CenLamar: A Blog on Life in Alexandria, LA

2006-12-20T15:08:00.000-08:00

CenLamar Has Moved!!!! And Changed!!! Check out the new CenLamar at: www.cenlamar.wordpress.com Don't worry the domain's coming soon. Enjoy exploring. By the way, this site will remain as CenLamar's archives.

2006-12-20T13:46:00.000-08:00

Big Changes in Store for CenLamar As promised several months ago, CenLamar will be moving away from the blogspot address and onto its own domain, www.cenlamar.com. But there are many other changes in store, and I just wanted to give you guys fair warning:

The new CenLamar will not allow anonymous commenting. But don't freak out, anonymice. You'll simply need to register a user name (or several user names), and you'll still be able to write under a pseudonym.
The new CenLamar will feature an interactive, team-blogged nightlife and music section.
The new CenLamar will also feature free classified advertising. Kinda like our own miniature Craig's List.
And most importantly, the new CenLamar will be written by a group of writers. If you are interested in writing for CenLamar (sorry, we can't pay you yet), send a writing sample and a letter to lamarw@gmail.com.
One more thing: the new CenLamar will graduate from the blogger software onto WordPress, which is way cooler and much more intuitive.

2006-12-19T10:20:00.000-08:00

Foster Campbell Says He's "99.9%" Certain That He's Running for Governor The current Louisiana Public Service Commissioner, Foster Campbell (seen on the right, sullenly walking a horse), is expected to announce his candidacy for governor of Louisiana in the near-future. Campbell, a self-described populist, claims to have learned a lot about Louisiana's unique energy policies and would seek reformations if elected. From the News Star:

He is pushing a plan to end severance taxes, corporate income taxes and personal income taxes, a cut of about $3 billion, while levying a 5 percent tax on all oil refined in the state, foreign or domestic, which would generate about $5 billion per year in revenue, he said.
He said coastal erosion caused by the network of canals and pipelines that act as a central hub for the country's oil supply is a huge problem that is being ignored.
"It's a shame what's happened because more people care about special interests than people's interests," Campbell said. "We should be the most progressive state in the South, but we haven't put our money where we should.
"We ought to make our state clean and literate, instead of illiterate," Campbell said. "In some parishes, 50 percent of kids live in poverty."
The solution could come in the form of the oil and gas tax, which Campbell said he is pushing for in 2007.
"It takes sound financial planning with a good purpose and making sure the money is spent well.

2006-12-19T10:02:00.000-08:00

John Schneider, New Owner of the Hotel Bentley, Answers Six Questions for CenLamar, Says Bentley Will Regain Original Grandeur.

1. What attracted you to the Bentley? Brace and I trace our family roots to Bayou Chicot and Turkey Creek respectively, therefore, the status of the Bentley as the area’s most prominent historic landmark has been long known to both of us. In our prior dealings with Bob Dean involving Baton Rouge downtown properties, he had suggested that we take a look at the Bentley. We politely set aside that notion until Harry Silver and Martin Johnson made an impromptu visit to our offices in late July and passionately requested our assistance in returning the Bentley to economic commerce. Although we tried to emphasize to them that all of our focus, energies and resources needed to be on our Baton Rouge properties, we ultimately could not ignore their arguments of timing, civic pride, legacy and economics. Therefore, we elected to use our cache with Bob Dean for the mutual benefit of all parties by signing the purchase agreement. 2. Where would you like to see the Bentley in five years? Ten? We have developed a goal for the Bentley that encompasses both a five and ten-year perspective. Our goal is for the Bentley to be the anchor of a thriving, vibrant, revitalized downtown Alexandria that is a destination location for CENLA residents, Louisiana citizens and national and international visitors. The achievement of this goal will produce civic pride, legacy and economic benefits.

3. What's going to happen to the Bentley Room and the Mirror Room? Our intent is to bring back both rooms to their original grandeur. 4. Will you be reducing the number of hotel rooms?

Preliminary planning calls for us to make renovations to the public areas and approximately half of the 178 rooms prior to the spring opening. Once the renovation is complete on these rooms, the renovation will commence on the other rooms. The entire renovation cycle is targeted for completion in time for a formal grand opening of the Bentley coinciding with the 100^th anniversary of its initial opening on August 10, 2007.

5. What types of cosmetic and decorative changes will you be making?

We are currently meeting with our design consultants to establish the specific cosmetic and decorative changes that will be incorporated into the renovation plans. Our design goal is to return the Bentley to its original grandeur reminiscence of the vision achieved by Buddy Tudor in his 1984 renovation program. 6. How has the community responded to your plans?

The community support has been the principal reason why we elected to ignore those initial thoughts that we should continue to solely focus our time, resources and energies on our Baton Rouge projects. We held our initial press conference last August on the steps of the Bentley for the dual purpose of announcing the signing of a purchase agreement as well as to gauge community support. If community support was not evident, we had a 30-day window out of the purchase agreement. The crowd in front of the Bentley and on the steps and rooftop of City Hall convinced us that there was a need and desire to return the Bentley to economic commerce. We were sold on our mission and we have not looked back.

2006-12-18T00:08:00.000-08:00

Town Talk Publishes Letter Claiming Islam is a Threat to America Yesterday, the Town Talk published an opinion piece written by Donald Fuhrmann, Sr opining on the "threat" of Islam to the freedoms we all share as Americans. The senior Fuhrmann's letter was written in response to an opinion piece published and authored by Cynthia Jardon, editor of the editorials for the Town Talk, concerning America's multiculturalism. Ms. Jardon's column was actually written in response to another story: that Representative Keith Ellison would be using the Koran in his swearing-in ceremony. Although I accept Ms. Jardon's thesis that America should embrace her future as a multicultural and inclusive society, unfortunately, the story about Representative Ellison is a hoax that was created and perpetuated by conservative talk show radio host Dennis Prager. As previously reported, the Bible is not used during the House of Representatives swearing-in ceremony, and therefore, this story, however captivating, is not accurate. (By the way, the Town Talk published yet another article about this fake story today, an op-ed piece written by Jack Daniels, not the one of whiskey fame). Perhaps most interesting is the way mainstream media has run with this story in its op-ed sections, without any editorial oversight or fact-checking. See, the truth is that Ellison will be carrying the Koran; he won't be including it in the official swearing-in ceremony. The Christian Science Monitor may clear it up a little bit. Jane Lampman writes:

In Congress, newly elected representatives do not put their left hands on any book. They raise their right hands, and are sworn in together as the speaker of the House administers the oath of office. Some do carry a book, according to House historians, and some choose to photograph a private swearing-in afterward with their hand on the Bible. One senator is known to have carried an expanded Bible that included the Book of Mormon.

The Constitution says: "The senators and representatives ... shall be bound by oath or affirmation to support this Constitution; but no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States."

Some confusion may come from the long-standing tradition of presidents taking the oath with a hand on the Bible. But this is a choice and matter of custom, as is the phrase, "so help me God." President John Quincy Adams took the oath on a law book including the Constitution. President Theodore Roosevelt didn't use a book.

"The United States is not a Christian state or even a generically religious state," says Derek Davis, a church-state expert at the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton, Texas. "We've worked hard for 200 years plus to uphold a principle of religious freedom for all citizens."

Somehow, though, despite the facts, radio talk shows, conservative bloggers, and the editorial sections of newspapers throughout the country have been using this fake story as a means for engaging in a discussion about Islam's role in American society. Perhaps this fake story speaks to a collective fear about the extent of "multiculturalism," and perhaps the senior Fuhrmann believed that this fake story represented a fake threat of Islam impeding on a fake tradition. Either way, Fuhrmann Senior is wrong and so is the Town Talk, though Fuhrmann's opinions are much more reactionary and misguided. Mr. Fuhrmann writes, in entirety:

I feel compelled to respond to Cynthia Jardon's Dec. 10 column in The Town Talk regarding her definition of "Our greatness lies here: with liberty, justice for all." Her apparent understanding of Islam is no better than her understanding of the Judeo-Christian history of the United States of America.
Americans have fought and died for our liberty and justice for all which Islam opposes with their teaching and practices. Islam opposes religious freedom and only recognizes the teachings and writings of Allah. If you want proof of this truth, you only have to look at the nations where Muslims control the government. Where is the religious freedom in Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iran and other nations under Shiriah Law? Would Ms. Jardon be allowed to walk around in Saudi Arabia in Western garb and writing editorials criticizing Islam? I think not! The Nazis also, like the Muslims, wanted world domination and the citizens of the United States would never have stood for an elected American official taking his oath to preserve and protect the Constitution of the United States while placing his hand on "Mein Kampf."
World Islam does not plan to preserve and protect the Constitution of the United States. They want Shiriah Law to rule America. Islam must be understood that it is not just one of the many religions of the people of America. A Muslim can be assured of paradise after death only if he dies in a war, Jihad, with infidels. Infidels are all non-Muslims, such as Christians and Jews. Ms. Jardon seems to believe by her words that, "The Koran and the Muslim religion are not things to fear." If she would just spend a little more time studying the history, beliefs and goals of Islam, she would then understand that we are not facing just a mere religious affiliation but a religion, a way of life and a way of governing.
It is not just a matter of respecting the rights of Muslims with whom we disagree but recognizing the threat of a religion bent on world domination, including the United States of America. Our test is one of protecting our way of life from an evil empire determined to eradicate Judaism and Christianity.

Mr. Fuhrmann's opinion represents the extreme radical right, and I find it to be xenophobic, ignorant, and intolerant. As a side note to this, I have a degree in Religious Studies and an extensive academic knowledge of the Islamic faith, and therefore, I feel confident, speaking on behalf of a body of knowledge, that Mr. Fuhrman's understanding of the "history, beliefs, and goals of Islam" is completely misinformed. Mr. Fuhrmann expresses his ignorance in each and every sentence. I can only imagine what a Muslim family must have thought when, yesterday, they read in bold in their local paper (or on the Town Talk's internet site, of which his letter was a featured editorial) that their faith represents the extension of an evil empire. Unfortunately, Mr. Fuhrmann confuses religious belief with political freedom, while, at the same time, he asserts that the world is locked into some type of religious war. I understand that there are many people who prefer to conflate religion with politics; it's a convenient habit. I suppose, however, we should hold the Town Talk most accountable. Earlier this week, it was noted that the Town Talk has allowed a handful of habitual, reactionary writers to become "de-facto" columnists. They frequently fail to check their facts. They frequently express racist and bigoted opinions. One has to wonder about the prerogatives of the Town Talk's editorial staff. Why do they continue to publish the opinions of a small handful of misinformed and bigoted individuals? Does this sell newspapers? Should the Town Talk press for more letters from a more representative cross-section of our community? Is there an agenda at work here? What's going on?

2006-12-16T16:56:00.000-08:00

CNN: John Edwards to Announce Bid for Presidency Here in Louisiana According to "official" sources, former Senator John Edwards (D-NC) will be announcing his candidacy for President later this month from the Lower Ninth Ward neighborhood in New Orleans, a neighborhood that was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina. CNN reports:

Edwards also plans to travel from New Orleans through the four early presidential nominating states -- Iowa, Nevada, New Hampshire and South Carolina.
Among Democrats, Sens. Hillary Clinton of New York and Barack Obama of Illinois are drawing the most attention almost two years before the actual vote.
Edwards, however, is in a strong position as the leading candidate in Iowa. He was a top fundraiser in the race for the nomination in 2004 before he became Democratic Sen. John Kerry's running mate.

2006-12-16T14:22:00.000-08:00

Jacques Roy's Commencement Speech Delivered to the Students of LSUA's Class of 2006

December 14, 2006

Good morning graduates, Dr. Cavanaugh, esteemed faculty, other public officials, and guests and families of our graduates. I am honored to be included in your commencement exercises—an event in my own life which seems not so long ago.

Being a commencement speaker is a lot like being from the IRS. When they stick you in the middle of the room, people have to look and listen, but they do not want to hear much from you.

Being a commencement speaker is a hard task. You are supposed to be slightly irreverent. I know I am supposed to identify with young folks, at least that is what I am told everyday. I need your help to make sure I deliver the right speech, A or B, so how many of you are SOTAS? Oh, maybe that is a faculty term—(SOTAS)(students older than average)(Improvise)

On a more serious note, in this public setting, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the loss of two public servants—indeed two mayors in the last month. How tragic these events are, and how they remind us we truly do not know our last hour, and therefore must commit to engage ourselves in our lives fully—the subject of which much of what I will share is focused.

Your life is yours to make of what you will. This may seem like a platitude, a boring one, even. To some, it may even seem cruel, since you do not yet believe in yourself enough to know your power. I have recently learned what daring to go back to that dreamer time in life means—that childhood state of believing you can make a difference.

I think about a study recently put out about the most efficacious age for someone to enter public life; what do you think that age is, by the way I am 36, was 35 when I ran for office?

Right, but I started thinking about why that was as opposed to the proof of how efficacious leaders who entered political life at that age were.

I believe it is because one is old enough to have lived through some hard knocks, maybe had a family, been married, maybe lost a family member or two, a child, a wife. On the other hand, that person probably still has a belly full of fire to make a difference, like you do now as much as you ever will.

Jon Stewart, whom many of you probably know well, said of your time in life:

...the unfortunate, yet truly exciting thing about your life is that there is no core curriculum. The entire place is an elective. The paths are infinite and the results uncertain. And it can be maddening to those that go here, especially here, because your strength has always been achievement. So if there's any real advice I can give you it's this.

College is something you complete. Life is something you experience. So don't worry about your grade, or the results or success. Success is defined in myriad ways, and you will find it, and people will no longer be grading you, but it will come from your own internal sense of decency ….

Love what you do. Get good at it. Competence is a rare commodity in this day and age. And let the chips fall where they may.

I beg you to be engaged, seize life. No, I will not be cliché and say “carpe diem.” Well, I guess I got it in . . .but I will not talk about The Breakfast Club or Sixteen Candles although I know you have seen them too.

But, I will tell you my own philosophy:

We are measured not merely by how we deal with adversity—or life’s tough hands. Most assuredly, we will get dealt bad cards.

However, what I believe measures you is more based on how you deal with fickle Fortune when she chooses to shine on you.

So, remember, what measures you is your engagement of fortune. Like the opportunity to commence something.

Commencement. Have any of you ever thought about why this is called commencement?

You know of course it means beginning or start. For some it will be the beginning of a long series of partying until you have to get a job . . . or until mom and dad kick you out of the house. You know a bunch of you live at home, still.

But, commencement is a time when a new part of your life begins: your adult life, your life after being exposed to opportunity to craft a worldview for yourself. Do not let people take that from you easily. Guard it; it is yours.

I thank academia for its contribution to our lives—the enrichment, the sacrifice, and even the humor. Dialectic exchange, the arrival at truths by question and answer, the exchange of information—the so-called “Socratic” method—is critical to our lives.

I would like to share a line that exists at the top of one of the greatest memorials in our nation:

I have sworn upon the altar of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny imposed upon the mind of man.

Jefferson was talking about freedom; the freedom for all of us to think, but not necessarily act, as we wish.

Remember, your actions must be tempered by respect for others’ rights, but we should express within bounds what we wish.

I encourage you to be critical thinkers, and never forget this time of your life. For, in a very real sense, this will be the freest your mind will ever be. As you get older, you will settle in your ways; you will find yourself more judgmental, and even saying things “your daddy would say.”

