Our recommendations for October 24 election
19th October 2015 · 0 Comments
Louisiana has a choice. We can elect a Governor who brings us honor, or one that carries with him national contempt upon assuming our top office.
The people of Greater New Orleans have a choice. We can vote for a Lt. Governor who remembers we exist when seeking to engage tourists to our state, and we can choose to elect Parish Presidents, Councilmen, and legislators who wish to work across our metro’s invisible lines–who accept that the various municipalities of the Crescent City prosper ONLY when we collectively work as one.
Lastly, African Americans have a choice–to support the candidate regardless of party who best serves our region with that unified spirit. We can vote for a candidate who speaks to the needs of our community, even if that means putting aside one’s normal partisan inclinations to do so.
On October 24, 2015, the readers of The Louisiana Weekly have a true choice, but only if they go vote. To that end, after meeting and researching the various candidates for office, our editors have these suggestions to guide our subscribers on Election Day…
Governor: JOHN BEL EDWARDS
Rep. Edwards, a graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and LSU Law, has devoted much of his practice to representing those who could not afford to pay.
He has devoted much of his career in the Legislature to saving the funding for our state universities. One of his most notable accomplishments was improving the educational benefits for veterans.
Rep. Edwards wants to end double digit increases in college tuition that have become a regular element of recent governance, and seeks to protect ALL university funding, even HBCs, without cutting K-12 or hospitals. And he wants to do it without raising business taxes.
As he put it to a crowd of business leaders, “You are the folks that make the economy hum here in Louisiana. As your governor, I will address the structural deficit problems that are holding your businesses back because they prevent us from training and retaining qualified, well-educated workers here in Louisiana.
“We need to look at all exemptions, exclusions and credits to see what is working and what is not. We need to re-prioritize expenditures and giveaways across the board.”
Vote Edwards. We need honor in high office.
Lt. Governor: JOHN YOUNG
Jefferson Parish President John Young is a public servant focused on all people, regardless of race or region, which has given him such wide support throughout the metro electorate regardless of party.
His time as Chairman of Regional Planning Commission tells him that not only must Louisiana cities work together for the common good, but that no economic or tourism platform can be complete without improvement of our transportation infrastructure. Young has present ideas to improve roads and urban transport. His fellow candidates mostly have not.
His experience as the Councilman who created the Office of Jefferson Inspector General showed him that without transparent government, no economic development is possible. His stand on ethics in government brought echoes from his opponents, but few original ideas to contend with Young’s platform.
His championing of the Live Performance Tax Credits (better known as Broadway South) and his work in 2007 to help pass that bill through the legislature – while just a Parish Councilman – showed from an early point Young’s understanding of Louisiana’s cultural economy, and how we must invest in talent to get visitors to our state.
He has committed to not spend hundreds of thousands of dollars to hire a Secretary of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism. Instead, he advocates using the money to hire a staff liaison to local parishes to improve their tourism and economic development efforts. Managing limited resources as Jeff Parish President made him understand how to both reduce the size of government, and make it more productive.
Secretary of State: “CHRIS” TYSON
There is no bigger issue than voter access.
People have fought and died for just this. The ability to provide voter access to the polls without difficulty or restriction is the greatest responsibility of any Louisiana Secretary of State. Chris Tyson, the son of a famed Civil Rights pioneer, and himself a Constitutional law professor and expert on this issue, ran primarily to improve voter access.
Tyson has raised important questions on whether African-Americans and all minority communities have full access to the polls, and whether ID laws might be denying them the right to have their say on Election Day. His opponent has remained silent on these points. That alone would entitle Tyson to win, but his innovative ideas to expand voting opportunities and early voting days make him the best contender for Sec. of State.
Attorney General: GERALDINE “GERI” BROUSSARD BALONEY
Equal pay for women. Civil rights enforcement. Defense against intolerance as well as lawlessness. These should be the primary responsibilities of any Louisiana Attorney General, but they are phrases rarely uttered by the current incumbent of the office or his Tea Party Republican challenger.
They are the natural language of Geri Broussard Baloney. As the “ethics watchdog” and legal expert for St. John Parish and for the Pontchartrain Levee Board, she has shown her expertise in compelling government to act in accordance with the statutory code.
As a decorated public defender, Ms. Broussard Baloney stood up for the defenseless before the Bar, and will do so again as Louisiana’s top lawyer.
Treasurer: JENNIFER TREADWAY
It’s time to return to a Treasurer that is actually focused on the job, marketing the state’s debt to Wall Street and keeping the financial health of Louisiana foremost of the mind.
