forgotston.com

Despite being assured that the computer system at the state-run Citizens Insurance Fund could be fixed and the data retrieved, today, almost a year later we learn that the $13 Million system CANNOT be fixed and a new one has to be purchased. See story here. The person most responsible was just re-elected Commissioner of Insurance.

Then there is the story in Thursday’s Baton Rouge paper about one of the Lege Slush Funds nthat cannot account for our tax dollars that it spent. The person most responsible for this particular mess was just promoted from State Representative to State Senator. The current administrator of the program blames the problems on her predecessor. Of course!

The response to these debacles and others in the state is reminiscent of the failed flood walls in New Orleans: Oops, we screwed up; give us some more of your money and we promise to do it right this time. Yeah, right!

Enough is enough

I’m a little sick of those who are hired by the taxpayers to take care of the taxpayers screwing up and the only people who pay are those of us taxpayers who were screwed.

For once, I’d like to see those responsible for the screw-ups in LA pay for them. Until we start making those in charge financially responsible instead of the hard-working taxpayers, there is no incentive to properly oversee our tax dollars.

Where’s the beef?

I’ve heard nothing about even addressing these problems, much less solutions from the Bobby Jindal Camp. I’ve heard plans to spend more money on various government programs and to give teachers another pay raise.

When are the taxpayers of LA going to get what we already pay for and when will we give a pay raise in the form of a tax reduction?

We hear about the need for new ethics laws in LA. Where’s the accountability for the
existing laws?

Yeah, I know, Jindal just got elected. However, he has been running for governor for 4 years and serving as my Congressman for much of those 4 years. Not only should he bear some of the responsibility as an elected official, but he should know of the specific problems and should already have specific solutions. Where’s the beef?

Sick of it

I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired. Until there is some real accountability in government in LA, there is no reform.

Enough with the out-of-state consultants, in-state committees, summits, etc., I want action!

C.B.

Uncategorized CB 9:26 am

Former New Orleans city councilman Oliver Thomas has pleaded guilty to accepting a bribe and was sentenced today to 37 months in a Federal prison. See story here.

It was revealed that Thomas who entered into a plea agreement with the U.S. Attorney’s office reneged on his agreement. As part of the agreement, Thomas had agreed to assist the government with prosecuting others who have committed crimes. He later refused, not only to assist, but to even show up for scheduled meetings with the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Contradictions incriminate

Thomas offers conflicting statements for his failure to live up to his agreement.

Thomas said that he didn’t cooperate because he didn’t want to be a “rat.” In street vernacular, a “rat” is one who testifies against others who commit criminal acts. Thomas also claimed he didn’t know anything to tell them.

Being a “rat” connotes that one knows something. Saying that he didn’t know anything is contradictory. Either Thomas was lying to the U.S. Attorney when he agreed to testified about criminal acts committed by others or he is lying now that he doesn’t know anything.

If Thomas lied to the U.S.A. about knowing of other criminal acts he was incredibly stupid. That would not only be a crime in and of itself, but would be no way to bargain for a lesser sentence.

Thus, by his own words Thomas shows that he failed to live up to his agreement with the Feds.

Rats respond

C.B.

Uncategorized CB 4:33 pm

The more that things change, the more they stay the same. Bobby Jindal said that he wasn’t going to be involved in the election of officers to preside over the House and Senate unless there was a stalemate.

We saw that not to be true in the case of the Senate President (See below “Reform and Change”). Now this. (See story here.)

Note this comment:

…[A]n endorsement [by Jindal] expected to put on lock on the position for the West Bank lawmaker.

Is an endorsement not being involved in selection of the Speaker? Where’s the stalemate?

The Jindal Administration may be different, but I fail to see the change.

I look forward to a joint press conference between the governor-elect’s office and the lege leadership to announce the independence of the lege in the Jindal Administration. That is, provided Gov-Elect Jindal allows it.

C.B.

Uncategorized CB 12:53 pm