Oscar Wilde said, “Education is an admirable thing, but it is well to remember from time to time that nothing worth knowing can be taught.”

Didacticism, a fancy expression for very formal exchanges of moral, logical teaching, has a place in undergraduate life, but so does community engagement, friendship, partying, the opposite sex, and a host of other instructional items. One must be careful not to let those latter ones fall out of balance.

On the banks of the River, a few weeks ago, I also noted Jefferson for his cautioning of us about acting in an ignorance-is-bliss fashion.

He said, we should guard against those people who shun thinking and the free marketplace of ideas (which is the quintessence of academia, by the way), who never want any change and who dread reformation, and who exert all their faculties to maintain the ascendancy of habit over the duty of improving our reason and obeying its mandates.

Your life is changing. Change is not a bad word; it need not even be scary. Embrace it. Fear of change, in a very real sense, is simply the fear of the unknown. It is our mind perhaps protecting us from the unknown. Throughout history, change at times altered man’s course in negative ways.

But, change can be quite positive. Indeed, it is natural and necessary.

When I campaigned, I made it clear we were not campaigning on a message that Alexandria needed to change by turning away from its past. Instead, we maintained the changes had happened as they inevitably do, and we need to seize on those changes, those positive forces of Fortune, to move forward powerfully; to measure ourselves later by how well we did.

I believe our community reacted strongly to that message.

In a movie with Denzel Washington a few years back, the writers authored a line which struck me as something I had uttered or thought before a hundred times in life. I do not remember the line, but I will give you my rendition of it applied to my life.

There are certain moments in life that eclipse most other moments, and you sort of see them coming. You have a sense that they are on the way even before the moments arrive, and you know that your life will be changed after the moment passes or the thing arises, forever.

I think this may be almost an intuitive vestige of our most primitive self—a warning system within the deepest recesses of the brain. I saw an example of that intuition, that feeling something was coming, come to fruition. I hope you will be careful thinkers, and watch for those moments and seize them.

But, remember, you cannot always overthink matters. There is an old adage that even the wrong decision is better than no decision. Another corollary is that no decision is a decision. While the truth of these statements can be debated, what is certain is that you must be active, make decisions and move.

In this region, we celebrate a renewed spirit; we look to the promise of the blossom of this campus as it inches toward Alexandria with housing opportunities and extensions to its infrastructure and as it finds its full potency as a four-year institution; we look for the promise of young minds committed to staying home, or coming back, to give their best to Alexandria and this region; we look to the first “mass returners” as I have come to call you. I hope you will make the decision to stay here or return after short sojourns in the world to help craft a sustainable community.

While some of you may go to New York City, California, and abroad, remember where your home is, where your degree was conferred, and return, come back to make our community better—to place your mark on our common heritage.

I want to close with reminding you about two critical virtues: integrity and kindness.

I learned much about those two from my predecessor. You should be kind to people because it costs you too much energy not to be.

I should know a little about this, having just been de-anthropomorph-ized into a pig and compared to worse.

Well, my family is from Avoyelles, and I do plan to trade in the black tie inaugural affair for a cochon de lait, so maybe .. . well, that is for another day.

Seriously, integrity is not something you lose and get back from others—dignity, perhaps, but not integrity.

You possess it, or not. It is really cultivating the incorruptibility of your core values and spirit. My predecessor, Mayor Ned Randolph, was a kind person with immense integrity. He will be missed.

Be persons with integrity; think for yourselves. Practice life with heaping amounts of intellectual skepticism.

I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors. I hope you do not let anyone around you define you, limit you, belittle you, or hold you back.

Like I have said of this region, I believe you are at a crossroads point in your life. You, like this region, stand at the proverbial crossroads with the awesome responsibility to capitalize on your situation, on your education, on your ability to reach behind you, give back, and pull someone else forward.

There is a new consensus building: one born of changes in law that forced us all to work and study and matriculate together which now makes it so our hearts and minds are being changed.

I am proud to be part of the generation which will reap the harvest of desegregation and its promise of a shared vision for America. It will save our nation and the South, and locally, we can be a powerful example for progressive change.

It is time to get on board, or you may be left behind. Be inclusive; have no intolerance for others except for those who are intolerant, and even then, listen. You might learn something, even if it is simply what not to do—something your teachers will tell you can be the most powerful of lessons.

The Paradoxical Commandments by Dr. Kent M. Keith People are illogical, unreasonable, and self-centered. Love them anyway. If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. Do good anyway. If you are successful, you win false friends and true enemies. Succeed anyway. The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable. Be honest and frank anyway. The biggest men and women with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest men and women with the smallest minds. Think big anyway. People favor underdogs but follow only top dogs. Fight for a few underdogs anyway. What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight. Build anyway. People really need help but may attack you if you do help them. Help people anyway. Give the world the best you have and you'll get kicked in the teeth. Give the world the best you have anyway.

I wish I was sitting where you are in many ways. Have fun tonight and this weekend and congratulations. Be careful, guys. If you have something to offer to me, to this community, my door is open to you. Good morning, God bless you, and God bless LSUA and our region with the promise we so much deserve. The promise of your return to us to be a part of our bright future.

2006-12-16T10:50:00.000-08:00

Ouachita Parish Sheriff Department Fires "Blogger" In the Midst Anyone know the whole story here? From the News Star:

Fewell terminated Greer for violating the following departmental policies:
Obedience to laws and regulations;
Conduct unbecoming of an officer; and
Security of office business.
This wave of discipline follows the recent Internet postings of anonymous sources that revealed the identity of Metro Narcotics Agent Mike Rowlan several weeks ago. The postings also included a reported stolen document that is allegedly a handwritten confession by Rowlan that he snorted cocaine more than 20 years ago during an undercover investigation

That's Jacob Greer on the right. Read more on www.copwatch.net

2006-12-14T22:33:00.000-08:00

Is the Media Treating Governor Blanco Unfairly? Earlier this week, in what is being described as "a bad joke gone awry," the Monroe Chamber of Commerce auctioned a dinner with Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco for one dollar. "The meal sold to the first bidder," reports the Baton Rouge Advocate, which fails to mention that others had attempted to bid on the dinner. I suppose the auctioneer thought it was plain hilarious that someone had the gall to bid a dollar, even though the opening bid was set at $1000 (then quickly dropped to $500), and so she decided to end bidding immediately. It's worth noting that the Monroe Chamber of Commerce has since apologized for the incident and the man who won the dinner decided to donate $1000 for the meal after all (the most ever donated for a dinner with the governor). No matter, though, because the botched joke made for a funny headline, and it's been reported everywhere. The AP wires picked up the story. The Washington Post covered it. And even our very own KALB thought it newsworthy enough to write about. Perhaps they all believed it to be a sign of the times here in Louisiana. Perhaps they believed it was an indication that Louisianans have little respect for our governor. The truth, however, is that it was a poor attempt at humor and that ultimately, the dinner did, in fact, fetch the asking price of $1000. Of course, Governor Blanco isn't exactly having a fun time right now. Our State Legislature is split among party lines. Don Hines, a Democrat from Bunkie and President of the State Senate, was so incensed at Blanco axing funding for a syrup plant (which would have directly financially benefited his family) that he, along with members of the Republican Party, effectively blocked Blanco's special session agenda, in which nearly a billion dollars worth of funding was to be allocated for infrastructural repairs (at a time in which Louisiana needs them desperately) and teacher pay raises, among other things. We can dance around these issues all we want to. The Republicans would like to claim that they were exercising fiscal responsibility; however, the surplus represents monies that need to be directly invested back into the state, and the attempts to thwart this dispersement should be seen for what it is: party politics. I don't necessarily support everything Governor Blanco has done; there are many relevant questions we must ask about her handling of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina (though it didn't help that our Commander in Chief was somewhere in California, unreachable to our Governor, playing the guitar while New Orleans went underwater). But I believe Governor Blanco has attempted to steer the state in the right direction. By the way, she had a big role in helping Alexandria land Union Tank Car, the largest new employer in the state of Louisiana in twenty years, and she is actively petitioning other large employers, including Toyota, to open shop in our state. Perhaps we should ask this question: Is the media treating Governor Blanco unfairly? No state has ever suffered something like the twin tragedies of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The two storms killed thousands of people (directly and indirectly), left hundreds of thousands without homes, and devastated one of America's finest cities. These disasters were not the fault of any one politician or public servant, though the destruction brought upon New Orleans was exacerbated by substandard levees and a poor evacuation plan. We want our politicians to be human, yet when they demonstrate human emotion, like weeping at the site of said devastation, they are lampooned by the media. Chad Rogers over at The Dead Pelican seems to think it's absolutely hilarious that Governor Blanco became emotional after Hurricane Katrina. It seems that every chance he gets he likes to publish this picture of a distraught Blanco after Katrina next to an unrelated story about policy. It's supposed to humiliate her: Look at this woman, crying, when she's supposed to be leading. The Washington Post even carried the same picture next to the article about the Monroe Chamber of Commerce auction. It's not relevant; it's intended to be embarrassing and-- get this-- funny. But when I see that picture of Governor Blanco, I am struck with a different emotion. I am reminded of the lives lost, of people punching through the roofs of their homes in order to seek refuge from the rising waters, of vast and total destruction, and I find it humbling and human that our governor was so affected by this tragedy. To me, the photo of Governor Blanco doesn't capture helplessness; it captures empathy, and those who use this image for their own political gain (like the website www.dontblamemeivotedforjindal.com) and those who use it in an ill-conceived attempt at humor (from a bully pulpit) are undermining this tragedy; they're exploiting the image of a woman who is grieving for her state and for the City of New Orleans. Louisiana wasn't attacked by a sovereign nation or a group of terrorists; we were attacked by a natural disaster. Again, I don't agree with everything Governor Blanco has done during her tenure, but I have to wonder what our reaction would be if President Bush or Representative Jindal was photographed weeping for Louisiana. Would the media say the same to those two men? Would they say, "It's hilarious that you're distraught. It must be a sign of poor leadership"? Or, instead, would they say, "Here is a man publicly distraught over the lost lives, a man who understands that the foundation of true leadership is empathy, a man who cares and is in touch with the effects of this disaster?" Perhaps we'll never know. Though I hope that somewhere, such a photo exists.

2006-12-14T09:05:00.000-08:00

Where in the World is Louisiana's Own David Duke? He's in Iran at the annual Holocaust-deniers convention! (He says it's really about freedom of speech). Yesterday, he and Wolf Blitzer got into it on CNN's "The Situation Room." (Yes, I know the picture is from the Country of Scarborough). Watch the entire clip here. Wonkette provides this excerpt:

BLITZER: … if we invited you on, why is there a Zionist conspiracy if we’re letting you on television right now? How do you explain that? DUKE: How do I explain that? I think that you can’t affect the news. You’ve got — I think you have to put some spin on what’s happening in Iran. BLITZER: But we didn’t have to invite you on CNN. DUKE: And you want to — it’s an attack mode, always an attack mode when people like myself come on there. But you thought you could handle me with your 11 connotations of the Ku Klux Klan. BLITZER: All right, let me… DUKE: But you know something? You can’t handle me, and you can’t handle the truth, and the fact is, you are an agent of Zionism. You work for AIPAC…

To CNN and MSNBC, instead of crediting Duke as "Former Louisiana State Representative," why not credit him as "Current Ranting Lunatic and Phony Intellectual." (Apparently, they're giving out phDs in prison now).

2006-12-13T15:11:00.000-08:00

Michele Godard Interviews Alexandria's New COO, Kay Michiels.

2006-12-13T14:51:00.000-08:00

Babs Zimmerman Leaves KALB for KLAX According to my sources, long-time KALB assignment editor Babs Zimmerman has left KALB to become KLAX's news director.

2006-12-13T14:00:00.000-08:00

Upcoming Holiday Events: Tipitina's Grand Opening. December 23, 2006. 5:30- 7:30: Live Music at the Kress Theater featuring performances by: Wien Denley, singer-songwriter and rubberband killer. Aaron Sibley Rodessa Meteoyer, community activist and former school board member. And Mark White, singer-songwriter and my brother. Followed by a reception at Tiptina's on DeSoto Street, with a performance by the Mike Foster Project (who will be playing afterwards at Alex 1805). And speaking of Alex 1805, count down to 2007 in style at Alex 1805's first ever Casino Royale Night. December 31, 2006. 7PM until close. Featuring: Live entertainment by New Orleans's own Government Majic (Horatio says "If you like Papa Grows Funk, you'll love Government Majic"). Poker and Blackjack tables (all proceeds to benefit CLASS). Gourmet cuisine. Complimentary champagne and party favors. A balloon drop at midnight. And a heated outdoor tent. $20 a ticket. Buy yours today from Ann at CLASS, Horatio at House of Java and Alex 1805, or Ingrid at the Rapides Foundation. Gentlemen, wear a tuxedo and get your first drink for free.

2006-12-13T09:49:00.000-08:00

Presidential Hopeful Senator Brownback Spends the Night at Angola! The sleepover had something to do about promoting faith-based programs in prison, which, I understand, Angola is already doing. The Associated Press (thanks for the picture too) article had this to say:

The Kansas Republican had no expectation that the drug cartel hit man, serial rapist or other convicts in his cell block would vote for him.

And I'd sure hope not, considering that convicted felons can't vote anyway. Senator, welcome to Louisiana. We hope you were treated with gracious Southern hospitality. Read more about Senator Brownback's night in the slammer here.

2006-12-12T13:44:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Internets, Tom DeLay. Quick question: What happens when disgraced former Congressman Tom DeLay (see mugshot on right) allows anonymous posting on his new Internet blog site? Answer: A not-so-friendly reception that had to be permanently deleted within 75 minutes. Thankfully, someone saved those precious comments for posterity and reposted them on another blog, tomdelaydotcom.blogspot.com. Check it out.

2006-12-12T11:14:00.000-08:00

Open Thread: What the Heck is Happening in Jena? It seems like our neighbors up in Jena are having a difficult time with their teenagers (and with racism). Back in September, a group of white students were suspended (not expelled, as many parents had hoped) for putting a pair of hangman's nooses in a tree on the campus of Jena High School. Then, someone burns the school down. And now, four kids are being charged with attempted second degree murder in a bizarre story involving a stolen gun.

2006-12-12T09:35:00.000-08:00

CenLamar At 100,000 This week, CenLamar reached a big milestone, recording its 100,000th hit since its creation in March of this year. A special thank you to everyone in the Cenla "blogosphere" community for continuing to read and contribute.

2006-12-12T09:08:00.000-08:00

Again, the Bible Is Not Used In House of Representatives Swearing In Ceremony For the second time in as many days, the Town Talk published a letter from a concerned citizen upset at the allegations fabricated and perpetuated by conservative talk radio host Dennis Prager that a new member of the House of Representatives will be placing his hand on the Koran in his swearing-in ceremony instead of the Bible. Readers should be aware that this story is a complete and total lie. The swearing-in ceremony, according to the Office of the House Clerk, consists of members "raising their right hands and swearing to uphold the Constitution." The Bible is not a feature of the ceremony. I find the story interesting for a number of reasons. First, the fact that someone can just INVENT a story, pitting a Muslim against alleged Christian "tradition," is alarming, but what's more appalling is the way the mainstream media, including our very own Gannett paper, has perpetuated this story without a single retraction or correction of the record or the basic facts. Here's an excerpt of today's letter, written by Peter Gunn of Bentley:

It is a sad state of affairs when this great nation of ours, which is only 230 years old is trying to remove the Bible from all swearing in of elected officials. May God show mercy on our souls.