Commissioner of Agriculture: “CHARLIE” GREER
The AG commissioner plays a far more important role than the title suggests. This is the regulator of all gas pumps, grocery stores, and most all that is perishable. A public advocate needs to be in this office. Fortunately, that is the role that Charlie Greer has played throughout the last several years.
Greer is well-qualified to clean up the AG office, and we recommend his election.
Insurance Commissioner: NO RECOMMENDATION
The current incumbent Jim Donelon has done a decent job while in office, but neither he, nor his challengers, sought our endorsement. Therefore, our editors have opted to wait for the runoff to make an endorsement in this race.
BESE District 1: James “Jim” Garvey
Jim Garvey has stood up for Common Core against those who would seek to weaken school standards. He has served as a reasonable moderate voice on a Board of Elementary and Secondary Education — driven by pro and anti RSD factions. We need people who focus on quality education rather than ideological extremes.
BESE District 2: Kara Washington
The current incumbent is dedicated to stopping the Orleans Parish School Board from ever receiving oversight of our public schools again. That alone would recommend Ms. Washington’s election over Kira Orange Jones, but Kara Washington herself is a vocal campaigner for “neighborhood schools.”
Washington realizes that the recent rise in crime and neighborhood degradation came when schools were disconnected from the people that lived around them. When the principal institution of a neighborhood is yanked away, the survival of that community is usually next endangered.
State Senator, 4th Senatorial District: WESLEY BISHOP
Filling Ed Murray’s shoes on this primarily lakefront seat, from Lakeview to New Orleans East, which also juts all the way across the city to the French Quarter, would be a tough job, but Wesley Bishop is up to the task.
The seasoned District 99 State Representative has enjoyed a sparking career in Baton Rouge. His fight for the survival of SUNO made headlines, and his work on a variety of causes makes Bishop one of the city’s rising political stars. It’s not surprising Rep. Bishop was voted one of the “Top 30 Young Leaders in the Nation.” He deserves promotion. Vote Wesley Bishop.
State Senator, 7th Senatorial District: ROY GLAPION
This was an unexpectedly open West Bank-based seat, which has brought forth a myriad of excellent contenders from within its Algiers to Plaquemines to West Jeff borders.
When incumbent David Heitmeier decided not to run, giving only hours notice of his retirement, some of the most capable leaders in the metro area decided to run to succeed him. And our editorial board had its toughest decision to make this election season.
We have happily supported Leslie Ellison and Troy Carter in the past, and could again under different circumstances. Likewise, our editors have endorsed Jeff Arnold — who as State Rep. earned our support and praise on everything from saving SUNO to reviving Federal City.
In this election, however, our editors endorsed a first time candidate who is also a fixture in the community; a political newcomer who has also been a well-known public servant for years.
Roy Glapion, son of the former Councilman, might previously have not run for office, yet considering the amount of time that he has devoted to the public’s business, he might as well have. He deserves to display that experience in the State Senate.
State Senator, 9th Senatorial District: CONRAD APPEL
Our editors have disagreed with Sen. Appel on a great many issues. We have also backed his campaign to maintain the Common Core standards, against a tide of Tea Party terror mongering.
And while we are sure that we will have many opportunities to challenge Appel in the State Capital, we would much prefer to do so than have his opponent, former State Rep. John LaBruzzo, win the election. That Bucktown Republican made a career on hawking racially charged, quixotic issues from drug-testing welfare recipients to proposing sterilization of the poor. The legislature became a much kinder place when LaBruzzo was defeated four years ago. Let’s not return to that sort of politics.
State Representative, District 83: KYLE GREEN
The incumbent Robert Billiot seems to forget that this West Bank seat is majority-African American, and voted for President Obama by supermajorities. It is a point Green has made for four years, when Billiot voted against expanding Medicaid and with Bobby Jindal’s efforts to kill Historically Black Colleges.
Kyle Green stands as a fine example of the next generation of Black leaders. His bearing and ideas alone should make him worthy of your vote, but considering that he runs against an ally of Jindal’s who seems to forget the constituents Billiot represents, a vote for Kyle Green should be a proverbial “no brainer.”
State Representative, District 87: EBONY WOODRUFF
The recently elected Rep. Ebony Woodruff has guts.
An observer on first glance would note her intelligence and grace, but reflecting on the last year at the legislature, one would show her willingness to take progressive stands against some in her own party. And to innovate legislatively as she does.
Woodruff championed a “soda tax” that would attempt to discourage young people from drinking high sugar drinks—the primary cause of rising childhood obesity. Despite the fact that she wanted to use the extra funds to stop cuts in Hospital and Medicaid budgets, she was actively opposed by many.
