Thursday, November 30, 2006 by Blogger
Arsonist(s) Set Fire to Jena High School Watch the Town Talk's video coverage, here.
|
CenLamar: A Blog on Life in Alexandria, LA is powered by Blogger and Blogger Templates. Theme is designed by Fauxzen |
That collision sent the Toyota across the median, where it clipped a Saab in the westbound lane. The Toyota then crashed head-on into Patrick's vehicle. Patrick was pronounced dead at the scene by the Ascension Parish coroner, reads the report. The driver of the Nissan Maxima left the scene and State Police are searching for that driver and the vehicle. The driver of the Toyota 4Runner, Alona M. Williams, 20, of Baton Rouge, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted by Acadian AirMed to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge, the Troop A report stated. The driver of the Saab, Scott M. Gilbert, 27, of Houston, Texas, sustained minor injuries and was not taken to a hospital for treatment. State Police said the Maxima has Louisiana license plate OTE 951. State Police Troop A is asking that anyone with information call (225) 754-8500.Mayor Patrick was recently reelected after a tough campaign against Ernie Johnson. |W|P|116460575555120683|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.com
These measures reflect a hard demographic reality: Baby boomers are retiring and the number of young adults is declining. By 2012, the work force will be losing more than two workers for every one it gains....Cities have long competed over job growth, struggling to revive their downtowns and improve their image. But the latest population trends have forced them to fight for college-educated 25- to 34-year-olds, a demographic group increasingly viewed as the key to an economic future.
Mobile but not flighty, fresh but technologically savvy, “the young and restless,” as demographers call them, are at their most desirable age, particularly because their chances of relocating drop precipitously when they turn 35. Cities that do not attract them now will be hurting in a decade.
So how do cities attract young people?
Well, look to the examples of Portland, Austin, and Atlanta. They retain young people by appealing to the "cool factor."Still, what works in one city will not work in others, Mr. Cortright said, and not all young people are looking for the same things. He cites Portland’s bike paths, which many point to as an amenity that has helped the city attract young people.|W|P|116443917997928761|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.com“I think that confuses a result with a cause,” Mr. Cortright said. Portland happened to have a group who wanted concessions for cyclists and was able to get them, he said.
“The real issue was, is your city open to a set of ideas from young people, and their wish to realize their dream or objective in your city,” he said. “You could go out and build bike paths, but if that’s not what your young people want, it’s not going to work.”
|W|P|116434560310863960|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.comThe recent election has inspired the author to contemplate the implications of the public’s choice, just as this local example resonates with a nationwide situation. Alexandria, says Mr. White, is a prime example of suburban sprawl, as the town has tripled in size while the population remains constant—a problem that could be partially solved by annexing the surrounding neighborhoods that currently remain outside of the city’s zoning laws and tax liability.
Though Alexandria did not evolve into the grand and glittering metropolis dreamed of, it was not for lack of effort. The Town Talk and the family who published it were among the city’s most optimistic champions. The newspaper was inextricably bound up with—and often directly behind—transformations in Alexandria’s urban landscape, the development of municipal services and education, efforts to attract industry and cultivate trade, and the stimulation of surrounding agribusiness.
In chronicling Alexandria’s past, Spletstoser examines the construction, timber, and railroad booms that occurred across the turn of the century, the large and enduring military presence in central Louisiana, and the impact of Huey P. Long’s political career. Along the way, he narrates colorful stories culled from the "Town Talk"’s pages and describes the fascinating family members who published the paper during this entire period.
Among the most important institutions in the South after the Civil War, small-town newspapers recorded the feelings and desires of the vast majority of the common people. Talk of the Town illustrates the role provincial journalism played in the planning and expansion of towns throughout the country as it relates the engrossing social, cultural, economic, and political history of one southern place and the people who lived there.|W|P|116423011153260156|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.comxxx mp3 one xxx- please listen to this tape first xxx sources tell wst that this is rich dupree explaining what he had told a town talk reporter about greg aymond's termination. notice that mr.dupree said he lacked confidence in mr.aymond's ability to handle waterworks matters and that his vote had nothing to do with the (town of ball, louisiana, mayor) roy hebron matter. this is from the waterworks district 3 board meeting of tuesday, 27 july 2004. xxx mp3 two xxx- please listen to this tape last xxx this audio file is from a telephone conversation between greg aymond and rich dupree held on wednesday, 14 july 2004, immediately after the water works district 3 board meeting in which the board voted 6-3 to terminate aymond's service as the waterworks attorney of 16 years. notice in this conversation, rich dupree states that greg aymond was fired as a result of the roy hebron matter and that mr. dupree offers to let mr. aymond continue handling all ongoing litigation.|W|P|116421342563280520|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.com
Last weekend, Matt Stoller of MyDD called on 100 people to donate $100 a piece, and when they received 11K plus dollars they decided to hire a man named Tim Tagaris, who covered the Ned Lamont race for MyDD, and send him to NOLA for the next thee weeks to follow the La-02 runoff. www.mydd.com/story/2006/11/15/154230/71 In the comments of MyDD's announcement, they put forth an open invitation for people to contribute blog names of New Orleans activists (I signed up to MyDD to plug the Roy election victory and your blog, btw). It's an interesting list, and here's the motherload: thinknola.com/wiki/New_Orleans_bloggers Anyway, Oyster over at YourRightHandThief (a nicely written progressive NOLA blog) in his most recent entry titled "MyDD: Moral Ghostbusters" (I couldn't find a permalink), has some interesting opinions about Stoller/MyDD's portrayal of Landrieu as a "moral ghost" and MyDD's decision to send Tagaris to NOLA. In the first comment blogger Adrastos (.blog-city) calls Tagaris a "carpetblogger." righthandthief.blogspot.com Tagaris actually left a comment of his own on the thread, and it's really conciliatory and he immediately won the support of Oyster's readers (no small feat in the blogosphere). He seems extremely motivated, and in spite of his benefactor and previous jobs he is not directly attached to the Carter campaign. Here's his first segment, which has okay comments as well, the highlight (lowlight?) being a picture of a Katrinacorpse. www.mydd.com/story/2006/11/16/195119/10 I'm sorry to give you so much to look at all at once, since you have more than you can handle with one city already, but this is all going to be irrelevant after December 9. I thought you'd be interested because this actually represents the national blogging community refocusing on New Orleans, and an example of how bloggers are not simply a bunch of computer potatoes. There are real projects that bridge the gap between the virtual and the visceral. It is also informing my opinion of Landrieu (Oyster at YRHT defends her pretty well, and he has the same reservations that we do, i.e. Holy Joe, and with the upcoming coastal oil revenue sharing proposal she and Blanco are going to be in the spotlight a bit more over the next two months). It's also interesting that Tagaris seems to completely understand the importance of engaging a community through it's bloggers, especially considering that his medium is professional internet journalism as well.Read more: MyDD.com The Legal Woes of William Jefferson William Jefferson Filmed Taking Cash PS: Yesterday, RightHandThief Said Jacques Roy is a Rising Democratic Star.|W|P|116413931229442002|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.com