I'm not sure where on earth Mr. Gunn read that America was trying to remove the Bible from "all swearing in" ceremonies. Perhaps this is just more hyperbole perpetuated by those radio talk show hosts. And from yesterday's letter, by Ruth Barden of Boyce:

Keith Ellison, D-Minn., Reporter, has written: "The first Muslim elected to the U.S. Congress, has announced that he will not take his oath of office on the Bible, but on the bible of Islam, the Koran."

To Mrs. Barden (and the Town Talk), Keith Ellison is the Muslim representative, not the reporter.

2006-12-10T17:32:00.000-08:00

Only In Louisiana: Congressman Jefferson Reelected By Landslide, Despite 90K Found In His Freezer by the FBI. I'm going to disagree with WeSawThat on this. It doesn't matter whether or not this guy voted for or against the Patriot Act (or whether or not he's been indicted YET), he shouldn't have been reelected. WeSawThat, what about the fact that Jefferson wasted precious time and resources during Hurricane Katrina when he directed rescue workers to his Uptown mansion so he could spend 45 minutes collecting his things? Here, take a look. Carter couldn't win-- despite the fact that she outspent him five to one and had a significant netroots movement-- Jefferson had the machine and got the big endorsements, like Mayor Nagin and Sheriff Harry Lee, who probably broke campaign finance laws when he spent out a mailer to chronic Jefferson Parish voters concerning Karen Carter's statement in Spike Lee's documentary about Katrina.

2006-12-08T09:15:00.000-08:00

Tonight in Alexandria: Dash Rip Rock, Live at Spirits, 10PM

2006-12-07T16:21:00.000-08:00

Work in Progress: What Is Smart Growth, Really? And What Could It Mean for Alexandria? During the past four months, we've been talking a lot about smart growth and what it could mean for Alexandria. We elected a mayor who made smart growth the central theme of his campaign. But still, for many, smart growth may seem like a witty rhetorical device, a catchy phrase with vague and uncertain implications. However, smart growth is a real, definable concept, with its own logic and set of rules. Earlier this week, Babs Zimmerman of KALB wrote that "smart growth hammers on parochialism," which, if I understand her correctly, means that smart growth upends narrow-minding thinking; it encourages creative solutions to planning problems. It's funny that Mrs. Zimmerman uses the word "parochialism," because it's actually a word that critics of smart growth like to use against it. They claim that "smart growth" is too narrow in its focus, that it represents a "Disneyfication" of American cities, and that it limits the ability of the free market to determine and direct growth. They point to planned communities, like Seaside, Florida, as examples of the type of generic and nostalgic developments championed by smart growth proponents. If you've never been to Seaside, I recommend it. (You'd probably recognize Seaside; it's the setting for the movie The Truman Show). Seaside is one of the first projects undertaken by famed urban planner Andres Duany, and indeed, it is known as the "first manifestation" of New Urbanism. It's a charming, resort town, but I'd caution those who look to Seaside as "the model," because, frankly, smart growth has many different applications. Smart growth has been used in re-codifying and redeveloping hundreds of American cities, including Providence, Portland, Austin, Los Angeles, and throngs of medium-sized cities. (DPZ, the company created by Andres Duany, is behind the redevelopment of downtown Baton Rouge, which witnessed an 11% increase in property value during the past year; overall property values in Baton Rouge only increased by 3%). So what is smart growth exactly and how can it be used in Alexandria? Smart growth is a recognition that the zoning codes and development patterns undertaken by advocates of sprawl will create long-term sustainability problems, threatening a city's quality of life and thinning out its resources. Consider something often mentioned by Mr. Roy during the campaign: In the early 1960s, Alexandria was a city of 9 square miles and a population of 48,000 people; today, Alexandria is a city of approximately 26 square miles, yet our population still hovers around 48,000 people. Alexandria tended to grow in finger-patterns; we're a good example of suburban sprawl. (Forty years ago, Suburban Garden Restaurant was, literally, suburban; today, one can drive fifteen miles from the city's center before entering the "suburbs"). For many years, Americans had a tendency to think of sprawl as good, a healthy reflection of a city's growth. Consider the City of Houston, Texas. Since the 1950s, Houston has been sprawling in every direction, and perhaps as a result, it attracted millions of people and scores of Fortune 500 companies. It may have worked for awhile. But now, Houstonians recognize that this sprawl came at a big cost: Their inner-city core was drained, their most historical neighborhoods were blighted (incidentally, some of the redevelopment plans for these neighborhoods were ill-conceived and counter-productive), and taxpayers were overly burdened by funding developments in the outer fringes of the city limits. Additionally, as fuel costs increased, so did the burden on their middle class, the backbone of their economy. Costs of construction have also increased, but instead of redeveloping affordable housing in the city's core, the middle class, for many years, followed the trend and continued to look for cheaper land in the suburbs. There's probably not an easy solution for Houston, but they've been taking steps in the right direction: light rail transportation that connects its downtown with the medical center, the encouragement of multi-use developments, and the revitalization of downtown (and therefore, housing in the city's center) through key investments- a new basketball arena, a baseball stadium, an arts complex, and a massive convention center). As a result of these efforts, property values in the city's core have increased substantially, and the city's core is thriving again. (This hasn't come at the expense of the suburbs; they're replicating this condensing and becoming independent communities). And this is what Alexandria must learn from, lest we repeat the mistakes made by other cities during periods of sustained growth. Smart growth in Alexandria means putting a check against unfettered expansion. It means thinking of creative solutions for affordable housing in existing neighborhoods (and not simply creating a bunch of new housing developments on cheaper land in the city's outer reaches. Again, affordability must also require access to resources). Fortunately, Alexandria is at a point where smart growth can be realized. We can use concepts like the Katrina Cottage to create an attractive and functional solution to inner-city affordable housing, which is already being done in cities all across the nation. We can re-codify. We can encourage the development of our downtown through targeted marketing and a package of unique incentives, like the Renewal Zone Incentives. We can also encourage mixed use developments throughout the city and planned use developments in the city's suburbs. We can smartly manage our traffic flow by building new connections and arteries. And the best news is that this is all possible, provided that our city government facilitates this process through events like charettes, which enables the entire community to actively participate in the planning process, and through re-codification and increased code enforcement.

2006-12-07T12:43:00.000-08:00

The Season of Giving and CLASS The Central Louisiana AIDS Support Services needs your help. Executive Director Ann Lowry explains:

This year has been particularly hard at our agency. Many of my employees have worked at CLASS as long as I have (7 years). This year alone, we watched 20 clients at our agency die from this disease. We lost 17 clients in 2005. It might surprise you to know that more than half of those who died were women, many of whom left behind children. It is particularly heartbreaking for us because we know our clients so well that it feels like losing a family member.

Our agency serves more than 300 people who are infected with HIV. Sixty percent of our clients are women. We are fortunate that advances in perinatal treatment have greatly reduced the number of children who are born HIV positive; however, we do have 2 children who have contracted this virus from their mothers (both are orphans). We also provide supportive services to more than 100 children who are affected by this disease because a parent is infected.

Our clients come from all walks of life. Some work, some don't, some can't. Some are white, some are black. Nearly all of the women contracted the disease through heterosexual contact. Some of the men did too. Forget everything you ever thought you knew about who gets HIV. HIV does not discriminate.

Our agency provides case managment services, medication, transportation, housing and utility assistance, support groups, free HIV testing, education, and HIV prevention counseling, all in an effort to help keep our clients healthy themselves, to reduce the risk that our clients will infect someone else, and to educate the community about HIV. We also operate a food bank for our clients. We rely primarily on grants to operate, but many of our grants do not allow us to provide for many of the basic needs of our clients, all of whom live in EXTREME POVERTY.

CLASS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation. Any donation you care to make would be fully tax-deductible. There are lots of ways you can help.

You can: 1) Write a check;

2) Adopt a needy family for Christmas or year round;

3) Donate food, cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items to our pantry;

4) Donate a few blankets, towels, sheets, electric heaters;

5) Drop off your gently worn clothing, especially CHILDREN's coats,

or buy a new one or two.

Those are just a few ideas. You may have others.

Of the many worthwhile charities in Alexandria, CLASS is often overlooked. If you are able to help CLASS without neglecting your favorite charitable organizations, I would be forever grateful. CLASS is located at: 904 13th St Alexandria, LA 71301 (318) 442-1010

2006-12-05T15:29:00.000-08:00

Everett Hobbs Named President of the City Council; Louis Marshall Named Vice President.

2006-12-05T11:21:00.000-08:00

Roy Asks Kay Michiels To Become Alexandria's Next "Chief of Staff" Yesterday evening, Jacques Roy announced that he will be appointing Kay Michiels, an Alexandria attorney and former educator, to become his operational assistant, a position his predecessor, Ned Randolph, referred to as chief of staff. Michiels has agreed to the appointment and states that she looks forward to working in the Roy administration.

2006-12-04T12:40:00.000-08:00

Roy Sworn In As Alexandria's New Mayor Earlier this afternoon, Jacques Roy was sworn in as Alexandria's 23rd mayor in an outdoor ceremony held on the banks of the Red River. Prior to the ceremony, around two hundred people crowded the pews of St. Francis Xavier for a mass service. After the service, the Peabody Marching Band led Roy and several others, including Ned Randolph and his wife Deborah, in a small parade down Third Street and up Jackson to the Riverfront Center. The theme of the inauguration was "In Celebration of a Renewed Spirit," which mimics Randolph's inaugural theme twenty years ago, "In Celebration of a New Spirit," and several speakers, including Randolph himself, stated their belief that Alexandria's spirit had, in fact, been renewed by Mr. Roy's campaign. Roy began his speech by recognizing and honoring the service of Mr. Randolph. And I quote:

Ned Randolph carefully laid the foundation for this City—from a time when some, rightly or wrongly, felt there was no hope—and by doing so, by loving Alexandria and keeping his word to the City, we will benefit by building ever upward on that solid ground, that concrete example Ned's pure integrity and deep kindness to his fellow man. Integrity and kindness: would that those two descriptions be said of us all. But, alas, we are blessed to reap the blossom of those powerful seeds; indeed, those twin virtues were mixed by Ned Randolph into the mortar which holds our City together—that glue that binds us has proved critical to us on more than one occasion, from attacking each other and from letting misfortune render us hopeless—like when racial tension has spiked or when we faced the closure of England Air Base.
In a very real sense, this excitement we feel now is the fruition of years of hard work and plantings; it is the promise of a bountiful harvest; it is also the burden with which you have charged me; with your trust, you say you will expect no less than full commitment to your City.

Roy's inauguration was attended by over 500 people, including several members of government and representatives from the offices of both David Vitter and Mary Landrieu. Roy received a congratulatory phone call from Governor Kathleen Blanco about an hour before the ceremony. Later: Roy's Inaugural Address.

2006-12-03T20:49:00.000-08:00

James Howard Kunstler's View on the Future of American Cities My friend over at Cenla Education Watch sent me a link to this brilliant article concerning the future of American cities. Here's an excerpt:

I hasten to add it is a mistake to suppose that the US industrial economy has already been replaced by a so-called "information" economy or a consumer economy. In reality, manufacturing activities have been insidiously replaced over the past twenty years by a suburban-sprawl-building economy – and the mass production of suburban houses, highways, strip malls and big box stores is just a different sort of manufacturing than making hair driers and TV sets. The sprawl industry also drove a reckless debt creation racket and multiple layers of traffic in mortgages and spinoffs of mortgages (such as the derivatives trade based on bundled, securitized debt) which represents, at bottom, hallucinated wealth that in turn has spread false liquidity through the equity markets and is certain to affect them badly sooner or later. All this is what we have been calling the "housing bubble" and it is now beginning to fly apart with deadly effect. Much of the suburban real estate produced by this process is destined to lose its supposed value, both in practical and monetary terms as energy scarcities get traction. So, on top of the sheer distortions and perversities of the glut in bad mortgage paper, America will be faced with the accelerating worthlessness of the collateral – the houses, Jiffy Lubes, and office parks – as gasoline prices go up, and long commutes become untenable, and jobs along with incomes are lost, and the cost of heating houses larger than 1500 square feet becomes an insuperable burden. All this is to say that the suburban rings of our cities have poor prospects in the future. They therefore represent a massive tragic misinvestment, perhaps the greatest misallocation of resources in the history of the world. It is hard to say how this stuff might be reused or retrofitted, if at all, but some of it, perhaps a lot, may end up as a combined salvage yard and sheer ruin. Another major impact of the coming energy scarcity will be the end of industrial agriculture. Without abundant and cheap oil and gas-based fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, and fuels for running huge machines and irrigation systems, we will have to make other arrangements for feeding ourselves. Crop yields will go down – a big reason, by the way, to be skeptical of ethanol and bio-diesel alternative fuel schemes based on corn or soybean crops. We will have to grow food closer to home, on a smaller scale, probably requiring more human and even animal labor, and agriculture is likely to come closer to the center of economic life than it has within memory – at the same time that mass production homebuilding, tourism based on mass aviation, easy motoring, and a host of other obsolete activities fade into history. I think this will lead to an epochal demographic shift, a reversal of the 200-year-long trend of people moving from the farms and rural places to the big cities. Instead, I believe we will see is a substantial contraction of our cities at the same time that they densify at their cores and along their waterfronts. A preview of this can be seen in Baltimore today. The remaining viable fabric of the pre-automobile city is relatively tiny and concentrated in the old center around a complex harbor system. With little need for industrial workers, vast neighborhoods of row housing built for them are either abandoned or inhabited now only by such economically distressed people that abandonment is inevitable. The pattern of contraction may not be identical in all American cities.

2006-12-03T13:12:00.000-08:00

Revisiting the Sports Arena And Other Observations on Alexandria's Future (Warning: Rant Alert) Way back on August 2nd, the Town Talk published an article about plans to build a multi-use sports arena near the Pineville Expressway. The proposed site is eligible for Superfund money, because it is currently listed as a public health hazard (and has been on the EPA's national priority list since 1999). The Superfund program is administered by the Environmental Protection Agency. At the time, most of us dismissed the need for such a facility, pointing out that Alexandria already has a multi-use facility in the Rapides Parish Coliseum and that the City should be focusing on other projects instead. But perhaps in our haste to form a consensus, we missed a crucial point: This site has been deemed environmentally hazardous, and it needs to be cleaned up. Indeed, this need has been nationally documented for nearly seven years. And what's more, the federal government will literally give us money to redevelop and clean up the site. There's a reason I'm revisiting this issue. The City of Alexandria is currently attempting to convince the Southwestern Athletic Conference to locate their headquarters here. We're competing against several other Southern cities, including Shreveport, Houston, Dallas, Jackson, and Birmingham. During this process, it is important for Alexandrians to recognize that this "bid war" is indicative of the type of competition we are up against all the time, and although our location represents one key asset, our lack of facilities ultimately may prove to be our own undoing. From today's Town Talk:

"Some cities don't want to host everything," Sharp said. "Shreveport has great facilities.... They possibly would be able to host championships in all 18 sports that we offer."

