Sen. Landrieu deserves our vote

27th October 2014   ·   0 Comments

The Louisiana Weekly’s Editorial Board, whose members range across the ideological spectrum, agree on two truths. Mary Landrieu may vote more “middle of the road” than either the Progressives or Conservatives would like, but no one in the U.S. Senate speaks for his or her state as well as the Senior Senator from Louisiana.

And, at a time when too many Democrats and Republicans merely represent the ideological wings of their parties, Mary Landrieu puts her constituents above the extremes.

It is Senator Landrieu who has finally returned Louisiana to a position of power in the U.S. Senate because she is chairperson of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee. To throw away such seniority would be suicidal for Louisiana.

New Orleanians must realize that choosing not to cast a ballot for Senator Landrieu means you are effectively voting against your self-interest. She cares about New Orleans and its citizens, unlike her opponents who have barely bothered to step into the Crescent City since beginning campaigning.

And let’s get real. She is the only U.S. Senator with an African-American Chief of Staff, former Louisiana State Senator Donald Cravins serves in that capacity. She has made more nominations of African-Americans for federal judges and U.S. Attorneys than any other senator. Sen. Landrieu nominated U.S. Attorney Nannette Jolivette Brown, the first African American female to hold that post for the Eastern District of Louisiana; U.S. Attorney Brian Anthony Jackson of the Middle District of Louisiana; U.S. Attorney Kenneth Allen Polite of the Eastern District of Louisiana; and U.S. Attorney Stephanie A. Finely, the first African American female U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Louisiana.

Senator Landrieu secured $800 million for HBCUs like Southern, Grambling, Dillard and Xavier universities.

She fought long and hard, and mostly on her own, to get Congress to force the federal government to give Louisiana and other Gulf states a share of lease revenues from offshore oil and gas wells.

She led the way to secure more than $120 billion dollars for the Gulf Coast following Katrina and Rita. And she also successfully worked to have the community disaster loans incurred as a result of those hurricanes be forgiven by FEMA.

She led the effort to pass the RESTORE Act which dictates that 80 percent of the fines from the BP disaster is allocated to the Gulf Coast states for environmental and economic recovery.

And let’s be pragmatic. Those Republicans thinking of putting party loyalty above common sense should also consider a reality. In 2014, the GOP has an advantage due to the number of Red State Democrats up for re-election. However, in 2016, the reverse is true.

A record number of Blue State Republican Senators will be defending their seats. The U.S. Senate could easily switch back to Democratic control. What would you prefer? A pro-Energy Democrat like Landrieu running this most powerful committee, or one of her colleagues who is committed to shutting down fracking, off-shore compression, and coastal petroleum refining?

Mary Landrieu works for us, all of us. She deserves our vote.

U. S. Representative 2nd Congressional District: Cedric Richmond

In the brief time that Rep. Richmond has spent on the Hill, he has already established himself as one of the “young men to watch.” A rising star, he deserves another term. Do not be confused with the Landrieu cousin facing him on the ballot. Gary is also not Mary. Vote for Cedric.

PSC District 1: Eric Skrmetta

This race has been filled with acrimony, but an essential fact has been overlooked. Eric Skrmetta grew up in Gentilly and has never forgotten his New Orleans roots. While accountable to his metro area constituents, he has remained focused on his responsibilities to his Orleanian constituents. Skrmetta spends an inordinate amount of time working with the city, even though some would argue that he has no need to do so.

After all, Orleans Parish governs its own utility rates. Please do not underestimate the importance, however, of having a local as Chairman of the Public Service Commission. Such seniority provides a resource for the particular needs and challenges of our community—still recovering from Hurricane Katrina.

Judge Civil District Court, Division D: Lloyd J. Medley Jr.

Mentored by some of the great civil rights attorneys of the struggle, Lloyd Medley has applied their teaching while on the bench. This veteran judge has also fought for a new CDC court house, and through his efforts, there may be a chance at a new, potential location on Canal Street to house the CDC. He deserves another term.

Judge Civil District Court, Division F: ‘Chris’ Bruno

Running for his second term at the CDC, Chris Bruno has already established himself as one of the most productive members of this judicial bench. His colleagues universally hail Bruno’s docket management, and his pre-trial work, which puts a great deal of emphasis on preparation, limits the time that a juror, witness or litigant has to spend in the court room.

Judge Bruno’s preliminary concentration has allowed the parties to explore amicable means to resolve their disputes. The expedited setting of motions, rules and trials fosters settlement, and avoided costly trials. Bruno deserves a second term.