"The biggest housing issue for purposes of quality of life is the lack of affordable housing. This stems in part from the high percentage of residents living below the poverty line. It should also be noted that the last public housing project was built 30 years ago."If you have any questions or suggestions for housing or community development, please feel free to leave a comment.|W|P|116412467903630420|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.com
· Community-based planning
· How to articulate a vision and who is passionate in our city to achieve it
· Promoting an image for the city, and overcoming the limitations to that image
· How to best create and sustain numerous partnerships and collaborations
· What would division and department heads like to see different
· What resources are missing
|W|P|116400690155182804|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.comNovember 14, 2006
The transition blueprint is born of my campaign commitments to inclusive, controlled growth of our City. The organization will operate with a funneling effect, but also with a built-in check in the committee structure and use of key experts. We want a free agent group who can ensure that “groupthink” does not set in to foreclose other ideas—to get the most ideas and then separate from those the best ideas.
The mega-committees or spheres of inquiry shown below will be asked to organize themselves according to those persons best suited for more specific areas of inquiry. Overall, the committee structure will answer certain questions about the state of our community, and then compile, organize, and forward that information to the executive transition team, which in turn will use the information to assess delivery of governmental services by the City’s divisions—including whether divisions need re-organization or creation. Clarence Fields has graciously opted to chair the executive group; I am thankful for his leadership across the river and participation now to aid us and ultimately our region.
The spheres represent the macro-components of “smart” growth. Under each sphere, specific issues will be addressed, which may serve useful for organizational purposes by the committees; however, the committees may organize as each desires through its membership.
These issues include consideration of: planning, transportation, economic development, housing, community development, and natural resource development. To smartly grow and preserve what we have, Alexandria should protect its unique sense of community and identity (and further develop a thematic draw, such as its healthcare primacy in the region); preserve and capitalize on natural, infrastructural, and cultural resources (like our river, interstate system, and central location); fairly and inclusively distribute the costs and benefits of our numerous new developments (to reflect our demographics and equitably “grow” our town to avoid sprawl when appropriate); expand the choices for transportation, employment and housing (through mixed-use and other less-thought-of opportunities); value long-range, regional considerations of sustainability instead of immediate gratification (or what will work to make growth more diverse and not subject to deep fluctuations in our local economy and business community); and promote public health and healthful communities (better time spent by our youth after school with positive activities as well as physical health for our community by promoting quality of life initiatives and our hospital complexes).
The committee compositions are reflective of this City, and include some of our “best and brightest.” The goal of transition is to identify problem areas and allow the incoming administration to get a “snapshot” of government through the “fresh” eyes of caring community leaders—but not necessarily to move committed employees out of service. Ultimately, the central mission is to have the current city managers transition the new mayor into office. This administration seeks to identify avenues to revitalize and build our community better—locally and regionally.
Thank you for your support and patience.
--Jacques M. Roy, November 14, 2006
QUALITY OF LIFE, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
& COMMUNITY HEALTH
1. Victor Kirk
2. Lamar White
3. Graves Theus
4. Lee Gwinn
5. Reverend Larry Turner
6. Bart Jones, P.T.
7. Les Glankler
8. Todd Drury, M.D.
9. A.C. Buchanan
10. Reverend Dan O’Connor
11. Booker T. Booze, Jr.
12. Robert Leavines
13. Robert Bussey
14. Stephen Wright
Eight positions unfilled or unconfirmed
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INFRASTRUCTURE
1. Byron Salazar 1. Chad Juneau
2. David Pugh 2. Glenda Fitzpatrick
3. __________ 3. ________
4. Martin Johnson 4. Sam Sansing
5. __________ 5. ________
6. Joe Fuller 6. Rob Ratcliff
7. Jason Gamlin 7. Brandon Monceaux
8. Nancy Stich 8. Jo Betty Sterkx
9. Cliff Mollor 9. Kevin Switzer
10. George Robertson 10. ____________
11. Brent Caplan 11. Jay Lynch
EDUCATION, RECREATION & CHILDREN
1. ______________
2. Rodessa Metoyer
3. Gary Jones
4. ______________
5. Thelma Baker
6. Kristy Flynn
7. Greg Gormanous
8. Tim Tharpe
9. Rodney Jones
10. ______________
11. Paul Dauzat
12. Herbert Dixon
13. Stephanie Goodrich
14. Wally Fall
15. ____________
The mega-committees will work with the transition team to identify how well divisions are meeting their missions and if missions need redefining or retooling. Additionally, this interaction will consider:
There will be a committee known as the Personal Advisory Committee to the Mayor-Elect:
This committee is composed of personal advisors to the mayor-elect, who were instrumental in the campaign. The committee will not serve in a formal transition capacity, but will interact directly with the executive team. This committee will cease to exist December 3, 2006, and is in place to help with the day-to-day activity of transition for the mayor-elect. The membership will be:
John Flynn, Chris Roy, Sr., Chris Roy, Jr., Deborah Randolph, Thomas Antoon, Larry Accosta, Mike Johnson, W. Jay Luneau and Mark Brown
The personal advisory committee and executive transition committee will have key advisors regarding the spheres. Those persons are experts in relevant fields of inquiry:
QUALITY OF LIFE: Johnie Varnado
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: ________________
INFRASTRUCTURE: Thomas David
EDUCATION: Kay Michiels
VISION: ________________
The executive or functioning committee for transition, and the actual body which will interface with the personal advisory group and the administration, is the Executive Transition Committee to the Current Administration:
Clarence Fields (chairperson of Committee), Richard Rozanski (Vice-Chair of Committee), Jacqueline Whittle (secretary of committee), Charles “Chuck” Johnson, William Allen, “Willie” Spears, Tammi Salazar, Ed Larvadain, III, Linda Dyess Stewart, Randy Gilchrist, and Rob Antoon
This committee will meet with the chairpersons from the “sphere” committees and present information, after consultation with the key advisors, to the mayor-elect. During this process, important staff decisions will also be made after consideration of the credentials for the positions requiring filling by the mayor. This committee will cease to exist December 3, 2006.