At least initially, Shreveport appears to be a viable contender among the bidders: the SWAC wants 20,000 to 25,000 square feet of office space for its 12 employees, roughly $400,000 a year from local businesses and use of area sports venues for its conference championships.

I believe that our new airport has set the standard for Central Louisiana's future, and as such, it is critical to complement our airport with other activities and facilities that add to our overall quality of life. Many believe that Alexandria should instead be focusing its attention toward the construction and development of a riverfront marina, which is perceived to be a more important project. But such an opinion (which I once held) is based on the assumption that Alexandria is only capable of doing one thing at a time. It undermines our ingenuity, our resourcefulness, and our ability to multi-task. The only way Alexandria will grow effectively and become competitive in attracting jobs, events, tourists, and industry is if we're all on the same page. There are some hard truths we must all recognize:

Our workforce is getting older.
We're having an incredibly tough time attracting and retaining young people.
Cities like Shreveport and Lafayette are competing for the same jobs, conventions, and events. And they're doing a better job than we are.
If we only grow one way, we'll be starving off the rest of our city for years.
There are several influential opinion-leaders in Alexandria who undermine efforts at inclusive growth by wrongly insisting that "value" is limited to a certain area of town. (This is perhaps our greatest stumbling block-- convincing those leaders and businesspeople that their opinions represent an antiquated understanding of the ways in which 21st century American cities must grow in order to remain competitive).

Pardon me for being a young know-it-all punk, but we need to face reality. If Alexandria can't attract and retain young people and if we can't recognize that we're only as good as our worst neighborhood, then it won't matter how nice our airport is-- we'll still be suffering. Last week, I referenced an article from the NY Times about cities competing over the "cool factor." The "cool factor" may scare some people here. But it's important to remember that cities create their own individual definition of "cool." What's cool in Portland or Providence or Austin may not work here in Alexandria. So we'll need to figure out what will work. And that's where the blogosphere can play a role. I understand that some people don't believe in downtown revitalization. They think it is a waste of taxpayers' money; they believe that the City shouldn't invest in "dying neighborhoods." (Strange and selfish logic). In case it's not already obvious, I completely and totally disagree with those who dismiss downtown. And there are plenty of good reasons:

Downtown cannot be replaced by a "new area." Some people, including the Town Talk, are calling 28-West the "new downtown." In my opinion, this reflects a fundamental misunderstanding of what downtown really is. It is the home of our great institutions- banks, churches, and courthouses- and these institutions do not simply pack up and move to another area of town just because of a new, handsome subdivision.
Downtown Alexandria is centrally located and on the Red River. (It's inherently valuable property).
Downtown Alexandria is intuitive. It's walk-able. It's a reflection of the basic principles of smart growth.
It contains many of our most historical and architecturally significant buildings.
And most importantly, thriving downtowns attract industry and young professionals. I've said this before, but it bears repeating: When a visitor arrives in Alexandria, their impression of our overall health is based on two things: our airport, which is awesome, and our downtown, which is struggling but emerging.

2006-12-02T18:38:00.000-08:00

NY Times: The Garage Apartment is Back in Vogue In today's New York Times, Janny Scott writes about the reemergence of the garage apartment in suburban and exurban areas. The garage apartment or the "mother-in-law" unit allows people "who would otherwise be priced out of the housing market to live close to their jobs and relatives," Scott states. She writes:

Hundreds of communities across the country have rewritten their zoning rules in recent years, to eliminate longtime bans on apartments in single-family houses and encourage new ones to be built.
The revisions — allowing, say, backyard bungalows in Santa Cruz, Calif., and efficiency units in farmhouses in Vermont — have occurred largely in suburban and exurban areas where growth and efforts to control it have driven housing costs up.
Once fairly common in large houses but prohibited by zoning ordinances after World War II, so-called accessory apartments in places like garages or attics are now seen as one way to expand the supply of moderately priced rentals. They are intended for older people on fixed incomes, young people starting out and workers needed for essential but relatively low-paying jobs.
For a homeowner, a granny flat can be a source of rental income to help cover property taxes and other costs.

Perhaps, as a complement to mixed-income developments, Alexandria can encourage the construction of garage apartments in new developments and existing neighborhoods. By the way, garage apartments are a common feature of many of the nicest and most exclusive neighborhoods in the country. They can serve a variety of functions, and they increase property value. In Alexandria, I believe there are clear restrictions against building more than one residence on a single lot and that this precludes building garage apartments throughout the City. Of course, the Garden District features many homes with garage apartments, but these homes were built years before such restrictions became commonplace. I found this particularly insightful. From the article:

“The reason we don’t have affordable rental housing and legal accessory housing is because people believe the myths about rental housing,” said Marge Rogatz, president of Community Advocates, referring to suspicions that renters raise the crime rate and do not pay for the services they use. She added, “People do not want to have people come into their community who don’t look like them or don’t speak like them. There is a racist undercurrent that keeps these myths alive.”

2006-12-02T15:56:00.000-08:00

Conservative Pundit Tells Muslim Congressman-Elect: Put Your Hand on the Bible Despite the fact that the swearing-in ceremony for the House of Representatives never includes a religious book, conservative pundit Dennis Prager (seen here playing the accordion) is demanding that Congressman-elect Keith Ellison, the first Muslim ever elected to Congress, place his hand on the Christian Bible while being sworn in. ThinkProgess has been covering this story (non-story) for about a week, and it's generated some interesting commentary. Prager wrote an op-ed piece on Townhall.com (and he's been talking about this on his radio show ad nauseum). From the op-ed:

First, it is an act of hubris that perfectly exemplifies multiculturalist activism -- my culture trumps America's culture. What Ellison and his Muslim and leftist supporters are saying is that it is of no consequence what America holds as its holiest book; all that matters is what any individual holds to be his holiest book.
Forgive me, but America should not give a hoot what Keith Ellison's favorite book is.

Again, I repeat, the swearing-in ceremony does not include the use of any religious books. But even if it did, you'd have to admit that in this time of war, as we battle an enemy, many of whom perceive this as a religious struggle between Islam and Western Christianity, nothing would send a better message than coercing one of our leaders into swearing by the Bible. Even though it would be unconstitutional (Sarcasm, guys).

2006-12-01T20:39:00.000-08:00

Airport Opens With Grand Reception... And A Quick Talk With Senator Landrieu. Tonight, the new terminal of the Alexandria International Airport opened with a packed reception featuring community members, prominent community leaders, and dignitaries. Among those who spoke include Wayne Denley, Jon Grafton, Representative Rodney Alexander, Charlie Dewitt, and Senator Mary Landrieu. The airport is awesome, by the way. For those of you displaced Central Louisianans, trust me: Our new airport will knock your socks off. It's beautiful. I was fortunate to be able to personally meet and speak with Senator Landrieu earlier today, before the reception. Landrieu emphasized her commitment to smart growth principles as a way of planning the future of Louisiana. Senator Landrieu may be considering the creation of a panel of Louisiana mayors to discuss and evaluate solvent smart growth methods. The Senator also spoke of the need to pass the upcoming vote on the offshore drilling bill, which, she claims, has been the result of several years of work. Landrieu is in the process of ensuring that fellow Senators explain the need for this legislation to their colleagues in the House.

2006-12-01T11:37:00.000-08:00

1999 Centcom Report: Even With 400,000 Troops in Iraq, We'd Still Be In a Mess According to a report first published in 1999 (and made public in early November 2006), the United States would face significant stability problems in Iraq, even if it deployed a force of 400,000 troops. At the time of the invasion, the report was largely dismissed by the neoconservatives at the Pentagon, even though it was based on a strong body of research conducted by Centcom. It's important to note that the Pentagon planned the invasion of Iraq, and Marine General Anthony Zinni (ret), who conducted a series of war games as a part of the report, had warned members of Congress on numerous occasions of deficiencies in their pre-and post-invasion strategies. From the abstract of the report:

Washington D.C., November 4, 2006 - In late April 1999, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), led by Marine General Anthony Zinni (ret.), conducted a series of war games known as Desert Crossing in order to assess potential outcomes of an invasion of Iraq aimed at unseating Saddam Hussein. The documents posted here today covered the initial pre-war game planning phase from April-May 1999 through the detailed after-action reporting of June and July 1999.

The Desert Crossing war games, which amounted to a feasibility study for part of the main war plan for Iraq -- OPLAN 1003-98 -- tested "worst case" and "most likely" scenarios of a post-war, post-Saddam, Iraq. The After Action Report presented its recommendations for further planning regarding regime change in Iraq and was an interagency production assisted by the departments of defense and state, as well as the National Security Council, and the Central Intelligence Agency, among others.

The results of Desert Crossing, however, drew pessimistic conclusions regarding the immediate possible outcomes of such action. Some of these conclusions are interestingly similar to the events which actually occurred after Saddam was overthrown. (Note 1) The report forewarned that regime change may cause regional instability by opening the doors to "rival forces bidding for power" which, in turn, could cause societal "fragmentation along religious and/or ethnic lines" and antagonize "aggressive neighbors." Further, the report illuminated worries that secure borders and a restoration of civil order may not be enough to stabilize Iraq if the replacement government were perceived as weak, subservient to outside powers, or out of touch with other regional governments. An exit strategy, the report said, would also be complicated by differing visions for a post-Saddam Iraq among those involved in the conflict.

The media has known about this report for several years, but its specific recommendations had not been reported until recently.

CNN issued a quick story on the subject the day it was released, November 4, 2006. But not surprisingly, the story was drowned out by election coverage. It has been suggested by many Republican pundits and politicians that in planning for the war, the Pentagon and President George W. Bush relied on the best intelligence they had been provided. This report is yet another illustration of how the Bush administration selectively chose intelligence reports to build its case for war. Considering the report was published by Centcom and relied on the expert testimony of a Marine General, it seems hard to believe that its relevancy was simply not noticed. Rather, more likely, the report was dismissed for political reasons by the Pentagon.

2006-11-30T14:51:00.000-08:00

Arsonist(s) Set Fire to Jena High School Watch the Town Talk's video coverage, here.

2006-11-30T08:18:00.000-08:00

Guest Post: Daniel T. Smith on Louisiana's Political Present and Future (And What We Should Be Asking of Mary Landrieu) The three most publicized Louisiana issues at the moment that are also national questions are the Road Home Program, the Oil Revenue sharing legislation, and Asian fish cutting in on LA fisheries profits. I'll start with the fish because that's what I know the least about. I read an article in DeadPelican and on Salon about this, and basically it's what you expect: a lack of protective tariffs and commercial standards is threatening native catfish farmers from losing markets to Vietnamese fisheries. http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20061127/BUSINESS/611270313/1003 In Louisiana, we raise real catfish in separated ponds with no environmental problems. In Vietnam, there are fewer safety standards and the fish are raised in netted reservoirs which increases risk of disease and contamination. Moreover, the Asian fish aren't even truly catfish, though in 2003 there was legislation to require fairness in labeling, so they can't call a Vietnamese basa a catfish. Even though basa goes for up to a dollar less a pound, aficionados say there's no comparison between the flavor, but most people eating fried catfish don'tcare what it really is. As you know the Road Home Program has been generating a lot of flak. People are angry, mostly at Blanco, for crafting the contract behind closed doors with the group ICF International, based in Fairfax. DeadPelican recently reported ICF is getting two new companies to help them out, one from Houma and the other I don't remember. Here's a good article summing up the various beefs with Road Home: http://southernstudies.org/facingsouth/2006/11/hurricane-survivors-protest-louisianas.asp WeSawThat had an interesting conspiracy theory about the feds forcing Blanco's hand to pick ICF, as about half of their directors used to be in national security. Other than one other person speculating ICF probably greased hands in Washington and BR to get the contract ( http://bayoustjohndavid.blogspot.com/2006/11/jefferson-has-very-devastating-ads.html [bottom comment]. On the other hand, most other things I've read suggest the contract was just a bad choice. It's been pointed out that they do a lot of work for other states and for the federal government, and picked, ironically, for their speed in cutting checks. In the WeSawThat post, John Kennedy discusses that he thought the Louisiana Housing Finance Agency was a better choice. http://wesawthat.blogspot.com/2006/11/secy-john-kennedy-on-lra-road-home.html Interestingly enough, RedState has passed along a rumor that Kennedy is considering switching parties to run against Mary in '08 as a Republican. http://www.redstate.com/stories/elections/2008/senate_2008 Mary is considered one of the most endangered Democratic Senators in 08, for reasons you more than well know. The Senate will probably not go GOP because of the map, which negates Lieberman's party-switching threats. Many have linked her re-eletion to the success or failure of the Oil Revenue legislation. That's a big one, and interesting. I'd say this Oyster post serves as a nice primer, with an excellent dialectic resulting in a sort of consensus in the comments. Solid link: http://righthandthief.blogspot.com/2006/10/citybiz-jindal-stubbornly-resisted.html The idea is that the House bill, which is pretty radical, would allow any state that wanted to drill off their coast for substantial federal revenue sharing and give LA a lot of cash right away. The Senate Bill, which passed with only 25 dissenters (mostly envi-Democrats), is less environmentally offensive but wouldn't give LA any real cash for a decade I think (I did read one interesting idea about putting bonds against the future income, or something). [It smells like Jindal might be trying to pull an Arlen Specter. Two amendments related to the Military Commissions Act were up for discussion in the Senate. I don't remember the exact details but Specter had promised the Dems that he would put the vote to a less-radical compromise provision striking the habeus corpus denial. My memory is bad, but the idea is that at the last minute he went with the more radical proposal that he knew would fail, but that covered him when it came to looking like he wanted to protect habeus corpus. http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/109/senate/2/votes/255/ ] By supporting a radical bill that is a big time punch-in-the-face huge score for Louisiana comes across as being extremely noble and daring of Jindal. However, he's not a fool and he must know that it won't work. He's not pushing for compromise with the Senate Bill. I'm rusty on the process but if the House Bill is voted on and not the Senate Bill then Bobby can claim that he was a valiant hardliner, and it was the fault of the Dems in the Senate that nothing got passed. He looks good in the end, but really if he had actually compromised something could have gotten done. It's a good way to make an issue to sink Mary with in 08, who he'd probably go up against if he loses the Governor's Mansion. This is from Mary's website: "This letter by an influential group of House Republicans is yet another signal that a consensus is emerging that the best course of action is to pass the Domenici-Landrieu bill that does so much for Louisiana, the Gulf Coast and the nation. Now is not the time to overreach with an all-coast drilling plan that cannot pass. It is the time for our coalition of supporters -- Republicans and Democrats alike -- to come together and pass this vital legislation." And speaking of reelections, there's Mary's support of Joe. Besides the fact that they are both conservative Dems, and the fact that national politics have almost no play in Louisiana state politics, it's notable that Mary supported him. It took 42 minutes for Lieberman's committee to confirm Michael Brown to his position, and when the shit hit the fan Joe's excuse was that Brownie had lied on his resume, which of course was discovered only later by checking his references of all things. http://righthandthief.blogspot.com/2006/10/mary-mary-quite-contrary.html Moreover, here's Lieberman on the Senate Bill: I cannot vote for an enterprise that falsely suggests we can drill our way out of this energy crisis and that willfully ignores bipartisan solutions to our oil addiction, said Lieberman. This bill is a wasted opportunity and a disservice to the American people. This was taken from the comments (which provide excellent analysis) of: http://righthandthief.blogspot.com/2006/11/political-notes.html It makes sense that Mary wants to be beholden to Joe, who the media has erroneously made out as the most important senator ever (Unity08 is an organization that is trying to get a McCain/Lieberman independent presidential ticket... yikes!). I seriously doubt Joe is going to investigate much of Katrina. Thank God we have Henry Waxman. Update: I just read on her website (landrieu.senate.gov) that on November 14th she was selected to serve on the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Gov't Affairs. Surprise surprise. And speaking again of reelections, the Road Home (not to mention the storm) has tied an anchor around Blanco's neck. Jindal is rockin the cashboat hard, and as you know he won with 88% to his house district. I bring this up here to point out this survey, on another conservative blog (spare yourself and don't read the comments), http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1741066/posts which gives Jindal 52% to Blanco's 20%. A poll this far out is not informative in the least, but they did also include Vitter and Mitch, both who pulled 9%. I read on a blog and then heard independently from a close friend that some want Blanco to step out of the reelection bid to make way for Mitch for Gov. I also found a new online petition asking him to run, but basically no one had signed it (Google "Mitch Landrieu for Governor" if you care). I kind of like this idea, but who knows. A lot think he's damaged goods after Nagin beat him (oops), but Blanco is looking a lot like Lyndon Johnson in 1968 if you ask me. It doesn't seem to me like Mitch has been doing that kind of campaigning, but Blanco has. Consider her budget surplus ideas (insurance rebates, salary raises), which people are calling an attempt to buy votes. Most pragmatists say that this money, as it is not a recurring source of income, should be spent on infrastructure, especially roads for the oil industry or improving the transit from NOLA and BR for hurricane evacuation. The end of this recent Oyster post is a little heartening, though he makes it pretty clear that the 109th Congress is not going to vote on the Oil Revenue sharing proposal: http://righthandthief.blogspot.com/2006/11/one-last-gop-insult-to-la-will-dems.html And the record of Mary's Senatorial votes, where you can see when she went against her party: http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/members/l000550/key-votes/ Questions for Our Senator: 1) Is there any way to make use of the Oil Revenue money immediately? What kind of projects (more specific than just "coastal/hurricane protection") will it be used for? 2) Is it over for Blanco? Will Mitch try to step it up? 3) What's up with Lieberman? 4) What is the real problem with the Road Home Program? Is there actually a problem at all, or are people just being impatient? Is there anything fishy about the ICF contract? 5) What's up with her support of the Iraq War, and more importantly, her support of Military Commissions and the Patriot Act? 6) Why did she go against her party after the hurricane to support the bankruptcy bill? http://projects.washingtonpost.com/congress/109/senate/1/votes/44/ 7) What is her opinion of Jim Webb's assertion that there is a class war going on in America with respect to the shift in health, financial, and vocational security risk from employers to employees? 8) Does the state Democratic Party care at all about a progressive movement in Louisiana? Does one even exist? Are Louisiana Democrats committed to the political center in order to reflect their electorate to insure reelection? 9) Is the populist political legacy of the Longs still applicable to Louisiana today? 10) What's up with the catfish? 11) Is Alexandria in a unique position to serve Southern Louisiana due to it's location as the first real city north of the Hurricane Zone? Or are we fooling ourselves? 12) What do you think of Harry Truman's statement (paraphrased) that when the Democrats run a Republican against the Republican, the Republican will always win?

