Brewer has opened a campaign account. So she must be unofficially in the run for Mayor. This race will require tireless effort and work from anyone with any real desire to be successful. How will she run a campaign and keep up with her new full time job as Chief of Staff of the City? Will we the taxpayers pay her to launch this campaign? Will she resign? Will she take leave: with or without pay? It will be very interesting to see how she handles this!
We are already paying for it! For her radio debut...who preped her, who was sitting right next to her, whose contract with the City did she defend...you guessed it! Her political publisist, Ken Juneau. Look for more of her on the civic speaking tour. I suppose this is Ned's "new direction" - DELORES FOR MAYOR!
As the deputy mayor and person-in-charge, she will be in constant contact with the people that she needs to politik. She is in the perfecct position to run for mayor. She can grant favors and advantages that require repayment. $640,000 for a fishing pier and walking trail along Bayou Rapides would be a good example: who do you think will cut that ribbon?
The key right now is getting behind Dr. Alex. If he doesn't become the at-large councilman, Gandhi could win mayor and it wouldn't make any difference.
Isn't Bob Madison an announcer on KSYL radio? Can he continue to work on air if he is a candidate. What will that do to the station's commercial and political advertising. Bet there are FCC regs on it and, if not, Taylor Thompson won't want a lawsuit up his butt. I would think that the snake would come up with a better idea than that.
Delores is in a difficult position. She needs black support but has a white base. Still, coming off of Katrina and having gigantic utility bills, water wells that don't work after storms, a shortage of policemen, highest sales tax in the State, really don't figure well with building a walking trail and a mud pier along an undeveloped ditch when we have other truly pressing needs. BUT, the trial will wind along the Pentacostal complex and therein lies its beauty to Delores.
I met Dr. Alex. He is openly running in his own way which is telling the hundreds of people he sees each day that he needs their support. I have talked to several of his patients and members of their family and they all sing his praises. He runs the largest internal medicine practice in Cenla and all of the Drs and nurses you talk to speak of him with confidence and affection. The main thing about Dr. Alex, I think, is that he is willing to jump out there and do it. We owe him a real debt of gratitude and support for that reson alone.
A fishing pier in a mudhole? Which engineer is gonna get rich on this boondogle. People are having to chose whether to stay warm or eat and they are building a pier for one or two people so they can snag gar? What the hell is going on here. Its Monroe south.
Why all the negative stuff? We know what we gotta do. Now let's do it. The story of Monroe is that they let it happen. We are not going to make the same mistake.
My guess is that this site is partially populated by disenchanted city workers from upper echelons and they are so angry at the various organs of the city, for whatever reason, real or imagined, that they only care about venting their spleen and really don't care about fixing anything. You should realize that you have a real chance to get even by making change happen. Put good people in control of our city and let the rotten bastards that wronged you spend the next 4 years cursing us on their own blog. We can make a huge difference and make it impossible for the bad folks to operate by electing Dr. Alex and Mark Lampert and some progressive leader as mayor. They know that and they don't like it.
You just need to decide if you want to kick their asses or just hurt their feelings. Then act accordingly.
The rational view for Delores to take on the mudhole is that it would be a lovely addition to Alexandria and would enhance our quality of life, however, in the wake of the hurricanes and utility rates, we have other matters that are more pressing and immediate in nature. (LIKE EVERYTHING!) It certainly is something I would like for us to look at in the future.
In the meantime, she need to institute a program where people can go over to the trail under the interstate or near the river, get raped, and then get brought back to Levin St. It's the best we can do.
Well Scarlett - instead of saying "forget it" say what mamas say: "we'll see". That way she remains sensitive to the Marshall constituents while not making doo doo on her base. Everybody is sort of happy and nobody is really pissed.
I have a novel idea. How about helping people afford to eat and stay warm rather than paying back engineers and "landscape artist" with a $600,000 gar gigging platform in a high crime precinct. Nah, that makes too much sense for these morons. I'm moving to Ball.
The city can't buy people food or pay their utility bills. Of course you know that. The city obviously can spend our money or projects and programs that will have a more immediate and beneficial impact than $640,000 of our money for such a meaningless gesture and a tribute to an absolutely ineffective councilman. Brewer will have trouble living this down.