Judge Civil District Court, Domestic Section 1: Bernadette D’Souza

Judge D’Souza literally created Orleans Parish’s Family Court. She championed the legislation, built a coalition to pass it, maneuvered it through the House and Senate, and got it signed. It was fitting that she was elected to the first Domestic Court section, and her first term has been an exemplary example of judicial leadership. She deserves another.

Judge Civil District Court, Domestic Section 2: Monique Barial

This race presented a particularly hard choice for our editors. Janet Ahern has built up a sterling reputation as a Family Court Attorney and expert in domestic law. In another race, she might have had our clear support. Yet, we could not ignore the passion and the ideas of Monique Barial. Nor could we ignore her experience at the CDC itself.

As Chris Bruno’s Minute Clerk, she already knows how the inside of a Judge’s office operates, how to run an organized & efficient docket, and how to manage the myriad of tasks to create a successful judicial chamber. Our editors made this call on practical experience in the back office, rather than years at the Bar. Monique Barial is ready to assume her judicial management responsibilities at the CDC from day one.

Judge Criminal District Court, Section D: Frank A. Marullo Jr.

Judge Marullo has many qualified challengers this year. In particular, Graham Bosworth’s work as a public defender educated him to the challenges confronting Tulane & Broad. Our editors suggest that Bosworth’s proposals for modernization and technical upgrades should be adopted at the Criminal Courts, and we hope this promising young man stands in a future Judicial contest.

But, when it came down to it, our editors had to not only choose experience, but a judge who has always been willing to buck the tide against the Old Guard at Tulane & Broad. Frank Marullo has also made a career shepherding reform at the Criminal Courts, yet his zeal for efficiency has never stopped Marullo from seeing the complex realities of the worlds from which his defendants hail.

He takes the time to get his decisions right, and understands the great weight that a Judge must properly yield. Just because he is a Septuagenarian does not mean that Frank Marullo should be denied another term. He is sharp, capable, and ready to serve. To deny him re-election would constitute age discrimination.

Judge Criminal District Court, Section G: Byron C. Williams

As an Assistant U.S. Attorney and then later as Special Counsel to the Judicial Committee, Byron Williams literally was the man who cleaned up judicial misconduct. The famed “Wrinkled Robe” investigation that landed a Jefferson Parish Judge in prison occurred thanks to Williams’ tireless efforts, and his investigations have literally cleaned up the court systems of many Louisiana parishes.

Williams now seeks to apply that expertise to the Orleans Criminal Courts, and our editors believe he deserves election. Not only due to his past enforcement efforts, but the tremendous sensitivity he has displayed to the young, African-American males whom Williams has mentored as a coach. He understands how tough life is for the Black youth of New Orleans, and while never shrinking from a difficult ruling, he still might be able to apply some tough love at Tulane & Broad.

Judge Juvenile Court, Section E: ‘Niki’ Roberts

Few candidates have as inspiring as personal story as Niki Roberts. A teen mother, she put herself through college and law school, going on to become one of the highest ranked attorneys of her generation.

She radiates expertise at a comparatively young age, and she should have a shot at applying her life’s lessons in Juvenile Court.

LOCAL PROPOSITIONS

Orleans Parish Law En­forcement District Millage – 2.9 Mills – Sheriff – 10 Years: Vote YES

There would be no change in your current tax bill if this passes. The measure simply rededicates a 2.9 mill property tax for debt service to pay for jail other purposes, such as operations and maintenance. It is an administrative change. Please support.

Home Rule Charter Amend­ment Sec. 3 – CC – Sec. 3-102 & 4-201: Inauguration Date: Vote YES

For decades we have elected a Mayor and Council in Orleans, only to watch the previous administration pass the budget under which their successors would operate. That is ridiculous. This amendment would correct that temporal anomaly. The Mayor and Council would take office shortly after their election, and in time to vote on the final budget. This proposition would move the inauguration from the first Monday in May to the second Monday in January.

Home Rule Charter Amendment Sec. 6 – CC – Sec. 6-308(1) & 6-308(5)(b): Contracting: Vote YES

This proposition would incorporate into the Home Rule Charter a set of executive orders that Mayor Mitch Landrieu instituted in 2010 regarding executive branch professional service contracts and the city’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program. To protect those reforms, please support the Amendment.

JEFFERSON PARISH

District Judge 24th Judicial District Court, ES 1, Div. O: We have decided to wait for the runoff in this race.

District Judge 24th Judicial District Court, ES 2, Div. F: Neither candidate sought our endorsement. We leave the decision up to the voters.