2006-11-29T22:57:00.000-08:00

Open Thread: What Businesses (And Types of Businesses) Do We Need in Alexandria?

2006-11-29T00:02:00.000-08:00

Honoring Mayor Ned Randolph Yesterday night, the City of Alexandria held a series of events, culminating in a banquet at the Riverfront Center featuring Governor Kathleen Blanco, honoring Mayor Ned Randolph. And this reminded me: When I was a kid, every Sunday morning at church, we used to sit right behind the mayor. My brother, sister, and I thought it was pretty cool because after the service ended we got to shake the mayor's hand. As a child, I considered him to be a shy and humble person, someone genuine. I didn't really know what a mayor did, but I knew he was important. And he is. During the past four months, we've been discussing the problems facing Alexandria and how to solve those problems. I hope that this discussion does not obscure the truth: Alexandria suffers from growing pains. When considering the accomplishments of Mayor Randolph, it is impossible to recognize Alexandria without him: A successful plan for England Air Park, a state-of-the-art airport, I-49, a 4-year LSUA, the Port of Alexandria, hospital expansions, the Alexandria Aces, numerous subdivision developments, and Union Tank Car. Alexandria, it has been said, is poised for tremendous growth, and we owe much of this to the leadership of Mayor Randolph. In less than a week, Mayor Randolph will serve his last day as Mayor of Alexandria. Many things have changed in twenty years. And thankfully, we are all better off because of these changes. Certainly, there is a lot left to accomplish, but our future accomplishments will be built on the successes of a shy, humble, yet important man who dedicated most of his professional career toward public service. Thank you Ned Randolph.

2006-11-28T22:46:00.000-08:00

Dispatch from the Roy Transition Team Yesterday, Mayor-elect Jacques Roy's transition team met for four hours at the Riverfront Center and attempted to produce a list of priorities, which will be analyzed by members of Roy's Executive Transition Committee. The Executive Transition Committee is chaired by Pineville Mayor Clarence Fields. Fields and others will review and prioritize recommendations made by several transition committees and subcommittees, including Community Development, Infrastructure, Housing, Community Health, Healthy Communities, Recreation, Economic Development, Children, Workforce Development, and Education. During the first Executive Transition meeting, community leaders and key advisers presented their reports on Alexandria's top priorities. Several advisers expressed, among other things, the need for a city grant writer and public relations department, marketing our downtown, increasing the police force, an effective and comprehensive city-wide marketing plan, and increasing opportunities for workforce education. The Economic Development Committee made several recommendations concerning affordable housing and the need for a consolidated Mayor's Office of Economic Development. Secondarily, the committee also suggested wireless Internet access in parts of the City and in following with the models of Lafayette and Austin, laying down fiber-optics cable throughout the City. Mayor-elect Roy reaffirmed the need for inclusive and smart growth throughout the meeting. When Key Adviser Bill Hess noted that South Alexandria is a retail and restaurant "desert," Roy stated that South Alexandria cannot afford to be neglected. He explained that the lack of basic services in South Alexandria (such as a nearby ATM, a fast food restaurant, or a post office) is a burden to many residents and that smart growth must be a plan that includes all parts of Alexandria. I was in the Community Development Committee, and our number one priority was creating a comprehensive city-wide marketing plan. So: Later: An Effective and Comprehensive Marketing Plan for Alexandria (And What It Would Mean)

2006-11-28T16:30:00.000-08:00

The Town Talk: The Trees Versus the Forest Throughout the past two weeks, the Town Talk has been in a fit over the Alexandria City Government's refusal to release the details of a report analyzing leaks at the Coughlin-Saunders Performing Arts Center. Today, they published an editorial instructing Mayor-elect Jacques Roy to release the report once he assumes office on December 4th, claiming that in doing so, Roy will be keeping his promise of government transparency. According to City Attorney Kelvin Sanders and Mayor-elect Roy (both of whom have read the report), the report contains sensitive information that may need to be used in potential future litigation. Releasing the information to the public, before the City has had an opportunity to build and present its case, may put the City at a strategic disadvantage. And considering it is the obligation of the City to collect any potential damages owed to taxpayers, it follows that prematurely sharing critical information and the "mental impressions" of an expert, would put taxpayers at a disadvantage as well. But the Town Talk is not having any of it. The fact that Roy has read parts of this report, they argue, means that the public also has the right to read it-- because Roy hasn't yet taken office, they claim, he's still a private citizen. I'm not sure who the Town Talk relied on for legal advice, but it seems they're a little confused. (And I have on good word that this misconception will be cleared up in the very near future). Let's think about this on a very basic level: Next November, Americans will be electing a new President. Between November 2007 and January 2008, our next President-elect will be thoroughly briefed on a host of confidential and proprietary issues, including, among other things, security and emergency management procedures. Would the Town Talk argue that our next President-elect should not be able to review confidential information unless said information was declassified and made public beforehand? Certainly not. The President-elect, like our Mayor-elect, is, in fact, a public official, and even though the hyphenated "elect" follows his title, it's still an official title. To further exercise their bully pulpit, the Town Talk claims that by not releasing the report, Mayor-elect Roy would be breaking his promise of "transparency," and they direct readers to his website, where they may find information on Roy's positions concerning government accountability and transparency. The notion of transparency, as was mentioned numerous times by numerous people throughout the campaign, means that government should be held accountable for their decisions. It means that back room consulting contracts must be brought into the public light. It means that the public has a right to know how the government is spending their tax dollars. It means the government has an obligation to operate ethically. It does not mean, however, that the Town Talk has the right to print sensitive information that may be used in litigation. That is precisely why Louisiana has an exception to public records requests. Perhaps this exception has been used loosely in the past, but in this case, it seems that the City Attorney, the Mayor, and the Mayor-elect (all of whom have degrees in law) are acting judiciously, believing that, based on the information they have read and analyzed, it would compromise the City's ability to pursue litigation if the full report was leaked (pardon the pun). It is healthy and necessary to continually question whether or not the government is acting in the best interest of the public, but in this instance, the Town Talk has attempted to pursue a story without considering the consequences.

2006-11-26T21:31:00.000-08:00

Boyce Mayor Julius Patrick Killed in Automobile Accident on I-10 Longtime Boyce Mayor Julius Patrick was killed earlier today in a traffic accident on Interstate 10. The Town Talk describes the details:

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.

2006-11-26T12:43:00.000-08:00

Roy: Preparing Comprehensive Plan for Alexandria According to Mayor-elect Jacques Roy, suggestions from his seventy-plus member transition team will be used in writing an extensive and comprehensive plan for Alexandria's future. Roy expects a preliminary plan to be completed within the next two weeks but states that a final draft won't be ready for at least six months. "I think people will be surprised about the amount of material produced by the transition team, its interfacing with city officials (who have been very candid), and the preliminary compartmentalization of the issues," Roy said. "The model we used has been very effective, and like the campaign, was borne of the ideas of Alexandrians. Although a comprehensive 'findings' document is far off, a 100-day plan with executive style summaries will be released shortly." Roy believes it will be important to share the plan with the entire community and has suggested holding town hall meetings, open to the public, in which audience members will be able to ask questions and offer suggestions to the new mayor and his administration. Roy's transition team is composed of volunteers, many of whom have been working throughout the Thanksgiving holidays, compiling information and writing reports on specifically-assigned subjects.

2006-11-24T23:08:00.000-08:00

New York Times: Cities Compete for Coolness In Order To Attract Young Professionals Shaila Dewan wrote an interesting piece in today's New York Times about the pressing desire for American cities to attract young people in order to ensure sustained growth. Why? From the article:

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.
“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.”

2006-11-23T23:06:00.000-08:00

Observations and Unsolicited Opinions on Alexandria's Housing Problem Recently, the Town Talk reported that Central Louisiana's real estate market is outperforming national trends by a significant margin. Although new high-end residential construction is definitely a growth sector in Central Louisiana, I disagree with the contention that our real estate market is healthy and stable, particularly Alexandria's market. Indeed, the reason that our real estate market appears to be so strong is because affordable housing is simply too expensive to construct. The proliferation of high-end developments, while exciting, actually belies a major problem: the lack of affordable housing in our community. During the mayoral election, several community activists expressed support for a plan of in-fill revitalization; that is, encouraging investors and developers to tackle large-scale renovation projects on homes located in blighted areas-- as a way of solving the affordable housing problem. It's a good idea, and we definitely have a problem. The median household income in Alexandria is a little more than half of the national average, which means that the average family in Alexandria cannot afford the average home. An affordable home in Alexandria is actually priced and valued correctly; the problem is that it is still prohibitively expensive for the average family. The average family in Alexandria, based on the federal government's definition of affordable housing, should be able to afford a home priced between $80,000- $110,000. Unfortunately, there is a significant dearth of homes in this price range in our real estate market. During the past twelve months (according to our local MLS), only 48 three bedroom, 1,500-square foot homes sold in Alexandria; that is an average of four homes per month, a staggeringly low number when one considers the number of people who have moved into Alexandria during the past twelve months. And this just scratches at the surface. We're only looking at the "average" family. Consider the fact that approximately 40% of people in the Alexandria region live from 50% to 150% below the poverty line. This precludes them from even considering buying a home. If Alexandria's growth follows the current trend, new neighborhoods will only include high-end housing. It's simply too expensive for builders to justify affordable housing construction, unless it's subsidized by the government. This will create stratification and segregation. The average taxpayer will be paying for new infrastructure for subdivisions they will never be able to enjoy. While I understand that in-fill redevelopment is essential at solving a short-term problem (with the added benefit of improving blighted neighborhoods), we must be thinking ahead. We must envision what Alexandria will look like in twenty years, as we expand and as certain areas of town become developed due to added infrastructure. We must ensure that our growth is not lopsided, that it incorporates a mix of developments, and that it encourages affordable housing. Currently, I believe Alexandria may be over-saturating itself with high-end developments, and as a result of this over-saturation, we may be over-extending ourselves as well.

2006-11-23T21:14:00.000-08:00

CenLamar Featured in Virtuocity Apparently, all the fuss we've been making about smart growth here in Alexandria has been picked up by a national website on sustainable communities and "human-friendly development," Virtuocity.com. From Virtuocity:

The 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.

2006-11-23T11:18:00.000-08:00

Lifted from EPSN by way of Wonkette: What's the Best Part of Thanksgiving?

No big surprises here: Louisianans love their food, Oklahomans love their football, and Floridians are in the process of a recount.

2006-11-23T10:32:00.000-08:00

Vote for Jindal! Win a Free Apple Computer! Recently, the Louisiana Republican Party has been touting their clever pro-Jindal, anti-Blanco website, www.dontblamemeivotedforjindal.com. In today's Town Talk, James Quinn, a director for the Louisiana GOP, wrote an opinion piece about the website, claiming that it chronicles Blanco's "weakly blunders" and ineptitude. I have no problem with a political party setting up a website, complete with embarrassing photos of one's opponent (which is about as substantive as this website is). That's what democracy is all about! But here's the kicker: In order to lure people to the embarrassing photos...err.. information, the Louisiana GOP is promoting a TV ad contest in which contestants have the chance to win a FREE APPLE COMPUTER! Woo hoo! Ball's in your court, Kathleen. I suggest the Dems offer something even better... like a FREE CAR! Happy Thanksgiving.

2006-11-22T14:08:00.000-08:00

Tonight at the Frosty Factory: A Dazed Jam Session Featuring Dale Le Boeuf, Zach Rhea, and Derek Ashcraft, 9PM Influences include Medeski, Martin, and Wood, Thelonius Monk, and Les Claypool.

2006-11-22T13:02:00.000-08:00

CenLamar Endorses: Talk of the Town: The Rise of Alexandria, Louisiana, and the Daily Town Talk Hurry up! There's only one in stock on Amazon.com! Or just order it directly from LSU. Book Description (Anyone care to draw some parallels?): As the sleepy courthouse town of Alexandria, Louisiana, began to recover from the devastation and trauma of the Civil War and Reconstruction, the Daily Town Talk appeared. Nicknamed "Alexandria’s postage stamp paper" by a rival publication, the Town Talk aimed to be "the best daily outside of New Orleans" and became one of the most successful regional newspapers of its kind. It quickly championed urban rejuvenation and envisioned Alexandria as the "Future Great" city of the state, if not the entire South. Fredrick M. Spletstoser tells the story of the paper’s first sixty years and of the town’s triumphs and setbacks during that same time. An unpretentious country journal, the "Town Talk" would become in the second half of the twentieth century a pioneer in newspaper technology under the leadership of Joe D. Smith, one of the most respected names in American journalism.

