Mr. Georges describes himself as an optimistic, life-long leader who: 1) prefers to make decisions and take action rather than develop policy; 2) finds and/ or develops other successful leaders and empowers them to take action; 3) believes Louisiana’s current problems directly result from a failure in leadership and that his leadership style will lead to improvements for our state. He cites his multiple, successful businesses and business turn arounds as evidence that he has the ability to make a positive impact in our state as governor. He additionally has given his own time, skills, and money to causes important to him and his local community.

In terms of specific issues Mr. Georges appears to be a strong proponent of public- private partnerships as a tool for economic development citing many development activities that UNO participated in such as the D-Day museum in N.O.. He additionally felt such partnerships would also be important and should be developed for other issues facing our state such as coastal restoration. He supports the concept of charter schools and believes expanding preschool throughout our school systems can improve education for our children. He feels that our state cannot compete if we have taxes that make it more advantageous for individuals or businesses to locate in our neighboring states. He implied that modification of our state income tax would lead to more Louisiana residents returning to Louisiana. He acknowledged health care as a major issue but did not seem to have any specific ideas as he did for many other issues discussed. He also talked a great deal about the rebuilding of New Orleans.

Overall I enjoyed meeting with Mr. Georges. As I reflect about our hour long meeting, it seemed to me that almost all of his examples were in fact related to south Louisiana and I wonder if that means anything or is just a product of answering an unknown set of questions on the spot. He was personable, optimistic, and confident that he can improve Louisiana for all of us. He is a leader in his community and successfully leads multiple business enterprises. At this point the real question seems to be if he can convince the rest of the state that he can turn our state around like he has done in business.

Can John Georges git r done?

Mr. Georges strikes me as one of those “git r done” types. No, he’s not at all like Larry the Cable Guy. Rather, when he sees a job needs to be done, he rolls up his sleeves and gets it done. I like that. But the big IF here is: Can he persuade the bureaucracy and legislature roll up their sleeves with him?

I also like the fact that he agrees with me in that it is necessary to put a dynamic “git ‘r done” type in charge of Katrina recovery efforts. This whole committee effort that has been charged with the recovery effort, has proved to be quite ineffective and disappointing.

Who Dat Running for Gov'ner

Who the heck is John Georges, why would a successful businessman want the frustration of Chief Executive of state government, and what can he do for the citizens of Louisiana? It doesn't take long to get an answer to these questions from Mr. Georges. Whether you agree with him or not he offers optimism, a touch of brashness, sincerity, and a feeling of a call to service. I can't help believe he will find running state government quite a different proposition from business but he certainly feels he is on a mission. There are positions he takes I disagree with but the refreshing part is that he is willing to share his "incorrect" positions with confidence. In contrast, trying to find out where Jindal's positions are is like looking at a "Where's Waldo" puzzle. So ... "Where's Bobby". While Georges shared his positions openly and honestly, I can't help wonder when Bobby can come out and play.

First Grade - First Day - Letting Go

Last Tuesday, my wife Anne and I escorted our daughter Shelby to Mrs. Taylor's first grade class at Fairfield Magnet Elementary. It was the first day of school and I'm not sure who it was tougher on - Shelby or mom.

Shelby is far from shy and that's what made her hesitancy all the more puzzling and even a tad upsetting. As you can see from the photo, letting go can be tough on everyone. Changes are difficult - particularly when you're six. Kindergarten was a blast, but faced with new a new room, a new desk, new classmates and a new teacher Shelby didn't know exactly where she would fit in.

By the end of the day, however, all was well. "First grade is so cool!", was the report we were greeted with as we picked her up.

In this crazy world, sometimes all you need is a hug from someone you love to help you make it through the day.

Fashion Fascists

All this uproar roused me from my August heat-induced delirium. I woke up screaming, “I must be the only one who has not yet written about sagging britches. I need to get in my 2 cents worth before this issue bottoms out.”

My wife elbowed me and told me to roll over and go back to sleep. So I did and I was soon dreaming of that day back in 1964 after the Ed Sullivan Show when I, just like thousands of other teenagers, skipped my fortnightly hair cut and quit combing my hair. Why, because we witnessed the girls screaming and swooning when the Beatles shook their hair. Soon adults everywhere were warning of the downfall of Western civilization if young males continued to not cut their hair.

Isn’t it odd how rednecks of the 60’s had long hair and college kids had the long hair. Now, the rednecks have the long hair and mullets, and the college kids have the short hair.

That wasn’t the only time in my life when fashion threatened to undermine society. I t also happened also when my older brothers began imitating Elvis and when my sister began wearing a miniskirt. My future wife, without regard for the good name of her father, the Judge, and the shame she was about to bring down on her family, wore a bikini to the beach. Of course hip huggers and the micro mini sent the fashion fascists into St Helen’s like eruption.

It wasn’t just fashion though, it was also music and dance - Elvis’s wriggling hips and Chubby Checker’s oh so nasty Twist. Preachers and moralists in the Bible Belt smashed rock and roll 45’s and later Beatle’s LP’s when John Lennon claimed the Beatles were more popular than Jesus.

Just how low will pants have to be to be considered sagging? Whenever dictators of dress and decorum speak, a standard must be set. In the 60’s it was skirts no more than 2 inches above the knee, then 3, then 4. The girls just kept rolling them up. Hair couldn’t touch the ears or the collar. Heck, I saw a photo of Angela Davis and went out and got a perm. Perfect, my hair was above the collar and didn’t cover the ear.