|W|P|116355505328124790|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.comThree months ago, a young lawyer named Jacques Roy announced his intentions to run for mayor of Alexandria. It was a daunting task in a crowded field of seven candidates-- one of whom had already raised over $100,000, a huge amount for such a small city. This election, as has been said frequently, was one of, if not the most important election in our city's history. It was an election of enthusiasm and ideas. It was an election about holding government accountable. It was an election about our future. What we've witnessed tonight is not merely a single victory for a single candidate; it is representative of a huge movement of people- black and white, young and old, Democrat and Republican, a movement of positivity and energy and vigor, a movement created by people committed to the future of our great city, and a movement that I believe will exist for many years to come. It is with great pride and honor that I introduce to you Alexandria's new mayor, Jacques Roy.(I didn't stick to the script, but this is what I MEANT to say. Short and sweet). For now, let's talk about what's next.|W|P|116298056062137653|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.com
Although Brewer and her Republican handlers from Baton Rouge vehemently deny it, Brewer patently conflates her rapist and her Democratic opponent, Jacques Roy, in the television spot: therein she claims both of them have attacked her; both of their "attacks" required her to regroup and rebuild her "strength" and "integrity;" and both, the ad implies, have "disrespected" the community. The parallel structures it erects cannot be more pellucid. And she has admitted it, although she refuses to apologize to those whose experience of rape and molestation she exploited in order to tape a commercial whose bathetic and sanctimonious message ranks it one of the most offensive and cynical political advertisements in Louisiana history (bold mine).My Left Wing and others have also offered thorough analysis of Brewer's press conference and the notorious "pig" commercial, painting both as part of an old-time Southern strategy for victory, relying on subtle stereotypes and innuendo. On November 7, I hope that we will all resist this message. We will see it for what it truly is: a campaign engineered on lies and fear, a campaign that has indeed resorted to the unfortunately named "Southern Strategy" for victory. Mr. Roy has done our community a big favor by refusing to respond to these commercials. However offensive they may be, Jacques Roy has rendered them unimportant. Why? Because when Jacques Roy said he would not engage in negative campaigning during the run-off, he meant it. He kept his word. And by keeping his word, Jacques Roy has shown that he is above such superfluous and inflammatory attacks. I can personally attest that Mr. Roy has been campaigning in all parts of our city, not simply in the precincts that carry the most Democrat voters. He has shared his message of inclusive, smart growth with anyone willing to listen, and he has parlayed the excitement of this election into a cohesive movement that will likely exist for years to come. He has given all of us-- black and white, Democrat and Republican, young and old-- someone and something to believe in. Mr. Roy has demonstrated that he is truly in touch with the needs and expectations of our community. Last week, when Mrs. Brewer asked Mr. Roy on KSYL radio to explain "smart growth," he offered a five minute in-depth analysis: Smart growth isn't simply about in-fill; it's much more. Mr. Roy does his homework, and his experience in law will serve our community well, as we become something bigger and better than a quaint city on a river. Please do not be complacent. Cast your vote on November 7 for real change. Please vote for Jacques Roy.|W|P|116278931053815802|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.com--> http://southernstudies.org
That collision sent the Toyota across the median, where it clipped a Saab in the westbound lane. The Toyota then crashed head-on into Patrick's vehicle. Patrick was pronounced dead at the scene by the Ascension Parish coroner, reads the report. The driver of the Nissan Maxima left the scene and State Police are searching for that driver and the vehicle. The driver of the Toyota 4Runner, Alona M. Williams, 20, of Baton Rouge, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted by Acadian AirMed to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge, the Troop A report stated. The driver of the Saab, Scott M. Gilbert, 27, of Houston, Texas, sustained minor injuries and was not taken to a hospital for treatment. State Police said the Maxima has Louisiana license plate OTE 951. State Police Troop A is asking that anyone with information call (225) 754-8500.Mayor Patrick was recently reelected after a tough campaign against Ernie Johnson. |W|P|116460575555120683|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.com
These measures reflect a hard demographic reality: Baby boomers are retiring and the number of young adults is declining. By 2012, the work force will be losing more than two workers for every one it gains....Cities have long competed over job growth, struggling to revive their downtowns and improve their image. But the latest population trends have forced them to fight for college-educated 25- to 34-year-olds, a demographic group increasingly viewed as the key to an economic future.
Mobile but not flighty, fresh but technologically savvy, “the young and restless,” as demographers call them, are at their most desirable age, particularly because their chances of relocating drop precipitously when they turn 35. Cities that do not attract them now will be hurting in a decade.
So how do cities attract young people?
Well, look to the examples of Portland, Austin, and Atlanta. They retain young people by appealing to the "cool factor."Still, what works in one city will not work in others, Mr. Cortright said, and not all young people are looking for the same things. He cites Portland’s bike paths, which many point to as an amenity that has helped the city attract young people.|W|P|116443917997928761|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.com“I think that confuses a result with a cause,” Mr. Cortright said. Portland happened to have a group who wanted concessions for cyclists and was able to get them, he said.