District Judge 24th Judicial District Court, ES 3, Div. G: Theresa “Terri” Miles

Terri Miles is the only 24th JDC candidate who has employed her judicial campaign to address the Jefferson Parish’s blatant need for a specialized Family Court. Unlike Orleans, the 24th JDC has no dedicated Domestic section, and to correct this glaring absence, Miles pledged to serve in that capacity.

In theory, if elected, she could become the 24th JDC’s Domestic Section from day one. Ironically, the legislature authorized the creation of a Family Court section in Jefferson by state statute years ago, but the judges en banc have refused to authorized a specialized Family Court.

Terri Miles, a veteran Family attorney in Orleans and Jefferson, pledged to take up that challenge, to convince her colleagues and so serve, and the voters should give her that chance.

Judge 1st Parish Court, Division B: Bryce Murray

This Civil Rights Attorney has built a record of excellence in his work with the disposed. But, less known is his labors to help people struggling under Jefferson’s Code Enforcement requirements, navigating the often labyrinthine Parish Court procedures.

First Parish Court constitutes Jefferson Parish’s Municipal and Traffic Courts combined, and therefore has joint responsibility for the little old lady that may not have kept her lawn cut regularly, and the driver who was found to have drunk a bit too much.

On the former, Murray has worked to both help the homeowner come to agreements with the parish to clean up their properties, and the parish to understand that people lacking financial means cannot always act swiftly. On the latter, Murray has been one of the loudest critics of the fact that the politically connected often skate by without sanction when receiving a DUI. He pledges to run his Parish Court without taking one’s political relatives or patrons into account. We applaud his determination, and recommend Bryce Murray’s election.

In the Jefferson Parish School Board and Justice of the Peace Races, we have opted to wait for the runoff.

Mayor City of Harahan: Eric Chatelain

A Councilman since 2012, Chatelain has pled­ged to be Harahan’s first full time mayor in decades. Or as he likes to put it, “a part-time electrician and a full-time mayor.” A driving force in business development in the small, riverside city, Chatelain has already served as an ambassador for his city. He has earned the top job.

Councilmen City of Ha­ra­han: ‘Tim’ Baud­ier, Dana Huete, Craig Johnston, Provino ‘Vin­ny’ Mosca, and Carrie Wheeler

Out of the ten candidates run­ning for the Harahan Council, the top five will be elected. Vinny Mosca, the giant of Harahan City Gov­ernment, decided to step down from the Mayor’s job, even though, he was not term limited. He chose to offer his expertise on the Council, and we could not image Harahan without it.

The other candidates, all have served the city in different capacities from forging the deal to limit development on the Colonial Country Club track to just over 76 homes (down from a potential 300), to rebuilding the sewerage system amidst a plague of sinkholes, to keep the quality of life in the small city strong. All are worthy of election to the Council.

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS

Proposed Amendment No. 1: Vote NO

In theory, this amendment would dedicate Medicaid funds, and shield assisted care from budget cuts. But, the devil is in the details. In actuality, it would protect only nursing homes. Home care, paid for under Medicaid, would be unprotected. Countless elderly who have been able to stay in their own homes—thanks to a little help coming in each day—could be sentenced to cold nursing homes. That would end up costing the public far more money long term as well. Vote against on compassion as well as fiscal grounds.

Proposed Amendment No. 2: Vote NO

In theory, this amendment seems like a good idea as well. Essentially, the new “Hospital Stabilization Fund” would dedicate the hospital and protect it from cuts. It would also create the ability to level a fee on hospitals that could be matched against federal funds to create greater Medicaid funding.

However, dedicating medical care in the state budget, would leave only higher education alone undedicated. Anytime there was a deficit, the House and Senate would have to cut colleges to extreme degrees. And, considering the influence that LSU Alumni wield in Baton Rouge, it is reasonable that the deepest cuts would fall upon Historically Black Colleges. So protect hospitals, and lose Southern and Grambling. Not a great deal.

In a deficit year, everybody should have to hurt a little—not just one area of the budget.

Proposed Amendment No. 3: Vote YES

The use of private contractors to collect delinquent taxes is already legal in Orleans Parish. This amendment would simply allow other Louisiana parishes the same right, to use an authorized agent of a tax collector to assist in the tax sale process, including the sale of property for unpaid taxes. The fee would be limited to 10%, less than what it costs for a government agency to do the same work.

While our editors have urged caution on the idea that privatizations always save money, simply allow other parishes the same leeway to deal with distressed properties, and put them back on the tax rolls, hardly seems like a bad idea.

Proposed Amendment No. 4: Vote YES

Other states have created “infrastructure banks” that are able to maximize tax revenue, through loans or public/private investment partnerships to make tax dollars go a bit farther to fix roads. President Obama suggested the creation of an infrastructure back federally. We simply would be following the lead and creating one in Louisiana. Considering the condition of local roads, nearly anything that would help plug potholes faster is a good idea.