Why are just concerned about male fashions here? Maybe it’s just my pet peeve, but I found it quit distracting watching a female singer constantly tugging at her top in an effort to avoid joining wardrobe malfunction hall of fame. It seems there is quite a double standard going on here. I have yet to hear any outrage over today’s female fondness to expose their cleavage and undergarments both top and bottom. “Not that there’s anything wrong with that.” as Jerry Seinfeld would say.

It’s been fifty years since Elvis arrived and 40 years since the Beatles and all of those things that heralded the end of humanity on Earth, and you know what, we are still here.

End of the Road

Today, my friend and colleague Rebecca J. Thomas met her last deadline as a member of The Times Community Board. Likewise, I make my last appearance in that capacity as well.

It has been an honor to share points of view with this wonderful community. My purpose has been to contribute to the public conversation on relevant topics, to stimulate thought and add perspective with an aim of improving the quality of life for all who occupy this space we call Shreveport/Bossier.

I am humbled to have shared a format with truly committed and professional journalists. Never did I have the allusion that my work measured up. But rather, I always felt enormous pressure not to let them down. I appreciate the genuine hospitality and support of all associated with The Times organization.

Further, the opportunity to debate current events and to put my voice in the room has been a once in a lifetime experience.
The Community Board members have also been passionate about their points of view and I have grown significantly from being exposed to each of them. I look forward to settling in with my morning cup of coffee and a good read of informed commentary.

Many thanks to those in the public who have expressed encouragement and appreciation for my work. You made a difference and for that I will always be grateful.

Now, don't count me out because my time on the Community Board has expired. I hope to continue to participate in this democracy as circumstances and channels will permit. And, I invite you to join in through letters to the editor, guest columns, and online forums.

And now a completely new subject and important only to my family and me. We recently welcomed a new blessing into our lives. Our first grandchild. And she is simply beautiful. I cannot describe the feeling I get when just looking at her sleep, stretch, yawn or any gesture for that matter. I thank God for this experience and to Him be all the glory!

PETA would be up in arms

In an old war movie (“Battle of the Bulge” maybe) a general, to better understand his soldiers’ fighting ability, demands that his aides feed him the same food his troops receive. It’s time for the Bossier Parish School Board to do the same - ride on the non air-conditioned buses to and from school each day.

If these buses carried dogs and cats, PETA and animal lovers everywhere would be up in arms and the school board would be hauled into court for abuse.

It seems quite foolish to put students in school during the hottest month of school without providing for relief from the extreme heat. In these days of tight budgets, soaring fuel costs, and increasing scarcity of energy resources, why does Louisiana insist on having school during August anyway?

It is time for the state of Louisiana and its school boards to seriously revisit this issue. At the very least air-condition the buses.

Big Smoky Sky Country

Smoke plumes from 2 separate fires separated by blue sky over the mountains on the western edge of the Flathead valley.

Forest fires continue plague western Montana. Massive plumes of black smoke climb into the sky as aggressively as the flames that created them devour the forest below. As smoke pollutes the mountain air, simple things such as breathing, become a chore. When ashes began falling like rain, we found it necessary to prematurely end our fun at the lake.

While smoke fills the mountain valleys, fire stories fill the newspapers. My favorite headline so far appeared in the local newspaper on August 31, “Fires prompt evacuations; Testicle Festival still a go” The festival, not a family affair for sure, is as raunchy as Bourbon Street at Mardi Gras or a Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. It centers on the eating of that Montana delicacy known as Rocky Mountain Oysters, a byproduct of the calf-branding season.

Fortunately, we took the kids and grandkids to our favorite fishing spot before the fire conditions closed the forests. The family caught a mess of Cutthroat trout and had a delicious fish fry. The family competition to catch the first, biggest, and most is intense – fish lines have been known to be cut, and pity the poor person who tries to get to my wife’s spot before her - they usually end up swimming back to shore.

It is quite nice to again be able to stand in the water waist deep in the river and see your feet and not have to worry about poisonous snakes and gators. Of course there was that time a few years back when a grizzly waded across the river to feast on her stringer of fish.

A number of graduates from my hometown on the eastern Montana prairie migrated to the mountainous regions of the west. Since most of us no longer have a reason to return to our old stomping grounds, every 5 years we have a reunion here in western Montana for those of us who graduated in the mid-fifties to mid sixties. Where the topic of discussion at past reunions centered on jobs, homes and children, this years main topics were cancer, senior care and retirement issues. That’s none too surprising considering our ages.

Outspoken Calif. Editor Shot to Death

Not something a person who writes for a living EVER wants to hear, though I'm not convinced people actually write for a living.

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) -- The outspoken new editor of the Oakland Post was shot to death Thursday near a downtown courthouse in what police suspect was a deliberate hit.
Chauncey Bailey, 57, was killed around 7:30 a.m., Oakland Police spokesman Roland Holmgren said. Witnesses told police a man wearing a mask shot Bailey multiple times and then fled.

LINK TO ARTICLE

Louisiana Legislators are headed to Boston

According to The Advocate, 34 or so legislators and their staff (128 people in all) are going to Boston for the National Conference of State Legislatures' annual conference.

The article says law makers argue the importance of having a high number of representatives from Louisiana promoting next year's conference which will be held in New Orleans.

About 1/3 of the legislators scheduled to attend are from Greater New Orleans, while two (Sen. Lydia Jackson and Rep. Roy Burrell) will represent Shreveport.