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.

2006-11-22T08:32:00.000-08:00

WeSawThat Posts Controversial Audio Recordings of Rich Dupree and Greg Aymond From WeSawThat:

xxx 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.

2006-11-21T11:36:00.001-08:00

Defeat William Jefferson! Vote Karen Carter! Those of us in Central Louisiana may not be in the same Congressional district as our friends in the 2nd. (We're represented by Rodney Alexander. Remember him? The guy whose page got creeped out by Mark Foley, the guy whose secretary was pen pals with convicted murderer Scott Peterson, the guy whose chief of staff, Royal, is now being sued for sexual harassment... and all of this came to light only two months before the election. Yeah, that's our Congressman!). But even those of us in Central Louisiana have a limit to what our leaders can get away with (and still expect to be re-elected). Consider, say, $90,000 in cash in a Congressman's freezer as a metaphor for that line. It doesn't matter how it got there, and it doesn't matter how Jefferson intends to eventually explain it all away: When the feds find 90K in your freezer (after you've been accused of taking a $100,000 bribe), you shouldn't even consider making a run for Congress. I'm certain Karen Carter is more qualified than Jefferson for Congress. Why? One reason: No one has ever found $90,000 in cash in her freezer. Daniel T. Smith tells a good story:

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.

2006-11-21T07:43:00.000-08:00

Initial Dispatch from the Roy Transition Team Yesterday, Mayor-elect Jacques Roy and his transition team gathered at the Bolton Avenue Community Center to begin work on laying out a foundation of ideas and plans for the next four years. Mr. Roy spoke for approximately forty-five minutes, instructing team members on their duties and his vision of smart growth (or community-based planning) for Alexandria. Urban planner Pat Moore, who will advise the Mayor-elect on Vision, gave a twenty-minute presentation on smart growth principles and what he called "growing buffalo food" (which, he explained, are ways in which a community can bolster its ability to attract and keep jobs). The team then broke into committees and subcommittees. I can only speak for the discussions we had in two subcommittees to which I was assigned, housing and community development. The initial findings of the community development subcommittee were that Alexandria needs to better market itself and its cultural and artistic communities and events. Additionally, I believe (and I've said this before on the blog) that we need to improve our amphitheater. The subcommittee discussed, among other things, ways in which we can diversify and increase the conventions we hold, city-wide events like Quein' on the Red and Third Street block parties, and utilizing public access television to share regularly updated information about upcoming events in the city. The housing committee recognized the dearth of affordable housing in Alexandria and developed several strategies for dealing with this problem. (All of which will be explained as the ideas become more fleshed out). The initial summary conclusion of the housing subcommittee says it best:

"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.

2006-11-19T23:07:00.000-08:00

Roy Transition Team Set to Meet This Afternoon Seventy-plus members of Mayor-elect Jacques Roy's transition team will be meeting for the first time later today. Roy is expected to speak for about an hour, laying out his vision for Alexandria and instructing transition team members on their duties. Specifically, Jacques Roy will be asking team members to consider:

· 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

2006-11-18T11:38:00.000-08:00

Tonight! All the Way from Portland, Oregon (By Way of Rhode Island)... Monstrous! With Opening Act the Tim Turner Band the Frosty Factory, 10PM More on Monstrous: THE Rock n' Roll Band "MONSTROUS" are Three brothers from Rhode Island, Led Gethway -Guitar & vocals - Ken Gethway -Bass & Vocals - Alex Gethway - Drums & vocals . The brothers have been playing and stock piling songs over the last 10 years. Now in their 20's they have been travling around the country in a big white candy truck playing shows , parties and writing their next record . Monstrous just made a studio record of 15 songs , intitled " MOTHER NATURES SLAVES " for release on September 19th 2006 on the New York City label MONSTROUS has just signed with (Howler Records.)

2006-11-17T00:47:00.000-08:00

Lee Horne for Governor Campaign Releases Music Video

(Yes, a music video). Dear Libertarians, Huh? Sincerely and Seriously, Lamar PS: It sounds like the musical group, Lil' Nuke, basically admits during the course of the commercial that gubernatorial candidate Lee Horne gave them anything that needed for their studio, free of charge. From the music video: "We done tried Democrats and Republicans. We never tried Libertarians.... Why not try something new?"

2006-11-16T22:33:00.000-08:00

Open Thread: What Suggestions Do You Have for the Transition Team?

2006-11-15T22:48:00.000-08:00

Roy Names More People to Transition Team, Creates Subcommittees Yesterday, Mayor-elect Jacques Roy added several more members to his transition team and organized subcommittees to evaluate and analyze specifically assigned tasks. Among those named include Barbara Brister, Jeff Hall, Von Jennings, Horatio Isadore, Carol White, and Cindy Cespiva. Two key advisers were also chosen, urban planner Pat Moore, who will report on Vision, and Bill Hess, who will report on Economic Development . In addition, Mr. Roy also organized subcommittees; these committees include but are not limited to Community Development, Housing, Education, Recreation, Children, Community Health, and Workforce Development.

2006-11-14T17:42:00.000-08:00

Jacques Roy Announces Transition Team; Mayor Clarence Fields of Pineville to Head Executive Committee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO ALL MEDIA

November 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:

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

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.

2006-11-14T13:17:00.000-08:00

The Daily Update: What You Can't Read in the Newspaper

Jacques Roy To Release Names of Transition Team Later Today (Expected to be around 50-60 members, not 30).
Hotel Bentley Deal Looks Legitimate. Really. But They're Pushing Back the Closing Date. Source: The Town Talk Online.
James Baker III and Daddy Bush Puts Little Georgie in Time-Out. Source: Newsweek.
Trent Lott Wants to Make a Comeback. Source: Everyone.

2006-11-14T11:27:00.000-08:00

Part Three of Three: What the Roy/Brewer Run-Off Teaches Us About Alexandria In today's Town Talk, Jodie Belgard writes about how Jacques Roy inspired her to feel more engaged in the political process and how he reached out and included young people who would otherwise never be involved in a political race. Jodie witnessed something at the Roy victory party she was surprised to see: throngs of young people all celebrating a new spirit of leadership. But, as I have mentioned before, Roy ran on a platform of true inclusiveness, and for him, it meant more than just rallying young people; it meant traveling all across the city and getting everyone motivated for a change. One prominent supporter of the Brewer campaign wrote an article of endorsement in a citywide Brewer mail-out (which was distributed in gas stations and grocery stores) about the need for getting out the vote in his neighborhood, Charles Park. When I read the article, I must admit: I was disappointed. The mayor's race wasn't simply about ONE neighborhood, and it seemed to me at least that any attempt to specifically target a neighborhood like Charles Park-- while ignoring other parts of the city-- was a strategy designed to embolden one group of people in one neighborhood to determine our city's leadership. This is not to suggest that Mrs. Brewer didn't attend events in South Alexandria. She did. And I have personally heard her speak about the need for infrastructure improvements throughout our community. But during the last few weeks of the campaign, it became evident that her campaign hoped to drastically increase voter turn-out in specific parts of the city-- and I think we all know what areas those are and why it was perceived as politically advantageous for Mrs. Brewer to embark on this strategy. However, this election taught us that in order to win an election in Alexandria, one must be willing to motivate citizens throughout the entire community. That means canvassing in the Sonia Quarters, Acadian Village, Martin Park, and Charles Park. It's more than just attending social events; one must be willing to literally walk door-to-door and ask people for their vote. For me, one of the biggest surprises of the mayoral election wasn't the margin of victory; it was the immense turn-out in precincts that have historically voted in lower numbers. Mr. Roy could have won 60/40 if he had only focused on traditionally white neighborhoods, but that was not the mission of his campaign. Inclusiveness means bringing everyone to the table; it means paying attention to the needs and hopes of people from all walks of life. And as we look forward to the next four years, we must remember that Jacques Roy wasn't elected by just one group of people from one or two neighborhoods; he was elected by the entire community.

2006-11-13T14:55:00.000-08:00

Part Two of Three: What the Roy/Brewer Run-Off Teaches Us About Alexandria Both Delores Brewer and Jacques Roy spoke frequently about a concept known as "smart growth." Mrs. Brewer stated that the city had already been engaging in smart growth for years, but that's not quite accurate. Smart growth is an umbrella term that encompasses many aspects of the ways in which a City develops and expands, and it relies on forward-thinking, research-based analysis of growth patterns and demographic trends. During the past decade, Alexandria has been steadily expanding, but the ways in which our city has grown may present problems for the future. Although the expansion of Versailles and the developments occurring down Highway 28-West are exciting, this growth must be tempered with appropriate agreements with developers in order to ensure that the growth isn't an isolated off-shoot, but a vibrant part of our community, one in which all Alexandrians can enjoy and utilize. Mr. Roy often mentioned the fact that during the past forty years, Alexandria has nearly tripled in size, but its population has remained stagnant. This is due, in part, to the reigning paradigm of suburban sprawl, but it's also due to the fact that Alexandria has enabled developers to build subdivisions right on the fringes of our city limits, without making the case for annexation. In other words, developers have been able to avoid paying city taxes (and have used this as a selling point for their clients) while, on some occasions, they have used certain city services (i.e. sewage). This hardly seems fair for the average taxpayer. And it is one of the reasons Alexandria's population painfully hovers at 48,000- 49,000 people. If Alexandria finds creative ways to bolster its population by making the case for annexation to residents who live in subdivisions right in the middle of the city (yet somehow outside of the city limits), we may be able to boost our population to 50,000 people overnight, and once that occurs, Alexandria becomes eligible for all sorts of federal entitlement grants-- grants that can transform our city in a number of positive ways. When urban planners speak about in-fill, particularly in a city as disjointed as Alexandria, they're not just talking about building new construction in already-developed areas, they are also talking about using the powers of annexation (which are unfortunately limited in Louisiana) to effectively control and manage our city's growth. But again, smart growth isn't just about in-full; it's about making a community more livable. It's about finding solutions to traffic problems, public transportation, garbage pick-up, sewage, utilities, fire and police coverage, and access to resources. Smart growth was always the foundation of Mr. Roy's campaign, and during the next four years, he will be faced with the challenge of articulating and executing his message, stewarding a paradigm shift on how Alexandria understands itself.

2006-11-13T10:36:00.000-08:00

Part One of Three: What the Roy/Brewer Run-Off Teaches Us About Alexandria When Jacques Roy officially announced his candidacy for mayor, more than 200 people, primarily young professionals and their families, showed up to his office on Martin Luther King Jr Drive to hear him speak about his vision for Alexandria's future. But despite the enthusiasm and the high turn-out, critics dismissed Roy's chances, claiming (correctly) that young people do not historically vote in higher numbers and that the winning candidate would be the one who could best speak to the needs of older Alexandrians. They felt that Roy must have just been positioning himself for another race, that it was too little too late. But Jacques Roy understood something that others didn't: Young people were interested. Despite all of the positive changes affected during Randolph's twenty years, young Alexandrians are still leaving in droves. For many, the educational and employment opportunities in larger cities are simply too good to ignore, and for others, Alexandria is too provincial, too quaint, and too complacent. But for those of us who have stayed or returned to Alexandria, there is a growing frustration and a sense that we can become a better place to live, if we only work together. To be fair, young Alexandrians worked in the campaigns of all seven mayoral candidates, but only Jacques Roy understood how to best motivate young people; in part, because he belongs to the same generation, but also because Jacques Roy specifically reached out to young people. He didn't just ask for their vote; he asked for their help. Behind the closed doors of the Roy campaign, there were between forty and fifty young Alexandrians, each working in a unique role. They canvassed in every single neighborhood in the city. They encouraged Mr. Roy to speak at block parties, concerts, and coffee shops-- gathering places for those whose voices are not frequently heard or respected in the political process. And the message they sent was clear: We need a leader who recognizes that in a growing city, there must be more opportunities for young people. They must not be cut off from the discussions, because they are, in fact, the future of our city. This is, in part, what I meant when I discussed how Mr. Roy created a movement. By motivating young Alexandrians to become a part of this process, Mr. Roy excited people from all walks of life; they saw the positive energy behind his campaign and voted in droves. (Mr. Roy actually received more votes than Ned Randolph did during his final election four years ago). It will be important to parlay this energy into real, tangible results. But for now, we should recognize this movement for what it is: A clear statement in support of proactive, intelligent leadership, leadership that reaches across racial and political lines, leadership that is committed to growing our community, and leadership that believes it is possible for Alexandria to become a business and entertainment hub for the entire state.

2006-11-10T10:47:00.000-08:00

The Daily Update: What You Can't Read in the Newspaper

Some Iraqis want Saddam's execution to be broadcast on television. American news media pretends to be confused and offended.
Check this out. Someone left this link on the blog. Feedback graphs on positive and negative campaign commercials during the 2006 Senate race.
Mark your calendars: Inauguration set for December 4th, 12 Noon, Downtown Riverfront Center.
Bill Cosby settles confidential sexual harassment lawsuit. Source: Law.com
Lincoln Chaffee considers leaving the GOP.
New Secretary of Defense Bob Gates is more of a Bush 41 Republican than a Bush 43 Republican. Source: "Rave Reviews for Bob Gates," Red State.
Louisiana Congressional Delegation is pretty happy about the Rumsfeld resignation. Source: The BR Advocate.

2006-11-09T12:56:00.000-08:00

Hindsight is 20/20: What Republican Campaign Tactics Teach Us About the State of American Democracy. In 1970, a nineteen-year-old Karl Rove played a little prank on the campaign of Alan Dixon, who was running for State Treasurer of Illinois. Rove used a fake name, walked into Dixon's campaign office, and stole 1,000 sheets of paper with the Dixon letterhead. The young Rove then used the stationary to print a flier promising "free beer, free food, girls, and a good time for nothing" and dispersed the flier to homeless shelters and rock concerts. To some, this may seem like a harmless juvenile prank, but to others, this is the very first example of the Rovian political strategy. During the past fifteen years, Americans have become very familiar with the Rove strategy, and his model for victory, in one form or another, has been executed by countless campaigns across the country. The Rove strategy relies on targeted fear and deception, and it is anchored by deep pockets and a network of loosely-formed political action committees. Often, journalists and political analysts overstate Rove's singular influence; what Rove has provided is simply a formula, a blueprint, and a method. Rove led, and others followed by example. The formula is quite elementary: Target voters who can be manipulated, and paint your opponent, through both official and unofficial channels, as morally and ethically bankrupt. In Texas, Rove helped George W. Bush win the governor's race by alleging that the late Ann Richards was a lesbian (which she was not). He helped win the South Carolina primary for George W. Bush by spreading the rumor that McCain had a "black baby." And during the last Presidential election, he found a group of Vietnam veterans who were willing to speak out against Kerry, formed a political action committee, funded the whole enterprise through a Houston real estate developer, and taped a series of powerful commercials, claiming that Kerry hadn't actually served with distinction. None of these veterans actually served with Kerry, but they still said they had. (In truth, they were simply acting out on an old grudge against Kerry). Rove famously courted the evangelical vote, and many of his most defamatory and misleading campaign attacks were carried out from the pulpit. (It's important to note that all the while, behind closed doors, Rove and others insulted and disparaged the very evangelicals they were courting). What we witnessed on Tuesday was not simply the end of the Republican majority in Congress; we also witnessed the end of Rovian political strategy. Quite simply, Americans are tired of negative campaigning, particularly when the negativity is so transparent in its objectives. During the last election, Republicans pulled out every play in the Rove play book: race-baiting, fear-mongering, and outright divisiveness. It is one thing to campaign on the issues, and it is quite another to scare people into voting (or not voting) based on deception. Republicans may fairly take issue with the Democratic tax plan, and Democrats may also fairly question Republicans on the Iraq War. But when campaigns only appeal to our lowest common denominator, when they preach fear and not hope, when they claim an exclusive hold on morality and God, and when they use our airwaves to spread vitriol, we must stand up, regardless of our party affiliation. Last Tuesday, Americans did just that. We should all be thankful that there is now a check against the unfettered spending, the misguided war policies, and the culture of corruption that exists any time one party is allowed to rule unopposed. We should also recognize that the Republicans had actually done a fantastic job of fooling Americans into thinking that our country was more conservative than it actually is and that the only way to move forward is by addressing the needs and concerns of the Great American Middle. During the last election, Democrats received between 25%- 33% of the evangelical vote, a clear sign of the shifting winds. Next: What the Roy/Brewer Run-off Teaches Us About Alexandria.

