forgotston.com

Jim Beam’s column in Sunday’s Lake Charles paper is just plain common sense. Unfortunately common sense is so rare in LA, especially amongst public officials, that it is no longer common.

Our public officials remind me of the little kid crying with a mouthful and both hands full of candy for more candy. The only way to overcome our well-deserved reputation for poor spending practices/priorities (refurbishing the governor’s offices while people remain homeless) and corruption and do exactly what Jim Beam suggests in his column — prove we can handle money.

Kudos to Jim Beam!

C.B.

Uncategorized CB 8:00 am

Seldom does the public get a chance to hear what happens inside a state office. The Dead Pelican.Com has provided us with a glimpse into the abusive treatment by a high-ranking state employee of a subordinate. Beth Courtney, head LA Public Broadcasting berates former reporter Jeff Duhe’ for questioning her ethics.

WARNING: COURTNEY’S COMMENTS ARE LACED WITH PROFANITY. To hear the “conversation” go here: Conversation.

Having worked in state government for 13 years for elected officials, I’ve never heard anything quite like this. If I hadn’t known both of these individuals for years, I would not believe what I heard.

Interestingly, Courtney’s ethical violations were so blatant that even the LA Heh, Heh, Heh, Ethics Board fined Courtney for the violations. Story here.

C.B.

Uncategorized CB 8:00 am

1. Who becomes Lt. Governor of LA if Mitch Landrieu becomes the mayor of New Orleans this May?

Before the media makes the mistake of asking the Secretary of State’s office the question and publishes incorrect information AGAIN, I’m going to take a stab at the answer.

According to LA Const. Article IV, Section 15 the office would be filled by Governor Blanco subject to confirmation by a majority of the leges. Now, who would that person be? How about Lt. Governor Raymond “Coach” Blanco.

Remember you heard it here first.

2. Are we stuck with Al Ater longer?

Now, that U.S. District Judge Frank Polozola has thrown out the Congressional Primary scheduled in September he has extended Al Ater’s unelected term as Secretary of State until December. LA Constitution Article IV, Section 16 says that a vacancy in the office of a statewide elected official other than governor and lt. governor (if the remainder of the term is longer than 1 year) must be filled by an election at the next regularly scheduled Congressional or statewide elections. Of course, the governor will have to issue a new proclamation for the special election for Secretary of State for November 7.

Seems like us being stuck with Ater longer would be a winning argument on which to ask the U.S. 5th Circuit to overturn Polozola’s ruling.

C.B.

Uncategorized CB 8:00 am