What about Bob Madison from KSYL. Is he considering a run for the At Large seat? Does that take him off the air?
Certainly we read what you wrote, Scarlett. It's just that you don't know what the hell you are talking about. I saw and heard what she said on TV and I think she probably supports and certainly does not openly oppose the project. Who, may I ask, are you to say different. Should we not believe what she says?
Scarlett, nobody is saying derogatory things about Brewer. People are discussing the relative merits of this rather expensive issue and suggesting positions that Brewer might consider to split the baby by doing the right thing without alienating (further) a significant minority district that she will need to win mayor. Everyone has been sincerely helpful and interested in having the administration do the right thing with minimal political backfire.
Bob Madison? Gee....the guy has worked everywhere and has the charisma of a funeral home director. Certainly we dont need someone who runs for INCOME. There has to be more viable candidates.
OK -- here's the bottom line on the Marshall rape trail. As originally proposed, it was supposed to be paid for by grants. Fowler and Ranson opposed it. When it came to a final vote, Ranson and Marshall got into a violent argument. Ranson said that the city could not afford to maintain the trail no matter who paid to build it. Only Ranson officially voted against it.
I remember him asking one of the engineers from Meyer, Meyer, LaCroix and Hixson how much it would cost to maintain the rape trail. They estimated 800 - 1000 dollars per month. Ranson said he didn't believe them and asked if their company would be willing to fund everything over 1000 dollars per month. Of course, they quickly answered "NO".
The engineers publically admit that the fishing docks would go under water three times per year. Maybe someone needs to tell Kelvin Sanders the liability the city is assuming.
By the way, Marshall's trail has already produced two rapes. The first one is how the MMLH engineering firm has raped the city by continuing to promote this absurd project. The second rape will occur at the next council meeting when the council officially votes to spend $600,000 of our money on this boondoggle.
Guess what? $600,000 will not be enough. I see another rape on the horizon.
I think you run a campaign against Myron with a cash register ringing up the projects...from money for incubator, money for out of state consultants , to attys fees for Kelvin Sanders, to buying the Regions building, to building the trail, to spending money for Charles Frederick and he to go to BAYOU CLASSIC....to the enormous costs of CLECO which incidently was Myrons previous employer.....etc...and then end with a voice saying........and now Myron wants you to give him 4 more years to CONTINUE what he has started........and then have voice say.....We JUST CANT AFFORD 4 MORE YEARS...vote sensibility, vote confidence vote for candidate X........simple message that will identify an issue that will motivate ALL tax paying voters...which is still over 50%. You can get a goat elected if you paint the OTHER candidate with an issue that motivates.
Or..run a commercial with..the State Farm music in the back ground........"Mr Myrons Neighborhood......could you would you be my neighbor.....and list his ..Neighbors....from Bridgette who shares office space and business ventures with him and THEN gets contracts with city..or neighbor KElvin Sanders who also shared office space in Myrons neighborhood and then gets rewarded with being appointed City Atty, or Mcalroy the consultant from Mississippi..or his neighbors the Southern University Jags who he spends city money to go to their football game..., or his Neighbor Kathleen Blanco or Representative Jefferson. ...and then end the commercial with .....Has Myron been Neighborly to the taxpayers...??
Scarlett, What's your connection with Delores? Why are you so supportive? What do you know that we don't? What is she all about? Do you have a clue? Does she? Let's hear some real SOLID reasons to get behind her. She hasn't shown any on her own...so convince us!
Man, what great ideas. I think we have the horsepower to make a difference if we can stay focused on our universal objective.
Can Madison stay on the air if he is running for office? Will Myron support him and his family until after the election? And will Taylor Thompson want him back after he was muddied the waters for Myron? I see Taylor spending a lot of time in court and a lot of bread on lawyers.
Scarlett doesn't seem to get it. Delores has gained a tremendous about of respect and support on this blog since her radio appearance and most people seem to be trying to help her or at least hope she succeeds but Scarlett attacks anyone that mentions her, even in a favorable or constructive light. I wonder if Scarlett the red-haired one is really husband John who is both red headed very aggressive.