“The real issue was, is your city open to a set of ideas from young people, and their wish to realize their dream or objective in your city,” he said. “You could go out and build bike paths, but if that’s not what your young people want, it’s not going to work.”
|W|P|116434560310863960|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.comThe recent election has inspired the author to contemplate the implications of the public’s choice, just as this local example resonates with a nationwide situation. Alexandria, says Mr. White, is a prime example of suburban sprawl, as the town has tripled in size while the population remains constant—a problem that could be partially solved by annexing the surrounding neighborhoods that currently remain outside of the city’s zoning laws and tax liability.
Though Alexandria did not evolve into the grand and glittering metropolis dreamed of, it was not for lack of effort. The Town Talk and the family who published it were among the city’s most optimistic champions. The newspaper was inextricably bound up with—and often directly behind—transformations in Alexandria’s urban landscape, the development of municipal services and education, efforts to attract industry and cultivate trade, and the stimulation of surrounding agribusiness.
In chronicling Alexandria’s past, Spletstoser examines the construction, timber, and railroad booms that occurred across the turn of the century, the large and enduring military presence in central Louisiana, and the impact of Huey P. Long’s political career. Along the way, he narrates colorful stories culled from the "Town Talk"’s pages and describes the fascinating family members who published the paper during this entire period.
Among the most important institutions in the South after the Civil War, small-town newspapers recorded the feelings and desires of the vast majority of the common people. Talk of the Town illustrates the role provincial journalism played in the planning and expansion of towns throughout the country as it relates the engrossing social, cultural, economic, and political history of one southern place and the people who lived there.|W|P|116423011153260156|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.comxxx mp3 one xxx- please listen to this tape first xxx sources tell wst that this is rich dupree explaining what he had told a town talk reporter about greg aymond's termination. notice that mr.dupree said he lacked confidence in mr.aymond's ability to handle waterworks matters and that his vote had nothing to do with the (town of ball, louisiana, mayor) roy hebron matter. this is from the waterworks district 3 board meeting of tuesday, 27 july 2004. xxx mp3 two xxx- please listen to this tape last xxx this audio file is from a telephone conversation between greg aymond and rich dupree held on wednesday, 14 july 2004, immediately after the water works district 3 board meeting in which the board voted 6-3 to terminate aymond's service as the waterworks attorney of 16 years. notice in this conversation, rich dupree states that greg aymond was fired as a result of the roy hebron matter and that mr. dupree offers to let mr. aymond continue handling all ongoing litigation.|W|P|116421342563280520|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.com
Last weekend, Matt Stoller of MyDD called on 100 people to donate $100 a piece, and when they received 11K plus dollars they decided to hire a man named Tim Tagaris, who covered the Ned Lamont race for MyDD, and send him to NOLA for the next thee weeks to follow the La-02 runoff. www.mydd.com/story/2006/11/15/154230/71 In the comments of MyDD's announcement, they put forth an open invitation for people to contribute blog names of New Orleans activists (I signed up to MyDD to plug the Roy election victory and your blog, btw). It's an interesting list, and here's the motherload: thinknola.com/wiki/New_Orleans_bloggers Anyway, Oyster over at YourRightHandThief (a nicely written progressive NOLA blog) in his most recent entry titled "MyDD: Moral Ghostbusters" (I couldn't find a permalink), has some interesting opinions about Stoller/MyDD's portrayal of Landrieu as a "moral ghost" and MyDD's decision to send Tagaris to NOLA. In the first comment blogger Adrastos (.blog-city) calls Tagaris a "carpetblogger." righthandthief.blogspot.com Tagaris actually left a comment of his own on the thread, and it's really conciliatory and he immediately won the support of Oyster's readers (no small feat in the blogosphere). He seems extremely motivated, and in spite of his benefactor and previous jobs he is not directly attached to the Carter campaign. Here's his first segment, which has okay comments as well, the highlight (lowlight?) being a picture of a Katrinacorpse. www.mydd.com/story/2006/11/16/195119/10 I'm sorry to give you so much to look at all at once, since you have more than you can handle with one city already, but this is all going to be irrelevant after December 9. I thought you'd be interested because this actually represents the national blogging community refocusing on New Orleans, and an example of how bloggers are not simply a bunch of computer potatoes. There are real projects that bridge the gap between the virtual and the visceral. It is also informing my opinion of Landrieu (Oyster at YRHT defends her pretty well, and he has the same reservations that we do, i.e. Holy Joe, and with the upcoming coastal oil revenue sharing proposal she and Blanco are going to be in the spotlight a bit more over the next two months). It's also interesting that Tagaris seems to completely understand the importance of engaging a community through it's bloggers, especially considering that his medium is professional internet journalism as well.Read more: MyDD.com The Legal Woes of William Jefferson William Jefferson Filmed Taking Cash PS: Yesterday, RightHandThief Said Jacques Roy is a Rising Democratic Star.|W|P|116413931229442002|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.com
"The biggest housing issue for purposes of quality of life is the lack of affordable housing. This stems in part from the high percentage of residents living below the poverty line. It should also be noted that the last public housing project was built 30 years ago."If you have any questions or suggestions for housing or community development, please feel free to leave a comment.|W|P|116412467903630420|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.com
· Community-based planning
· How to articulate a vision and who is passionate in our city to achieve it
· Promoting an image for the city, and overcoming the limitations to that image
· How to best create and sustain numerous partnerships and collaborations
· What would division and department heads like to see different
· What resources are missing
|W|P|116400690155182804|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.comNovember 14, 2006
The transition blueprint is born of my campaign commitments to inclusive, controlled growth of our City. The organization will operate with a funneling effect, but also with a built-in check in the committee structure and use of key experts. We want a free agent group who can ensure that “groupthink” does not set in to foreclose other ideas—to get the most ideas and then separate from those the best ideas.