2006-11-09T12:44:00.000-08:00

The Daily Update: What You Can't Read in the Newspaper

Roy Supporters Currently Planning Inauguration Events. For some perspective, twenty years ago, Mayor Randolph's inauguration included a church service, the swearing-in, the lighting of the Christmas tree, and, of course, a black tie affair.
Britney's filing for divorce, y'all.
George Allen concedes; both the House and the Senate are now controlled by the Democrats for the first time in twelve years.
Rummy's out, Rush is relieved he doesn't have to keep lying.

2006-11-08T18:30:00.000-08:00

Q:Who Broke the Rumsfeld Resignation Story? A: Comedy Central's Blog!

2006-11-08T02:01:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, Jacques Roy easily won the Alexandria Mayoral Election, capturing over 76% of the vote against opponent Delores Brewer. I will be offering a detailed precinct-by-precinct analysis later. Last night, I had the privilege of introducing our new mayor to the throngs of supporters (estimated between 500-600 people) who gathered at the Holiday Inn. Here's what I said (if I had Jacques's speech, I'd post it too):

Three 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.

2006-11-07T10:48:00.000-08:00

Click here to watch the election unfold. CenLamar will return to its regularly scheduled programming tomorrow.

2006-11-06T18:02:00.000-08:00

Open Thread: The Mayor's Race

2006-11-06T12:32:00.000-08:00

President Bush Rallying Up the BaseThe Heartland Yawns.

2006-11-06T11:11:00.000-08:00

The Daily Update: What You Can't Read in the Newspaper

Cheney going hunting on Election Day. This will be the first time he's gone huntin' since he shot that guy in the face. Source: Washington Post.
Has anyone noticed that this is one of the nastiest campaign seasons in our history? Check out this mail-out on Wonkette.
Completely insane Katherine Harris prays to bring the hearts and minds of our Jewish brothers and sisters into alignment. Did I mention she's running for Senate? Source: TBO.
Sunday's news: Saddam Hussein sentenced to death. The Saints improve to 6-2.
Democrats look poised to retake Congress. Republicans are still trying to figure out how to react to all of these gay sex scandals.
Listen to KSYL's TalkBack Live and try to guess the identity of the caller at 5 minutes. Check out KSYL.

2006-11-05T21:01:00.000-08:00

Once Again, Vote Roy for Mayor! Jacques Roy says there is a new excitement in the air here in Alexandria. He's right. During the past three months, Alexandrians have discussed our shared future, and nowhere has this conversation been more detailed and more passionate than right here in the blogosphere. We've offered a play-by-play analysis of this election. Before the primary election, we unpacked the candidacies of all seven contenders, and collectively, we asked, "Who makes the most sense? Who will bring a renewed energy and hope to City Hall? Who is most capable of standing up to entrenched interests? Who can steward Alexandria through this great period of growth?" And the consensus, insofar as I can tell, is that Jacques Roy, a thirty-six-year old lawyer, represents our best hope. Until now, I have remained silent about the type of campaign that Roy's opponent, Delores Brewer, has been waging. I have directed readers to the facts about the commercials and mail-outs, but I have offered no analysis. I once believed that Mrs. Brewer wanted to be mayor for the right reasons. I am no longer so certain. The Town Talk likened Mrs. Brewer's campaign to a "grim theater of reckless advertising and personal attacks." But it is more than that. It is premised on divisiveness, deception, and outright lies. Two of Mrs. Brewer's television commercials have been covered nationally, not for their inventiveness but because they represent everything that is wrong about political campaigning. One of the nation's most influential blogs, My Left Wing, had this to say about Mrs. Brewer's infamous rape ad:

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.

2006-11-04T10:57:00.000-08:00

Gunn: Mayor Ned Randolph No Longer Supportive of Delores Brewer's Campaign From the article in the Town Talk:

"I couldn't be a part of that," Mayor Randolph said, referring to an Oct. 12 news conference Brewer gave where she slammed contingency contracts the city has with outside lawyers and a consulting company. The city-Cleco dispute has been a major campaign issue between Brewer, a Republican, and her Democratic rival, Jacques Roy.
The rift between the Randolphs and Brewer comes after decades of close, personal ties: Delores Brewer grew up down the road from Ned Randolph in Colfax; Brewer's husband, John Brewer, and Ned Randolph have been friends for 50 years; and Ned Randolph is godfather to the Brewers' son, Morgan.

2006-11-03T22:51:00.000-08:00

Roy V. Brewer: KSYL Radio Debate The most confrontational conversation thus far in the Alexandria Mayor's Race.

Roy disputes Brewer's claims on CLECO, line-by-line. Brewer concedes that she doesn't speak "legalese," but would still cancel the contracts. (Please forgive me for editorializing: No, caller, Mr. Roy wasn't being arrogant. He was defending the truth, and if you've followed this election, then you'd know that Mrs. Brewer's campaign has repeatedly and consistently claimed that EMS is receiving HALF of the money the City could receive from CLECO. Today, she stated on the radio, despite what she is currently broadcasting on television, that her signature appeared on the fact sheet that reduced EMS's fee from 50% to 20%. That's right. She admitted that she KNEW that EMS's fee had been reduced, yet she's still sending mail-outs and saying on television that EMS's fee is between 85% and 50%).
Brewer claims George Bush has done a "great job." (I know it's not relevant, but I mean... GREAT JOB? REALLY?)
Roy: Do Away With Duplicative Contracts (Up to the Tune of $1 Million/Year).
Brewer on Negative Campaigning: "There needs to be healing, and I want to personally apologize to the people (for any hurt caused by the negative campaigning)."

2006-11-03T10:56:00.000-08:00

The Daily Update: What You Can't Read in the Newspaper

President of 30 Million Member National Association of Evangelicals, and Prominent Preacher Ted "Art" Haggard Accused of Soliciting Gay Escort for Several Years, Taking Methamphetamine; Resigns from His Mega-Church, Acknowledges Some Wrong-Doing. Read about it (including voicemail transcripts of Haggard attempting to buy meth, which I think he's admitting now) on Wonkette.
Okay this is getting weird. He says he was referred to the gay escort by a hotel in Denver for a "massage." Apparently, he didn't realize that his massage therapist was actually a meth-dealing, gay prostitute (?). By the way guys and gals, we're talking about one of the most influential preachers in the world, a man who speaks to President Bush on a weekly basis, and a person who ministers to thousands of people every Sunday. Oh, and he's also one of the biggest proponents of banning equal spousal rights for gay Americans. He likes to buy meth and throw it away.
Brian Ross of ABC News: RNC Takes Money from Army Porn Movie Distributor.
Dems Lead in Six Key Senate Races. Source: AmericaBlog.

2006-11-02T21:56:00.000-08:00

Excellent Weekend for Live Music in Alexandria Friday Night: Mike Comfort. The Frosty Factory. 9PM. $5 You may have not heard of him, but you've heard his songs. Rah Rah ClearChannel (Cenla Broadcasting)! Seriously, this guy has a reputation throughout the nation for solid, steady adult contemporary music. Click on "Pledge"--this is the song everyone knows. They even play it on the radio, guys. Saturday Night: Alexandria Music Project. At the Ampitheater. Featuring Multiple Music Acts. Beginning at 5:30PM. $12.50 at the door. AMP is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing music into Alexandria. If you're not already a member, I highly encourage you to join tomorrow. Glossary The quality (and quantity) of bands that come out of the little "holler" of Murfreesboro, TN shouldn't surprise anyone. With one of the nations' top recording programs in town at Middle Tennessee State University, the place is bound to be a hotbed for bands, musicians-to-be, and probably quite a few has-beens as well. Notable successful and somewhat-successful regionals include The Katies, The Features, and Fluid Ounces/Seth Timbs. Not to be lost in the local shuffle are the land's purveyors of thinking-man's southern rock, kicked-up and dirtied-down Americana, and just about every term that rock critics are tossing about for "alt-country" these days. Listen up, Glossary is your new band. Mark White Mr. White is a singer-songwriter with a passionate voice and a wide-ranging, unique songwriting sensibility. His roots trace back to Bob Dylan and Cat Stevens, and his influences include Bright Eyes, Blind Melon, and Tool. Mark is an all-around musician who plays multiple instruments. He was born and raised right here in Alexandria, Louisiana. Download Mark's first single "No Reason" on Tipitina's website. Scott Miller and the Commonwealth Mr. Miller is this year's Ryan Adams, a talented singer-songwriter emerging from a cult band (the V-Roys) with an astonishingly good solo album (Sugar Hill). The only difference is that Mr. Adams weeps better, while Mr. Miller rocks better. (The Year in Pop and Jazz: The Critics' Choices, New York Times, Dec. 23, 2001).

Uncut Magazine Review Review of Thus Always to Tyrants, Uncut Magazine, October 2001 If Scott Miller sounds like a surrogate Steve Earle, it's hardly surprising, Miller was part of the late lamented V-Roys, whose albums were produced by Earle, and his first solo album strongly bears the great man's influence. The blend of rock guitars, muscular melodies, roots sensibility and brutally honest lyrics make it an outstanding debut, and "Absolution" ranks as one of the great drinking songs of our time. Spirited, sassy and visceral, Billboard reckons it's the best roots-rock album of the year. They may not be far wrong.

2006-11-02T14:45:00.000-08:00

LiveBlogging the Mayoral Debate...err...Conversation!

Here's the deal: Tonight at 6PM CST, NewsChannel Five (KALB) will be broadcasting a conversation with the two mayoral candidates, Delores Brewer and Jacques Roy. Out here in the blogosphere, we will be reacting in real-time. Blast them, lampoon them, love them, praise them, question them, say what you want right here on CenLamar.

2006-11-01T22:51:00.000-08:00

UPDATED: FOTAZ President David Lind Reacts FOTAZ Members: Was FOTAZ Mailing List Also Released for Political Purposes? 12:10PM: I just spoke with FOTAZ President David Lind concerning allegations that the FOTAZ mailing list was accessed for a campaign mail-out. Lind, a Roy supporter, states that FOTAZ determined several months ago to not get involved in the upcoming mayor's race and that no one has ever approached him about using their list. "If our mailing list was accessed and used, then I am very unhappy about it," he said. "If it was used at all, it was used improperly." **** Once again, according to my sources, the mailing list of a non-profit, city-wide organization may have been released for political purposes. Several members of FOTAZ (or Friends of the Alexandria Zoo) have reported that they recently received a mail-out from Delores Brewer's mayoral campaign. The mail-out apparently addresses Brewer's work with the Alexandria Zoo. It is important to note that non-profit organizations are barred from engaging in political campaigning. Read about this on the Internal Revenue Service's website. One FOTAZ member put it this way, "I didn't realize that when I or any of my family members signed up for any city activities or programs such as the soccer association or the zoo that we were giving permission for our names/addresses to be released to Brewer." FOTAZ describes itself:

Friends of the Alexandria Zoo is a non-profit organization dedicated to the continuing improvement of the Alexandria Zoological Park, humane, aesthetically tasteful and education exhibits; addition of new animals to encourage conservation of valuable wildlife; and promotion of cultural and educational services for the community and its schools and to encourage economic development.

2006-11-01T11:50:00.000-08:00

Parents: Crossroads Soccer Mailing List Released for Political Purposes According to my sources, the Crossroads Soccer Mailing List was recently given to Delores Brewer's campaign and used in a mail-out. The letters were addressed "To the parents of (child's name)" and did not include a return mailing address. Crossroads Soccer claims to be the largest soccer club in Central Louisiana, with over 1,200 youth and 52 adult players. The mail-out has sparked concern over Crossroads's privacy policy, with many parents questioning how and why their child's name and home address were released for political purposes. Crossroads has confirmed that a member of their organization released the information and has since instituted a strict no-release policy.

2006-11-01T11:10:00.000-08:00

The Daily Update: What You Can't Read in the Newspaper

Blanco: My Presentation to Toyota Was So Awesome That They're Now Considering Building a Plant on SUPERSITE Near Monroe.
Soccer Parents Upset After Receiving Brewer Mail-Out With Their Child's Name On It, Suspects Crossroads Mailing List Was Inappropriately Released.
Ned Randolph: Alexandria Is In State of Emergency Due to Mosquitoes.
Drunken Cell Phone Messages Cause Arizona Politician to Resign. Read About It Here.
For the Record, Yesterday's Rotary Event Was Canceled By Judge Davidson, Despite What the Anonymice on Cenla Antics Claim.

2006-10-31T10:04:00.000-08:00

Open Thread: The Mayor's Race is One Week Away. What Are Your Predictions? Two other things: Today is the last day to vote early. If you're going to be busy on Super Tuesday, vote today. KALB is hosting a mayoral debate...err...conversation... on Thursday. Channel 5. 6:00- 6:30PM. The debate's format has been described as similar to "Meet the Press," which could be very interesting. And just like last time, we'll be liveblogging the debate...err conversation. So, remember to log onto CenLamar while you're watching the debate. It's fun for the whole family.

2006-10-31T09:50:00.000-08:00

George W. Bush: Terrorists Will Win If Democrats Retake CongressThis photo appeared in today's Washington Post Online, capturing both a baby and a grown man weeping in the awesome presence of our President.

2006-10-31T09:37:00.000-08:00

The Daily Update: What You Can't Read in the Newspaper

Correction: Previously, it had been reported that EMS's agreement with the City of Alexandria had been amended to reduce their compensation from 50% to 33%. Their fee was actually reduced to 20%. Despite this, the Brewer campaign continues to air a television commercial that states EMS will be receiving HALF of the CLECO settlement.
Watch the new Brewer ad online. Google Videos.
Ask the candidate forum with Senator Sam Brownback quickly turns into ridiculous free-for-all. Source: Yahoo Forums.
New York Times Essay: Computing in 2016: What Won't Be Possible?
Registrar of Voters: Early Voting Significantly Higher Than It Was During Primary.