The problem is that we have two opposite forces in Alexandria and they are both riddled with pure thugery. When the bluebloods were in power they sucked the taxpayers dry with crap like The Heart of Spain. Now that was a huge publicly funded fiasco that made one or two people rich and almost broke the City. Now, with the complete opposite group having seized control, we get gar hole piers and Mississippi consultants. Can't we just elect HONEST people!
He wasn't a public official Scarlett. I think you know who ended up with the taxpayers dollars. My point is that we can't seem to find an honest governing body. Why must we always be riddled with coruption?
I'd be very much interested in who got all the money from HOS exhibit. Several of us are new and don't know all the intricasies of our "leaders" in the area.
Who cares about the scam that was, The Heart of Spain", that's water under the bridge now. I'm worried about the millions of dollars to be scammed in the future.
This is a different time. Myron the wonderboy is gone. He garnered lots of support accross the board in this community and I think we were open-minded, fair and right at the time. Myron has changed or has shown his true colors and I don't think the public will let him get by with it. We need to keep his nose on the untility issue. No escape from that. This guy Dr. Alex can win.
anonymous has been rude and impatient and I son't think it deserves an answer until he/she apologizes. I think he/she should be invited to go suck an egg.
I asked politely the first time. I guess being nice isn't your area of expertise, or possibly you would have answered the first time. If you choose not to answer, may I invite you to kiss my ass.
The problem is that you are obviously a phoney. "I just blew into town and was wondering who made off the the Heart of Spain revenue". Try to do better, OK?
Both Rosa(MS CLARENCE) Fields AND Myron Lawson got their jobs with State Farm because of Randy Wiggins and both double crossed him and worked for Joe Mcpherson after saying they would support Wiggins.
That's pretty much inline with my point that Myron had his chance and he blew it. He has screwed over so many people and has never showed a shred of honesty, veracity, or loyalty to anyone - that has to catch up with you sooner or later. I hope it is sooner.
Although I heard that Wiggins and Lawson were back in bed together again. Wiggins is a slow learner.
I believe that Fields is postitioning himself to run for McPherson's senate seat in 2011. The writing is on the wall, but can he carry Buckeye and Tioga?
Why would he do that? He cant make $70,000 being Senator even if he could get elected which he cant. He's never actually had an election against anyone. Besides would his side kick let him? What would he do for a job since he lives in Tioga? Leach off of Roy Hebron ?? I doubt Roy would work for him like the current Mayor does.
Buckeye and Tioga?? Ha...how bout Glenmora, Forest Hill and all the other areas that he couldnt get a single vote in. Face it Mayor of Pineville is the Alpha and Omega for Brother Fields. Thank God for the gift and dont let your mind wander . This is it.
I've gotta assume that this whole bunch is ADHD. You are able to focus you attention for about 45 seconds and then off on some meaningless tangent. We couldn't quite figure out the picture on the mud pier so we moved to speculating on the 2011 elections. AND WE FANCY OURSELVES AS THE INFORMED, INTERESTED AND COMMITTED.
Somebody needs to figure out what we can do to help Slatkin and we need to do it. The objective is replacing the incumbent in the at-large position and so far we have only one person with the courage, fortitude, clout, and money, to get it done. But he can't do it without the people and that is US. Please try to focus.
Two other items of interest i found on the Committee Meeting Agenda for next Tuesday:
Legal Committee Meeting at 3:00 p.m.
1. To consider final adoption of an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to sign an amended ground lease with N. R. Group, LLC for the property commonly known as the Holiday Inn.
(Lewis Marshall and CFS should NOT be able to vote on this item!
Here is another interesting one:
Finance Committee Meeting at 4:30 p.m.
1. To discuss waving portion or all past due utility bills for low income payers.
Sounds like the Council is feeling the "heat" from the utility bill fiasco.
Real scrutiny for a change. If either Harry or Chuck vote against the lease amendment it falls. If either of them don't, they should be run out of town. Is this the amendment that Brenner Sadler proposed on behalf of the tenant and Albin Provosty reviewed on behalf of the Mayor? As the Muslims say: Shiite!