The mega-committees or spheres of inquiry shown below will be asked to organize themselves according to those persons best suited for more specific areas of inquiry. Overall, the committee structure will answer certain questions about the state of our community, and then compile, organize, and forward that information to the executive transition team, which in turn will use the information to assess delivery of governmental services by the City’s divisions—including whether divisions need re-organization or creation. Clarence Fields has graciously opted to chair the executive group; I am thankful for his leadership across the river and participation now to aid us and ultimately our region.
The spheres represent the macro-components of “smart” growth. Under each sphere, specific issues will be addressed, which may serve useful for organizational purposes by the committees; however, the committees may organize as each desires through its membership.
These issues include consideration of: planning, transportation, economic development, housing, community development, and natural resource development. To smartly grow and preserve what we have, Alexandria should protect its unique sense of community and identity (and further develop a thematic draw, such as its healthcare primacy in the region); preserve and capitalize on natural, infrastructural, and cultural resources (like our river, interstate system, and central location); fairly and inclusively distribute the costs and benefits of our numerous new developments (to reflect our demographics and equitably “grow” our town to avoid sprawl when appropriate); expand the choices for transportation, employment and housing (through mixed-use and other less-thought-of opportunities); value long-range, regional considerations of sustainability instead of immediate gratification (or what will work to make growth more diverse and not subject to deep fluctuations in our local economy and business community); and promote public health and healthful communities (better time spent by our youth after school with positive activities as well as physical health for our community by promoting quality of life initiatives and our hospital complexes).
The committee compositions are reflective of this City, and include some of our “best and brightest.” The goal of transition is to identify problem areas and allow the incoming administration to get a “snapshot” of government through the “fresh” eyes of caring community leaders—but not necessarily to move committed employees out of service. Ultimately, the central mission is to have the current city managers transition the new mayor into office. This administration seeks to identify avenues to revitalize and build our community better—locally and regionally.
Thank you for your support and patience.
--Jacques M. Roy, November 14, 2006
QUALITY OF LIFE, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
& COMMUNITY HEALTH
1. Victor Kirk
2. Lamar White
3. Graves Theus
4. Lee Gwinn
5. Reverend Larry Turner
6. Bart Jones, P.T.
7. Les Glankler
8. Todd Drury, M.D.
9. A.C. Buchanan
10. Reverend Dan O’Connor
11. Booker T. Booze, Jr.
12. Robert Leavines
13. Robert Bussey
14. Stephen Wright
Eight positions unfilled or unconfirmed
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INFRASTRUCTURE
1. Byron Salazar 1. Chad Juneau
2. David Pugh 2. Glenda Fitzpatrick
3. __________ 3. ________
4. Martin Johnson 4. Sam Sansing
5. __________ 5. ________
6. Joe Fuller 6. Rob Ratcliff
7. Jason Gamlin 7. Brandon Monceaux
8. Nancy Stich 8. Jo Betty Sterkx
9. Cliff Mollor 9. Kevin Switzer
10. George Robertson 10. ____________
11. Brent Caplan 11. Jay Lynch
EDUCATION, RECREATION & CHILDREN
1. ______________
2. Rodessa Metoyer
3. Gary Jones
4. ______________
5. Thelma Baker
6. Kristy Flynn
7. Greg Gormanous
8. Tim Tharpe
9. Rodney Jones
10. ______________
11. Paul Dauzat
12. Herbert Dixon
13. Stephanie Goodrich
14. Wally Fall
15. ____________
The mega-committees will work with the transition team to identify how well divisions are meeting their missions and if missions need redefining or retooling. Additionally, this interaction will consider:
There will be a committee known as the Personal Advisory Committee to the Mayor-Elect:
This committee is composed of personal advisors to the mayor-elect, who were instrumental in the campaign. The committee will not serve in a formal transition capacity, but will interact directly with the executive team. This committee will cease to exist December 3, 2006, and is in place to help with the day-to-day activity of transition for the mayor-elect. The membership will be:
John Flynn, Chris Roy, Sr., Chris Roy, Jr., Deborah Randolph, Thomas Antoon, Larry Accosta, Mike Johnson, W. Jay Luneau and Mark Brown
The personal advisory committee and executive transition committee will have key advisors regarding the spheres. Those persons are experts in relevant fields of inquiry:
QUALITY OF LIFE: Johnie Varnado
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: ________________
INFRASTRUCTURE: Thomas David
EDUCATION: Kay Michiels
VISION: ________________
The executive or functioning committee for transition, and the actual body which will interface with the personal advisory group and the administration, is the Executive Transition Committee to the Current Administration:
Clarence Fields (chairperson of Committee), Richard Rozanski (Vice-Chair of Committee), Jacqueline Whittle (secretary of committee), Charles “Chuck” Johnson, William Allen, “Willie” Spears, Tammi Salazar, Ed Larvadain, III, Linda Dyess Stewart, Randy Gilchrist, and Rob Antoon
This committee will meet with the chairpersons from the “sphere” committees and present information, after consultation with the key advisors, to the mayor-elect. During this process, important staff decisions will also be made after consideration of the credentials for the positions requiring filling by the mayor. This committee will cease to exist December 3, 2006.