Still dedicated to saving hospitals, Woodruff has proposed that such a tax could be revenue neutral, perhaps used to eliminate income taxes on retirees, as means to winning votes across the political aisle. That is the sort of “out of the box” thinking we need in Baton Rouge.
State Representative, District 94: NICHOLAS J. “NICK” LORUSSO
The Giant Slayer. That was how Lorusso was known when he won a special election to beat the son of the former Speaker Pro Tem. When four years ago, he defeated Rep. John LaBruzzo, he became a hero to many of his African-American constituents.
Now Lorusso tries to forge a moderately conservative path against a right-wing challenger who is not reflective of the needs of this Lakeview to Bucktown, Lake Pontchartrain focused seat. Nick Lorusso embodies this district.
State Representative, District 97: JOSEPH “JOE” BOUIE
If there is a “Gold Standard” for a freshman legislator, it is Dr. Joe Bouie. Our editors are unsurprised. This former university chancellor has forgotten more about public policy than most of his fellow State Reps. will ever know.
In office for only a few days, Dr. Bouie led the fight to return schools to the control of the Orleans Parish School Board. He understands the importance of neighborhood schools better than anyone. And when there was an attempt to eliminate SUNO, Dr. Bouie’s facts and figures on how such a plan would save NO MONEY — and hurt students — turned the tide against Gov. Jindal’s plan.
State Representative, District 99: JIMMY HARRIS
Who better than this son of the Ninth Ward to represent it? Especially given Jimmy Harris’s qualifications as a former senior aide to Congressman Cedric Richmond and a seasoned political activist.
He has dedicated his political career to the premise that the Ninth Ward would not be forgotten a decade after Hurricane Katrina, and our editors believe that the Louisiana House of Representatives is the next logical place for Jimmy Harris to carry on his efforts. Please vote for him.
State Representative, District 100: NO RECOMMENDATION
In this crowded field, our editors have decided to wait until the runoff.
State Representative, District 102: KENNETH CUTNO
Mr. Cutno, a longtime civic leader in this Algiers district, likes to describe himself as “a union man.” In a state that for a generation has devoted little attention to wage fairness and the status of the working man’s income, Cutno devotes his campaign to those issues.
Cutno seeks a return to local control of public schools to the OPSB, and for a serious audit of how the development monies are spent at Federal City. These laudable goals suggest he shall make an excellent State Rep. Vote Kenneth Cutno.
State Representative, District 103: LEOLA ANDERSON
An African-American Democrat running in this St. Bernard focused district is a trendsetter. One who has dared point out that Black representation in the parish has surged to 27 percent, and in her district to even greater numbers. The State Representative who holds this seat should vote reflective of the interests of this Democratic leaning seat. While the incumbent is a good man, he is out of step with the constituents of District 103. Leola Anderson is in sink. Please vote for her.
ORLEANS PARISH
Member of School Board District 1: JOHN BROWN, Sr.
We had enough unqualified “educational theorists” elected and appointed to our school governing boards. Let’s try something radical — a veteran teacher.
John Brown, Sr. is a lifelong educator and school principal. He understands the importance of neighborhood schools and seeks to return oversight authority to the OPSB. Brown has forgotten more about students in his long and distinguished career than most “educational reformers” shall ever know.
French Quarter Sales Tax: VOTE NO
At first glance, it is hard to oppose individuals and businesses putting extra tax on themselves in order to improve a police footprint in their neighborhoods. And if this were simply a local Security District for the French Quarter, augmenting NOPD, our editors would not hesitate to support the referendum.
However, this measure institutes a new governing paradigm far beyond improved public security. Without a citywide vote to amend the Home Rule Charter, one neighborhood would be allowed to remove itself from purview of the New Orleans Police Department.
While improving policing in the French Quarter, and using the extra cops to improve patrols elsewhere in the city is a laudable goal, allowing the Vieux Carré to secede from the police department is a precedent with many frightening implications. What if this measure motivates those who wish to split Orleans Parish apart, and the legislature allows them to do it, piece by piece.
The French Quarter should be allowed to vote a sales tax for extra completely. Please Oppose.
JEFFERSON PARISH ELECTIONS
SHERIFF: NO ENDORSEMENT
It is a foregone conclusion that incumbent Newell Normand will win re-election, yet considering his troubled relationship with the nearly one-third of Jefferson residents who are Black, we cannot in good conscience recommend his election.
Parish President: MICHAEL “MIKE” YENNI
Becoming Kenner Mayor was a thankless job, even for this grandson of Kenner’s greatest mayor. Revenues had collapsed; out-migration soared; and Kenner had seemingly begun the death spiral that so many ring suburbs had fallen into in recent years.