I direct your attention to the current Town Talk web sight. I double-dog dare you to read this article.
March 2, 2006 6:58 PM Consultant studied water park for city of Alexandria A $100,000 contract awarded last year to develop affordable housing in Alexandria included a hard look at a $10 million water park after the City Council president redirected the $110-an-hour consultant.
Consultant studied water park for city of Alexandria
A $100,000 contract awarded last year to develop affordable housing in Alexandria included a hard look at a $10 million water park after the City Council president redirected the $110-an-hour consultant.
By December, Alexandria architectural and engineering firms were sitting on go, hoping they had a project and waiting on word to start $450,000 in water park design work.
The arrangement would have had all invoices and payments flowing through Fuller Consulting’s Jason Gamlin, the consultant hired to look at housing.
Now, the water park and possibly the unfinished affordable housing study aren't likely to see sunlight, and Alexandria taxpayers are left $100,000 poorer.
“I have serious concerns about the way this was done,” City Councilman Roosevelt Johnson said.
For more on this story, see Friday's Town Talk or check back Friday at this Web site.
Well, Well Well, looks like Billy Gunn has some balls after all. Myron, CFS and the rest of the chain gang are raping the city. They won't stop unless we stop them. We sit here and complain, but do nothing. We need to show up at the next city council meeting with a "political posse" and run these thieves out of town. Tuesday March 7, 5:00....be there!
You can't "waive" a utility bill regardless of how "poor" the customer happens to be. The council knows that much law. This is a bullshit grandstand by desparate politicians trying to deflect the heat. They want to say they tried to help, but the big bad lawyers said it could not be done. Someone needs to call crap on this dog and pony show.
Ya know..Considering the current quality of traffic in the mall, the positive effects of aqua emersion and the documented counterpropensity to float, the water park might be a long term cost saving device. Don't shoot it down so quickly.
Good idea!!!!Never thought of that. Give em a rope and let them hang themselves. I for one will be at the council meeting Tuesday. Can't speak up though. Might lose my job....city employee.
Classic example of the old saying that Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. In Alexandria you have a majority of a governing body making decisions based upon special interests and perhaps illegal but certainly STUPID concepts such as the water park. BUT, you have at least minimum resistance from one of the counsil members and sometimes the Mayor and some Citizens... thus the Power is not yet absolute. You read articles written by Billy Gunn in the newspaper that show how stupid such decisions are , you see some minimal negative reporting of their actions on TV and you have interest on blogs like this . Water park STUPID spending money for Walking trail STUPID and thus its likely that they will be blocked. Watch and see. ..but just across the river you have Mayor and City Counsil that vote unanimously, no debate, no discussion nothing but A Mayor his Karl Rove and bobbing heads who agree on everything which is quite UNAMERICAN if truth be known..... And they too make STUPID decisions such as a BIKE track built on a LANDFIll built with tens of thousands of taxpapers dollars. The reason it was built? One of the Counsilmans family members had an "interest" . Never been used and not surprising since its built over a dump. And it gives the City such a nice site as you cross the river. Grass, trash and trailer house. Any less stupid and perhaps improper than walking trail or a waterpark?? NO BUT unlike Alexandria, the Power is ABSOLUTE in Pineville and thus, no articles in the newspaper . They have Bill, "Im up the Mayors Butt" Summral who unlike Billy Gunn has absolutely NO journalistic credibility and writes puff pieces given to him by the City. NO Difference between wasting money on a walking trail or a water park and actually SPENDING the money on a so called bike track that has never been used. ....Alexandria still has a chance to do something . The only thing worse than a City ran by idiots is a City run by idiots and an electorate that doesnt care anymore. In Pineville they've already drank the Coolaide and made themselves believe they like it. In Alexandria some still dont like the taste. Keep fighting.