|W|P|116355505328124790|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.comThree months ago, a young lawyer named Jacques Roy announced his intentions to run for mayor of Alexandria. It was a daunting task in a crowded field of seven candidates-- one of whom had already raised over $100,000, a huge amount for such a small city. This election, as has been said frequently, was one of, if not the most important election in our city's history. It was an election of enthusiasm and ideas. It was an election about holding government accountable. It was an election about our future. What we've witnessed tonight is not merely a single victory for a single candidate; it is representative of a huge movement of people- black and white, young and old, Democrat and Republican, a movement of positivity and energy and vigor, a movement created by people committed to the future of our great city, and a movement that I believe will exist for many years to come. It is with great pride and honor that I introduce to you Alexandria's new mayor, Jacques Roy.(I didn't stick to the script, but this is what I MEANT to say. Short and sweet). For now, let's talk about what's next.|W|P|116298056062137653|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.com
Although Brewer and her Republican handlers from Baton Rouge vehemently deny it, Brewer patently conflates her rapist and her Democratic opponent, Jacques Roy, in the television spot: therein she claims both of them have attacked her; both of their "attacks" required her to regroup and rebuild her "strength" and "integrity;" and both, the ad implies, have "disrespected" the community. The parallel structures it erects cannot be more pellucid. And she has admitted it, although she refuses to apologize to those whose experience of rape and molestation she exploited in order to tape a commercial whose bathetic and sanctimonious message ranks it one of the most offensive and cynical political advertisements in Louisiana history (bold mine).My Left Wing and others have also offered thorough analysis of Brewer's press conference and the notorious "pig" commercial, painting both as part of an old-time Southern strategy for victory, relying on subtle stereotypes and innuendo. On November 7, I hope that we will all resist this message. We will see it for what it truly is: a campaign engineered on lies and fear, a campaign that has indeed resorted to the unfortunately named "Southern Strategy" for victory. Mr. Roy has done our community a big favor by refusing to respond to these commercials. However offensive they may be, Jacques Roy has rendered them unimportant. Why? Because when Jacques Roy said he would not engage in negative campaigning during the run-off, he meant it. He kept his word. And by keeping his word, Jacques Roy has shown that he is above such superfluous and inflammatory attacks. I can personally attest that Mr. Roy has been campaigning in all parts of our city, not simply in the precincts that carry the most Democrat voters. He has shared his message of inclusive, smart growth with anyone willing to listen, and he has parlayed the excitement of this election into a cohesive movement that will likely exist for years to come. He has given all of us-- black and white, Democrat and Republican, young and old-- someone and something to believe in. Mr. Roy has demonstrated that he is truly in touch with the needs and expectations of our community. Last week, when Mrs. Brewer asked Mr. Roy on KSYL radio to explain "smart growth," he offered a five minute in-depth analysis: Smart growth isn't simply about in-fill; it's much more. Mr. Roy does his homework, and his experience in law will serve our community well, as we become something bigger and better than a quaint city on a river. Please do not be complacent. Cast your vote on November 7 for real change. Please vote for Jacques Roy.|W|P|116278931053815802|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.com--> http://southernstudies.org
That collision sent the Toyota across the median, where it clipped a Saab in the westbound lane. The Toyota then crashed head-on into Patrick's vehicle. Patrick was pronounced dead at the scene by the Ascension Parish coroner, reads the report. The driver of the Nissan Maxima left the scene and State Police are searching for that driver and the vehicle. The driver of the Toyota 4Runner, Alona M. Williams, 20, of Baton Rouge, sustained serious injuries and was airlifted by Acadian AirMed to Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge, the Troop A report stated. The driver of the Saab, Scott M. Gilbert, 27, of Houston, Texas, sustained minor injuries and was not taken to a hospital for treatment. State Police said the Maxima has Louisiana license plate OTE 951. State Police Troop A is asking that anyone with information call (225) 754-8500.Mayor Patrick was recently reelected after a tough campaign against Ernie Johnson. |W|P|116460575555120683|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.com
These measures reflect a hard demographic reality: Baby boomers are retiring and the number of young adults is declining. By 2012, the work force will be losing more than two workers for every one it gains....Cities have long competed over job growth, struggling to revive their downtowns and improve their image. But the latest population trends have forced them to fight for college-educated 25- to 34-year-olds, a demographic group increasingly viewed as the key to an economic future.
Mobile but not flighty, fresh but technologically savvy, “the young and restless,” as demographers call them, are at their most desirable age, particularly because their chances of relocating drop precipitously when they turn 35. Cities that do not attract them now will be hurting in a decade.
So how do cities attract young people?
Well, look to the examples of Portland, Austin, and Atlanta. They retain young people by appealing to the "cool factor."Still, what works in one city will not work in others, Mr. Cortright said, and not all young people are looking for the same things. He cites Portland’s bike paths, which many point to as an amenity that has helped the city attract young people.|W|P|116443917997928761|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.com“I think that confuses a result with a cause,” Mr. Cortright said. Portland happened to have a group who wanted concessions for cyclists and was able to get them, he said.
“The real issue was, is your city open to a set of ideas from young people, and their wish to realize their dream or objective in your city,” he said. “You could go out and build bike paths, but if that’s not what your young people want, it’s not going to work.”
|W|P|116434560310863960|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.comThe recent election has inspired the author to contemplate the implications of the public’s choice, just as this local example resonates with a nationwide situation. Alexandria, says Mr. White, is a prime example of suburban sprawl, as the town has tripled in size while the population remains constant—a problem that could be partially solved by annexing the surrounding neighborhoods that currently remain outside of the city’s zoning laws and tax liability.
Though Alexandria did not evolve into the grand and glittering metropolis dreamed of, it was not for lack of effort. The Town Talk and the family who published it were among the city’s most optimistic champions. The newspaper was inextricably bound up with—and often directly behind—transformations in Alexandria’s urban landscape, the development of municipal services and education, efforts to attract industry and cultivate trade, and the stimulation of surrounding agribusiness.
In chronicling Alexandria’s past, Spletstoser examines the construction, timber, and railroad booms that occurred across the turn of the century, the large and enduring military presence in central Louisiana, and the impact of Huey P. Long’s political career. Along the way, he narrates colorful stories culled from the "Town Talk"’s pages and describes the fascinating family members who published the paper during this entire period.