Proposed Amendment No. 5: Vote YES

Putting an arbitrary retirement age of 70 is simply age discrimination. We have supported term limits for judges in the past, but stating that someone cannot hold office because they have passed an arbitrary age marker ranks as idiocy. Let the voters decide on each judge’s re-election. Voting Yes would abolish the mandatory judicial retirement age, and it should be abolished.

Proposed Amendment No. 6: Vote YES

Our editors rarely like higher property taxes, but Orleans Parish is discriminated against by the State Constitution. Other parishes have the authority to levy an annual millage rate levied for fire and police protection outside of the homestead exemption. New Orleans is limited to five mills. This would authorize the parish to raise that to 10 mills, essentially giving Orleans the same authority as its neighbors.

A ‘yes’ vote DOES NOT mean a tax increase. The City Council would still have to vote for a tax increase, and the voters would then have to approve by referendum. This amendment just gives New Orleans the right to hold an election to make that choice.

Proposed Amendment No. 7: Vote YES

Service Disabled Veterans are supposed to enjoy a homestead exemption in Louisiana of $150,000. However, the federal government recently has reclassified some with a disability rating of 100 percent unemployability or totally disabled by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs under different terms. This amendment would simply guarantee they, and their surviving spouses, shall be exempt from ad valorem taxation no matter what.

Proposed Amendment No. 8: Vote YES

Governor Jindal loves to raid trust funds to plug holes in the state budget. This prevents him from dipping into one of the critical coastal restoration trusts. The amendment which would establish the Artificial Reef Development Fund in the state treasury, would enshrine in the State Constitution the notion that all fund monies that have been received by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries in the form of grants, donations, or other assistance to provide funding for programs dedicated to managing an artificial reef system, the wild seafood certification program, and inshore fisheries habitat enhancement projects would be used for those purposes.

Proposed Amendment No. 9: Vote YES

Homeowners who are permanently totally disabled are supposed to have their property tax bills locked, but state law requires that they annually certify to the assessor the amount of their adjusted gross income, or they lose that status. Such a requirement is insulting for people who have mobility and other problems. Retirees need only prove they make than the threshold one time, and this would put the same rules in place for the disabled.

Proposed Amendment No. 10: Vote YES

Again, the Amendment lets the rest of the Louisiana enjoy a status Orleans Parish already has under the state constitution. In New Orleans, there is an eighteen-month redemption period for owners of vacant property sold at tax sale which is blighted or abandoned. This would regularize the length of that waiting period across the state to the same time period.

Proposed Amendment No. 11: Vote YES

This amendment would create a Department of Elderly Affairs. It would hold Dept. of Health and Hospitals and other state agencies to account on retiree issues. Considering that Louisiana aims to make itself into a retirement haven, as a tourism/economic development tool, creating such a watchdog department in State Government is not only compassionate. It is good business practice as well.

Proposed Amendment No. 12: Vote No

If you can understand why we must amend the State Constitution to require that two members of the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission be electors from parishes located north of the parishes of Beauregard, Allen, Evangeline, Avoyelles, and Pointe Coupee, you have a better command of sophistry than our editors.

This is absurd and outdated regional chauvinism. Please oppose.

Proposed Amendment No. 13: Vote YES

If do not support any other Amendment, PLEASE vote for this one. Rep. Wesley Bishop deserves special praise for finally passing a law which this newspaper has advocated since the days following Hurricane Katrina.

It is limited to the Lower Ninth Ward, rather than all distressed parts of the city, but it’s a great start. Essentially, homeowners who have returned to the Lower 9 will be able to purchase adjoining lots for $100. Properties that are left unclaimed will be offered to police officers, firemen, and other critical service professionals at the same $100 rate.

The ability to sell vacant property at this basement rate will help us attract public safety personnel to Orleans Parish, and at the same time, put these properties back on the tax rolls, earning the city revenue long-term. The greatest benefit, though, is attracting homeowners in these critical professions promises to make the Lower Ninth Ward flourish as a neighborhood again. Our editors hope this program would be extended elsewhere in New Orleans, and maybe around the state to put land purchased after the Hurricanes back in service.

Proposed Amendment No. 14: Vote YES

The State Constitution is supposed to limit tax-related bills to legislative session in odd-numbered years. However, a loophole allows tax rebates, tax incentives, and tax abatements in even-numbered years as well. This amendment closes that loophole, making sure legislators could not introduce or consider them in a regular session held in an even-numbered year.

This article originally published in the October 27, 2014 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.