2006-10-30T16:16:00.000-08:00

KALB: There Will Be a Debate! Err... Conversation! Thursday, November 2, 2006. 6:00- 6:30 on Channel Five. And they're taking our questions. Send them to Michele Godard at mgodard@kalb.com.

2006-10-30T15:59:00.000-08:00

Seven Year Old Girl Nearly Abducted Incident Occurred Near Jackson Street Extension

According to the Town Talk, a seven-year-old girl was nearly abducted today by an African-American male in his twenties, wearing a black leather jacket and driving a small silver car. The man apparently attempted to lure the young girl into his car by offering her candy, which was stuffed in the car's visor.

2006-10-30T11:27:00.000-08:00

The Daily Update: What You Can't Read in the Newspaper

Pierce Bush, nephew to the President, has some hilarious photos of him partying with famous Austin weirdo, Leslie Cochran. Send Pierce a message on Facebook. View the photos here. (Warning: Photos capture the young Bush, who looks remarkably like a Bush, drinking Bud Light! And he's not 21 yet!). By the way, I posted this for you Austinians in Alexandria. You know who you are.
Another Movie Starring Sacha Baron Cohen (Ali G, Borat) Promises to Make Americans Uncomfortable. (For fans of Da Ali G Show, Cohen will be resurrecting the character Bruno). Source: The Defamer.
Virginia Senate Candidate George Allen Needs to Explain His Multiple Arrest Warrants. Source: Americablog.
Fans Bail on the Saints. Source: Sun Herald.
Governor Blanco is in Asia. Saying Hello to KilgoreSmith and KhamAbiding. Source: AP.

2006-10-30T11:13:00.000-08:00

Crooks and Liars: SNL's Glimpse Into the Final Week of RNC Television Ads Warning: This is a Saturday Night Live Skit, and as such, it's offensive and hilarious on many levels. In other words, it may not be safe for work, and it's probably not appropriate for children. Download here in WMV format. And here in QuickTime format.

2006-10-29T13:57:00.000-08:00

Who Is Reading CenLamar?Click on Image to Zoom In

This map indicates the locations of the last 100 unique visitors of CenLamar. (Well, almost all of them. The site also received a visitor from Japan. Konichiwa. And China. Hey Daniel). I think this is interesting, because it demonstrates that even though our conversation on this blog is typically local in nature, we are frequently joined by people all across the nation who are interested in what we are talking about here in CenLa. By the way, I can't help but notice the attention we're consistently getting in Washington, D.C., which is a good thing. It should be noted that I do not know WHO is reading this blog (unless they tell me they are). I just know WHERE they are reading it. To all of you out-of-towners, I invite you to leave a comment. I imagine that many of you are expat Central Louisianans. Your suggestions are welcome. Update: This graphic illustrates the growth of CenLamar's readership, beginning in mid-April and extending until about five minutes ago. (I've posted a similar graphic before, but this is obviously more recent). Click to Zoom In.

2006-10-28T12:05:00.000-07:00

New Brewer Campaign Commercial Compares Cleco Case to Pigs at a Trough

Depicts Jacques Roy as pig farmer (?) with super-imposed pig snout on his face.
Claims EMS will receive 50% of settlement, despite the fact that their contract was amended to reduce this rate while Delores Brewer was Chief of Staff.
Depicts Bridgett Brown as brown piglet and the two Baton Rouge attorneys as two white pigs. See also: WeSawThat.
If this video does not work, it may be due to your browser. Try using Internet Explorer. I couldn't get it to play on FireFox.

To view the commercial, visit KALB's Video Blog.

2006-10-27T13:21:00.000-07:00

User Submitted Photo. Write Your Own Caption.

2006-10-27T13:16:00.000-07:00

Jacques Roy on KSYL: Taking Your Questions On the Cleco case, his potential appointments, smart growth. Claims that Brewer camp understands the facts of the Cleco case and that they met at local attorney's home and hatched plan to "confuse voters." Roy claims to have a copy of this plan. One of the highlights occured in the beginning of the interview. ATTENTION: Listen to what happens when you hit CNTRL-Shift-S while the interview is running. It's endless entertainment for the entire family.

2006-10-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

The Daily Update: What You Can't Read in the Newspaper

Katherine Harris's Senatorial Campaign Voted Worst Campaign in America... By Republicans! Source: The Buzz.
Jim Webb, Candidate for Senate, Authored Weird Gay Incest Story, Claims He Watched Scene Unfold In Bangkok. Source: Wonkette.
Happy Craig Nall Day Everybody!
NBC Bans Dixie Chick Commercials Because "They're Disparaging to President Bush." Watch the Commercial Here.
Remember: Papa Grows Funk, Tonight, 10PM, Spirits.
Rush Limbaugh Physically Mocks Parkinsons... Then Apologizes... Michael J. Fox Responds... And He Didn't Even Mention Limbaugh's Penchant for Viagra and Oxycontin.

2006-10-26T12:48:00.000-07:00

Delores Brewer on KSYL: Taking Your Questions. Claims Rick Ranson would be Chief of Staff, Jacques Roy err... Jock Scott would be City Attorney. She also says, once again, that if elected, she won't be in City Hall much. Jacques Roy will be on KSYL tomorrow morning.

2006-10-26T10:50:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow Night: Papa Grows Funk in Alexandria World-famous New Orleans funk band, Papa Grows Funk, will be playing in Alexandria for the first time tomorrow night at Spirits. $10 a ticket, 10 PM, Spirits. And this time, Lee's moving all the tables and chairs out. A pithy review from the Onion AV Club: An elemental purist act with lineage to burn, Papa Grows Funk is a New Orleans bar band that retraces Bourbon Street for the highway-bound jam circuit. Headed by Funky Meters drummer Russell Batiste, Jr., Wild Magnolias guitarist June Yamagishi, (former) Galactic saxophonist Jason Mingledorff and Hammond organ ace John Gros, the group gives funk a gritty once-over on 2001’s Doin’ It, which seems to have been a big hit in Japan. Bank on big grooves and crowd dancing a little looser than it should be. Visit Spirits Online.

2006-10-26T10:37:00.000-07:00

News Update: Former President George H. W. Bush Rewarded Doctorate of Humanities at Louisiana College, Padding Bush's Resume With Yet Another Fake Degree. From the Town Talk:

During the chapel service, which featured rousing music by the Centennial Choir and Brass, Bush was presented with an honorary doctorate of humanities by Louisiana College.

Do I have to be the first person to point out the obvious? Louisiana College does not have ANY doctorate programs. I know, I know, honorary degrees are inherently ceremonial, but I couldn't help myself.

2006-10-26T10:16:00.000-07:00

The Daily Update: What You Can't Read in the Newspaper

Mark Foley Checked Into Ritzy Arizona Rehab Facility. Source: ABC News.com.
Related: Human Rights Group Fires Publisher of Foley E-mails. Source: New York Times.
His Royal Highness George Herbert Walker Bush Graces Central Louisiana With Auspicious $100,000 Speech Memorializing ...Err... Commemorating Louisiana College. Guests Pay $750 a Piece to Digest Food in Bush's Presence.
WeSawThat: Cenla Antics and Cenla GoPAC (Republican Political Action Committee) Linked at the Hip (and on the Internet).
Louisiana Political Blogosphere Exploding.

2006-10-25T16:03:00.000-07:00

A Tribute to Dr. Sleiman Salibi

The Lake Charles man who lost his life last weekend in a plane crash in Grant Parish. This was written into the blog today by Jim McClain:

We lost a friend this weekend. A friend with a zest for life, a sense of adventurism, who possessed remarkable compassion. He loved to fly in airshows. To bring joy to youth who saw in him what he wouldn't say he was himself- a hero, a man who turned the mechanics of flight into something that everyone could understand and in turn share. He honored warbird history by flying a T-28, and allowed many who had known the plane to see it up close. To sit in the cockpit once more, feel the burden of life and age lift, and to be that young airman pilot candidate again. He was young and a professional in a profession that required as much skill as being a warbird pilot. This weekend he found himself in a situation. Whatever the cause, we know the result. Celebrate his life, his spirit. He's earned his wings. Someday, in the end, we all will. Jim/Banzai

2006-10-25T12:20:00.000-07:00

The Daily Update: What You Can't Read in the Newspaper

Congressional Candidate Gloria Hearn: "God Told Me to Run." Video: YouTube.
Is the Town Talk Promoting Prostitution? Source: WeSawThat.
Junior High Teacher Accused of Sex with Student. Source: KALB.
North American Super Corridor Allegedly Planned to Link Mexico City to Vancouver, Canada. Source: Wonkette.
Oh, and George H. W. Bush Is In Town Today. Err. Tomorrow.

2006-10-24T10:49:00.000-07:00

Audit of City of Alexandria Reveals Nearly $800,000 Improperly Spent In Cost-Sharing Agreements with Subdivision Developers According to an audit published on October 18, 2006, the City of Alexandria improperly spent nearly $800,000 in illegal cost sharing agreements with subdivision developers. The auditor explains:

"We examined 14 cost share ordinances and the related development agreements for the period June 2000 through April 2005 and found the following: 1. The City paid $186,913 to construct two water crossings in violation of City charter requirements or state bid law. 2. The City paid $51,527 for a portion of a residential street and a water line relocation in violation of Article VII, Section 14 of the Louisiana Constitution. 3. The City provided materials or reimbursed developers for construction expenses valued at $555,892 but could not provide proper documentation to support its legal obligation to incur these costs. 4. The City did not record the development agreements with Rapides Parish Clerk of Court within 10 days of entering the agreement as required by state law. 5. None of the 14 adopted cost share ordinances met the public notice requirement."

The audit singled out a handful of projects, including the Coty Drive expansion. From the audit:

"One of the projects was the construction of a bayou crossing over Bayou Robert to align Coty Drive with Bruyninckx Drive. Instead of letting the project for public bid, the City entered into a development agreement for $198,861 with V&V Properties. On October 20, 2004, six days before the City entered into the development agreement, V&V Properties invoiced the City $126,285 for the completed bayou crossing. After reviewing the invoice, the City’s engineering office determined that only $53,633 of the invoice could be supported. Mr. Darrell Williamson, former director of planning, stated he told V&V to stop working after he learned they started the work before the ordinance was passed or the development agreement was signed, which lead to the difficulty in verifying some of the items V&V invoiced. Mr. Williamson eventually approved a $96,115 payment for the bayou crossing. The use of a development agreement in this instance effectively circumvented both the Public Bid Law and the City Charter."

The audit explains that State bid law requires that any project over $100,000 must be let for public bid and that the City Charter requires any project over $7,500 must be let for public bid. It is clear that on numerous occasions, the City's agreements violated both laws. The audit makes specific recommendations on how to remedy the problem:

"The City should review and/or implement new policies and procedures with regard to development agreements to ensure each agreement is for eligible work that can be done under a development agreement and is properly documented. The City should also: (1) comply with the state Public Bid Law when procuring public works projects; (2) comply with the City Charter’s bid requirements when procuring public works projects; (3) ensure each development agreement to be considered by the City Council is properly noticed; (4) file each development agreement with the Rapides Parish Clerk of Court; (5) develop written procedures and requirements for the consideration of development agreements, to include the projects the City will consider cost sharing with the developer. (6) only pay for work that is consistent with the scope of the ordinance and the development agreement; and (7) document the incremental cost of projects to ensure the city is paying the fair value of the improvements. Finally, the City should continue to seek an Attorney General’s opinion as to when the state Public Bid Law applies with regard to development agreements."

To download and read a copy of the full report, click here. Babs Zimmerman filed a report here. And Billy Gunn just filed one here.

2006-10-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

The Daily Update: What You Can't Read in the Newspaper

Fascinating: Self-Portraits Chroncile a Descent into Alzheimer's. Source: The New York Times.
Neighbors Upset That Group Home Opened On Their Street Without Any Public Meeting or Notice. Online Town Talk.
Michael J. Fox Commercial for Claire McCaskill Creates Controversy. Watch it on YouTube.
Blanco Appoints Bridgett Brown To Board Overseeing Tobacco Settlement. Source: KALB.
Bush No Longer Rhetorically "Staying the Course" In Iraq. Source: CNN.com.

2006-10-23T16:34:00.000-07:00

Open Questions to the Rodney Alexander Campaign

I recently saw Congressman Alexander's latest television commercial. You know, the one where everyone's wearing red? Alexander's wife says that he comes home every weekend to be with his family. I guess the viewer is supposed to believe that the more he's with his wife and the less he's in Washington, the better represented we all are in the Fifth District. Earlier today, I heard a report that claimed this Congress has worked fewer days than any Congress in the past fifty years-- only 100 days a year. Personally, I would be more satisfied if Alexander stayed in Washington a few weekends, because although people are more important than politics, those of us in the fifth district aren't paying Alexander to play politics; we're paying him to work for the best interests of our district. Incidentally, who is paying for the Congressman to fly back home every weekend? I have a few more questions. 1. Can you name one piece of legislation authored by Rodney Alexander during the previous Congressional session? 2. Why did Congressman Alexander vote against H.R. 4954? The resolution dealt with enhancing the security of America's ports and was co-sponsored by eighty of Alexander's colleagues. 3. Congress worked around 100 days last year, less than a third of the year. Alexander's wife states that he comes home every weekend from Washington. Are we to conclude that Alexander returns home every weekend while Congress is in session? 4. What does Alexander actually mean when he states "people are more important than politics?" Isn't he supposed to be working FOR THE PEOPLE in Congress? Ultimately, shouldn't he, as our Congressman, be working for the people in Washington, D.C.? After all, that's why we sent him there. 5. Regardless of one's political party, I understand that there are certain limitations facing a first-term Congressman. But can anyone point to a single piece of legislation sponsored or co-sponsored by Rodney Alexander that SPECIFICALLY benefits the citizens of Central Louisiana?

2006-10-23T09:45:00.000-07:00

The Daily Update: What You Can't Read in the Newspaper

President Bush Uses Gay Rights Flag as Backdrop During ABC Interview. Source: Americablog.
Barack Obama for President? Source: Newsday.
Central Louisiana Currently in Period of Unprecedented Growth. Source: The Town Talk (okay, you can read that in the paper).
You can also read this in the paper: Cynthia Jardon Imagines What Alexandria Will Look Like in Twenty Years.
Congressional Candidate Brent Sanders is Staying Busy. Source: WeSawThat.

2006-10-22T21:28:00.000-07:00

Alexandria Man and Lake Charles Doctor Killed in Two Separate Plane Crashes, Reports Bill Sumrall of the Town Talk and Renee Allen of KALB.

According to a breaking news article that appeared tonight on the Town Talk's website, two separate small plane crashes killed an Alexandria man and a Lake Charles doctor earlier today. Both crashes occured in Grant Parish. Renee Allen also reported the story tonight on KALB-TV. Dr. Sleiman Salibi was killed en route from St. Louis, Missouri to Lake Charles in a two-seater T-28 former military plane. The causes of the crash are not yet known. Chad DeRamus, son of local businessman Jimmie DeRamus, was killed after a small Piper plane also carrying Jimmie, Peggy, and Jenny DeRamus and piloted by Jon Norman crashed in a field near Fairfield Road. For more information, visit www.thetowntalk.com. Or on KALB. It appears that Chad DeRamus was a world-ranked professional pool player.