Among the most important institutions in the South after the Civil War, small-town newspapers recorded the feelings and desires of the vast majority of the common people. Talk of the Town illustrates the role provincial journalism played in the planning and expansion of towns throughout the country as it relates the engrossing social, cultural, economic, and political history of one southern place and the people who lived there.|W|P|116423011153260156|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.comxxx mp3 one xxx- please listen to this tape first xxx sources tell wst that this is rich dupree explaining what he had told a town talk reporter about greg aymond's termination. notice that mr.dupree said he lacked confidence in mr.aymond's ability to handle waterworks matters and that his vote had nothing to do with the (town of ball, louisiana, mayor) roy hebron matter. this is from the waterworks district 3 board meeting of tuesday, 27 july 2004. xxx mp3 two xxx- please listen to this tape last xxx this audio file is from a telephone conversation between greg aymond and rich dupree held on wednesday, 14 july 2004, immediately after the water works district 3 board meeting in which the board voted 6-3 to terminate aymond's service as the waterworks attorney of 16 years. notice in this conversation, rich dupree states that greg aymond was fired as a result of the roy hebron matter and that mr. dupree offers to let mr. aymond continue handling all ongoing litigation.|W|P|116421342563280520|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.com
Last weekend, Matt Stoller of MyDD called on 100 people to donate $100 a piece, and when they received 11K plus dollars they decided to hire a man named Tim Tagaris, who covered the Ned Lamont race for MyDD, and send him to NOLA for the next thee weeks to follow the La-02 runoff. www.mydd.com/story/2006/11/15/154230/71 In the comments of MyDD's announcement, they put forth an open invitation for people to contribute blog names of New Orleans activists (I signed up to MyDD to plug the Roy election victory and your blog, btw). It's an interesting list, and here's the motherload: thinknola.com/wiki/New_Orleans_bloggers Anyway, Oyster over at YourRightHandThief (a nicely written progressive NOLA blog) in his most recent entry titled "MyDD: Moral Ghostbusters" (I couldn't find a permalink), has some interesting opinions about Stoller/MyDD's portrayal of Landrieu as a "moral ghost" and MyDD's decision to send Tagaris to NOLA. In the first comment blogger Adrastos (.blog-city) calls Tagaris a "carpetblogger." righthandthief.blogspot.com Tagaris actually left a comment of his own on the thread, and it's really conciliatory and he immediately won the support of Oyster's readers (no small feat in the blogosphere). He seems extremely motivated, and in spite of his benefactor and previous jobs he is not directly attached to the Carter campaign. Here's his first segment, which has okay comments as well, the highlight (lowlight?) being a picture of a Katrinacorpse. www.mydd.com/story/2006/11/16/195119/10 I'm sorry to give you so much to look at all at once, since you have more than you can handle with one city already, but this is all going to be irrelevant after December 9. I thought you'd be interested because this actually represents the national blogging community refocusing on New Orleans, and an example of how bloggers are not simply a bunch of computer potatoes. There are real projects that bridge the gap between the virtual and the visceral. It is also informing my opinion of Landrieu (Oyster at YRHT defends her pretty well, and he has the same reservations that we do, i.e. Holy Joe, and with the upcoming coastal oil revenue sharing proposal she and Blanco are going to be in the spotlight a bit more over the next two months). It's also interesting that Tagaris seems to completely understand the importance of engaging a community through it's bloggers, especially considering that his medium is professional internet journalism as well.Read more: MyDD.com The Legal Woes of William Jefferson William Jefferson Filmed Taking Cash PS: Yesterday, RightHandThief Said Jacques Roy is a Rising Democratic Star.|W|P|116413931229442002|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.com
"The biggest housing issue for purposes of quality of life is the lack of affordable housing. This stems in part from the high percentage of residents living below the poverty line. It should also be noted that the last public housing project was built 30 years ago."If you have any questions or suggestions for housing or community development, please feel free to leave a comment.|W|P|116412467903630420|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.com
· Community-based planning
· How to articulate a vision and who is passionate in our city to achieve it
· Promoting an image for the city, and overcoming the limitations to that image
· How to best create and sustain numerous partnerships and collaborations
· What would division and department heads like to see different
· What resources are missing
|W|P|116400690155182804|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.comNovember 14, 2006
The transition blueprint is born of my campaign commitments to inclusive, controlled growth of our City. The organization will operate with a funneling effect, but also with a built-in check in the committee structure and use of key experts. We want a free agent group who can ensure that “groupthink” does not set in to foreclose other ideas—to get the most ideas and then separate from those the best ideas.
The mega-committees or spheres of inquiry shown below will be asked to organize themselves according to those persons best suited for more specific areas of inquiry. Overall, the committee structure will answer certain questions about the state of our community, and then compile, organize, and forward that information to the executive transition team, which in turn will use the information to assess delivery of governmental services by the City’s divisions—including whether divisions need re-organization or creation. Clarence Fields has graciously opted to chair the executive group; I am thankful for his leadership across the river and participation now to aid us and ultimately our region.
The spheres represent the macro-components of “smart” growth. Under each sphere, specific issues will be addressed, which may serve useful for organizational purposes by the committees; however, the committees may organize as each desires through its membership.
These issues include consideration of: planning, transportation, economic development, housing, community development, and natural resource development. To smartly grow and preserve what we have, Alexandria should protect its unique sense of community and identity (and further develop a thematic draw, such as its healthcare primacy in the region); preserve and capitalize on natural, infrastructural, and cultural resources (like our river, interstate system, and central location); fairly and inclusively distribute the costs and benefits of our numerous new developments (to reflect our demographics and equitably “grow” our town to avoid sprawl when appropriate); expand the choices for transportation, employment and housing (through mixed-use and other less-thought-of opportunities); value long-range, regional considerations of sustainability instead of immediate gratification (or what will work to make growth more diverse and not subject to deep fluctuations in our local economy and business community); and promote public health and healthful communities (better time spent by our youth after school with positive activities as well as physical health for our community by promoting quality of life initiatives and our hospital complexes).
The committee compositions are reflective of this City, and include some of our “best and brightest.” The goal of transition is to identify problem areas and allow the incoming administration to get a “snapshot” of government through the “fresh” eyes of caring community leaders—but not necessarily to move committed employees out of service. Ultimately, the central mission is to have the current city managers transition the new mayor into office. This administration seeks to identify avenues to revitalize and build our community better—locally and regionally.
Thank you for your support and patience.