Yenni has turned around Kenner, and our editors believe he could make the difference as President of Jefferson. His beautification programs, fight against blight, commitment to new jobs is the kind of youthful spirit we need. Vote Mike Yenni.
Council At-Large: LOUIS CONGEMI
The former councilman and Kenner mayor sets the Gold Standard of public service in Jefferson Parish. Filled with ideas still, we would recommend his election under most circumstances. Considering he challenges incumbent Chris Roberts, our editors beg you to vote for Congemi.
Roberts has made a career using race baiting to win office. His divisive tenure is a story of offensive comments, and worse governance. The fiasco that he created in the lease of West Jefferson Hospital cost the parish almost a half billion dollars, by some estimates. If any councilman deserves to lose his seat, Chris Roberts does.
Council District 1: PATRICK PIERSON
Patrick Pierson wants to bring change to this West Bank-based seat. Considering the incumbent and the West Bank political machine has long looked at District 1 as their “wholly owned subsidiary,” it would be nice to send a wake-up call and elect Patrick Pierson.
Council District 2: PAUL JOHNSTON
The incumbent councilman has dedicated his life to this district. As a past mayor of Harahan and councilman in the town, Paul Johnston has spent decades trying to keep the East Bank vital as a place for families to settle—and for their children and grandchildren to call home. We urge Paul Johnston’s re-election.
Council District 5: JENNIFER VAN VRANCKEN
The former Jefferson Parish chief administrative officer has an encyclopedic knowledge of parish government, and served as the proverbial “right hand” of Parish President John Young.
Van Vrancken oversaw 3,000 parish employees, 35 parish departments and a $580 million budget.
She served as the Parish President’s liaison to Jefferson Chamber, JEDCO, film industry and East Jefferson civic associations.
Her efforts established Jefferson Parish’s film permitting process, and she was entrusted with $2.16 million in tourism funds to draw visitors to attractions like Family Gras and newly created Oyster Trail and Bucktown Bash.
She far outranks her opponent in qualifications and years of dedication to the parish. Please vote Jennifer Van Vrancken.
ST BERNARD PARISH
Parish President: GUY MCINNIS
Only one candidate for Parish President has acknowledged that the demographics of St. Bernard Parish have changed.
Perhaps it takes a high school coach to know that change is afoot. Guy McInnis, long-serving Chalmette High educator and a veteran member of the St. Bernard Parish Council, has displayed vision on a variety of issues post-Katrina.
McInnis was the lone vote, early on, to support the Bicentennial Reenactment of the Battle of New Orleans. And helped lead to the largest economic development impact in the history of St. Bernard Parish. Just one of the many ideas for business growth and improvement of quality of life that he advocates. Please support Guy McInnis on October 24.
Clerk of Court: RANDY NUNEZ
While our editors often like to see long time incumbents receive a strong challenge, having former Parish President Junior Rodriguez playing that role does not convince us that “new blood” will soon enter the Clerk’s office.
Absent any scandal or justification for his defeat, better to stay with the politician we know than to replace him with yet another veteran politico-retread. A young man or woman with fresh ideas, perhaps. Junior, no. Vote Randy Nunez.
Council Seats: NO RECOMMENDATION
Due to the number of candidates, our editors have opted to await the runoff to endorse in these St. Bernard Council elections.
Constitutional Amendments:
Amendment No. 1 (Budget and Transportation Stabilization Trust): No
Amendment 1 expands the so-called Rainy Day Fund to cover shortfalls in the operating budget and transportation. Both of these issues are the subject of annual “budget crises” that deserve more fiscal clarity, removing the ability to shore up the college and hospitals budgets to keep road building going is like “robbing Peter to pay Paul”. It’s a bad idea. Please oppose.
Amendment No. 2 (State Infrastructure Bank): YES
Amendment 2 would authorize the investment of public funds to capitalize a state infrastructure bank to be used solely for transportation projects. This idea has been championed by President Obama on the federal level, and could allow us to seek larger bonds for infrastructure on Wall Street. Please support.
Amendment No. 3 (Legislative Fiscal Sessions): NO
Amendment 3 would broaden but also clarify the types of bills that state lawmakers may consider during “fiscal-only” legislative sessions, which occur in odd-numbered years. This undermines the purpose of fiscal only sessions. Please oppose.
Amendment No. 4 (Ad Valorem Tax on Public Properties): NO
This amendment seeks to let local governments tax property in Louisiana that is owned by other states. Logistically, however, enforcing this would be a nightmare, and probably unconstitutional. Please oppose.
This article originally published in the October 19, 2015 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.