--Jacques M. Roy, November 14, 2006
QUALITY OF LIFE, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
& COMMUNITY HEALTH
1. Victor Kirk
2. Lamar White
3. Graves Theus
4. Lee Gwinn
5. Reverend Larry Turner
6. Bart Jones, P.T.
7. Les Glankler
8. Todd Drury, M.D.
9. A.C. Buchanan
10. Reverend Dan O’Connor
11. Booker T. Booze, Jr.
12. Robert Leavines
13. Robert Bussey
14. Stephen Wright
Eight positions unfilled or unconfirmed
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INFRASTRUCTURE
1. Byron Salazar 1. Chad Juneau
2. David Pugh 2. Glenda Fitzpatrick
3. __________ 3. ________
4. Martin Johnson 4. Sam Sansing
5. __________ 5. ________
6. Joe Fuller 6. Rob Ratcliff
7. Jason Gamlin 7. Brandon Monceaux
8. Nancy Stich 8. Jo Betty Sterkx
9. Cliff Mollor 9. Kevin Switzer
10. George Robertson 10. ____________
11. Brent Caplan 11. Jay Lynch
EDUCATION, RECREATION & CHILDREN
1. ______________
2. Rodessa Metoyer
3. Gary Jones
4. ______________
5. Thelma Baker
6. Kristy Flynn
7. Greg Gormanous
8. Tim Tharpe
9. Rodney Jones
10. ______________
11. Paul Dauzat
12. Herbert Dixon
13. Stephanie Goodrich
14. Wally Fall
15. ____________
The mega-committees will work with the transition team to identify how well divisions are meeting their missions and if missions need redefining or retooling. Additionally, this interaction will consider:
There will be a committee known as the Personal Advisory Committee to the Mayor-Elect:
This committee is composed of personal advisors to the mayor-elect, who were instrumental in the campaign. The committee will not serve in a formal transition capacity, but will interact directly with the executive team. This committee will cease to exist December 3, 2006, and is in place to help with the day-to-day activity of transition for the mayor-elect. The membership will be:
John Flynn, Chris Roy, Sr., Chris Roy, Jr., Deborah Randolph, Thomas Antoon, Larry Accosta, Mike Johnson, W. Jay Luneau and Mark Brown
The personal advisory committee and executive transition committee will have key advisors regarding the spheres. Those persons are experts in relevant fields of inquiry:
QUALITY OF LIFE: Johnie Varnado
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: ________________
INFRASTRUCTURE: Thomas David
EDUCATION: Kay Michiels
VISION: ________________
The executive or functioning committee for transition, and the actual body which will interface with the personal advisory group and the administration, is the Executive Transition Committee to the Current Administration:
Clarence Fields (chairperson of Committee), Richard Rozanski (Vice-Chair of Committee), Jacqueline Whittle (secretary of committee), Charles “Chuck” Johnson, William Allen, “Willie” Spears, Tammi Salazar, Ed Larvadain, III, Linda Dyess Stewart, Randy Gilchrist, and Rob Antoon
This committee will meet with the chairpersons from the “sphere” committees and present information, after consultation with the key advisors, to the mayor-elect. During this process, important staff decisions will also be made after consideration of the credentials for the positions requiring filling by the mayor. This committee will cease to exist December 3, 2006.
|W|P|116355505328124790|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.comThree months ago, a young lawyer named Jacques Roy announced his intentions to run for mayor of Alexandria. It was a daunting task in a crowded field of seven candidates-- one of whom had already raised over $100,000, a huge amount for such a small city. This election, as has been said frequently, was one of, if not the most important election in our city's history. It was an election of enthusiasm and ideas. It was an election about holding government accountable. It was an election about our future. What we've witnessed tonight is not merely a single victory for a single candidate; it is representative of a huge movement of people- black and white, young and old, Democrat and Republican, a movement of positivity and energy and vigor, a movement created by people committed to the future of our great city, and a movement that I believe will exist for many years to come. It is with great pride and honor that I introduce to you Alexandria's new mayor, Jacques Roy.(I didn't stick to the script, but this is what I MEANT to say. Short and sweet). For now, let's talk about what's next.|W|P|116298056062137653|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.com
Although Brewer and her Republican handlers from Baton Rouge vehemently deny it, Brewer patently conflates her rapist and her Democratic opponent, Jacques Roy, in the television spot: therein she claims both of them have attacked her; both of their "attacks" required her to regroup and rebuild her "strength" and "integrity;" and both, the ad implies, have "disrespected" the community. The parallel structures it erects cannot be more pellucid. And she has admitted it, although she refuses to apologize to those whose experience of rape and molestation she exploited in order to tape a commercial whose bathetic and sanctimonious message ranks it one of the most offensive and cynical political advertisements in Louisiana history (bold mine).My Left Wing and others have also offered thorough analysis of Brewer's press conference and the notorious "pig" commercial, painting both as part of an old-time Southern strategy for victory, relying on subtle stereotypes and innuendo. On November 7, I hope that we will all resist this message. We will see it for what it truly is: a campaign engineered on lies and fear, a campaign that has indeed resorted to the unfortunately named "Southern Strategy" for victory. Mr. Roy has done our community a big favor by refusing to respond to these commercials. However offensive they may be, Jacques Roy has rendered them unimportant. Why? Because when Jacques Roy said he would not engage in negative campaigning during the run-off, he meant it. He kept his word. And by keeping his word, Jacques Roy has shown that he is above such superfluous and inflammatory attacks. I can personally attest that Mr. Roy has been campaigning in all parts of our city, not simply in the precincts that carry the most Democrat voters. He has shared his message of inclusive, smart growth with anyone willing to listen, and he has parlayed the excitement of this election into a cohesive movement that will likely exist for years to come. He has given all of us-- black and white, Democrat and Republican, young and old-- someone and something to believe in. Mr. Roy has demonstrated that he is truly in touch with the needs and expectations of our community. Last week, when Mrs. Brewer asked Mr. Roy on KSYL radio to explain "smart growth," he offered a five minute in-depth analysis: Smart growth isn't simply about in-fill; it's much more. Mr. Roy does his homework, and his experience in law will serve our community well, as we become something bigger and better than a quaint city on a river. Please do not be complacent. Cast your vote on November 7 for real change. Please vote for Jacques Roy.|W|P|116278931053815802|W|P||W|P|LamarW@gmail.com-->