Finally some appreciation for Gunn and the Town Talk. I am somewhat dissappointed that the article (and all articles) fail to mention that Fuller Consulting is in fact, a tenant of Myron Lawson. The Lawson Incubator is truly an exciting story in itself. From that small building comes Brigit Brown, Kelvin Sanders, Sanders Consulting (Kelvin's wife), Charles Johnson, and Fuller Consulting. These entities have achieved considerable success at the public's expense. First, we have Brigit's meteoric rise in the England Authority, courtesy of Myron the Polce Juror. Then we have everyone's genuinely remarkable success at the expense of the City of Alexandria, directly and indirectly (Brigit the Bonding Attorney and Brigit the Cleco Attorney). Myron's insight into the real estate market is amazing because it is rumoured that each of these good luck stories is accompanied by a substantial increase of rent paid by the tenant to landlord Lawson.
When you have an economic merry-go-round that is that good, ya gotta pay to ride.
** this couplet brought to you by the Council for Good Government in Alexandria and the Rest of the World Except for Consultants and Tenants of Lawson Financial Incubator
The actual park site will be located on property owned by the Red River Waterway Commission...however they will need to buy property along Main Street for parking. Alexandria Business and Civic League owns a huge chunk in that area. I wonder who they are?
Y'all realize that we not only have this blog to get out the word, but we have the radio station KSYL where we can call in EVERY DAY and complain about city government. There MUST be someone from the government who listens to the show each day or at least some days and if some of us call in each day to remind the voting public how badly we're being cheated by this scumbag council, there just might be a rebellion at the polls. If we're silent too long, someone will cover us up with dirt.
Dear Radio, folks are saying that Bob Madison of KSYL fame is going to run for mayor or councilman at large. What does that do to the station's neutrality and objectivity. I would sure like to know if this is true.
Dear Radio, folks are saying that Bob Madison of KSYL fame is going to run for mayor or councilman at large. What does that do to the station's neutrality and objectivity. I would sure like to know if this is true.
Bob Madison has not announced his candidacy to my knowledge, but I miss some of the show each day so I can't really say for sure. I think he'd make a good mayor, but I can't imagine he'd want the frustration involved in the job.
If he did run, I would think he'd have to quit the radio station to avoid the appearance of impropriety.
I suspect that the mayor's salary plus benefits amounts to 5 or 6 times Bob Madison's highest income ever. He could be motivated by the $$$. He told certain politicos of his intention to run and I think somebody needs to openly inquire. Certainly his employer would need to know to avoid at least one law suit that I know to be drafted and ready to file. "Taylor Thompson, do you promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you Charlie Soprano?"
I think the previous poet is correct. His brother councilmen let CFS be "head councilman in charge", get out front, be the spokesperson, appear in control, set him up, told him what to do and how, took advantage of his ego and stupidity, and left him holding the bag. He will probably lose his job, his girlfriend, his saloon, his seat, and quite possibly his freedom just because Myron had him figured and let him make his inevitable greedy mistakes. Myron got the goldmine and CFS got the shaft. I see an HBO movie in the works.
Sams says he is gonna win with the black vote. You gotta be kidding. They won't vote for an "R". He may get 10 black votes because he has a couple of people working for him that can carry 5 votes each.
Its a shame Brewer is too dumb or stubborn to switch parties. She'd landslide everyone as a Democrat with Neds 20% of the black vote and all the whites. Nobody likes a stubborn loser.
Won't all that depend on who else is running? If Bo Curtis runs it won't matter what symbol is on the ballot - this one depends on the white folks showing up - the key is dist. 4 & 5. That's 20,000+ folks if they show up and vote. If they don't he could have an endorsement from Jesus and it won't help.
How much will Dr. Sams and Delores Brewer hurt each other? It is beginning to look like Sams is drawing support accross racial and economic lines. That is a surprise but he has a pretty good organization going. Would it be a mistake to think that Ned's supporters are still out there and that they could be delivered to Brewer or anybody else? Ned's popularity was based on the fact that he wasn't John Snyder. Will that emotional issue still hold up. What happens if Harry Siver and Dudley Hixon announce? Has anyone thought of the big picture? What happened to the "Acosta for Mayor" sign. I only saw one and it vanished.
Are all the people waiting on Ned to finally publically announce what is a foregone conclusion - that he can't make another round? Questions? Questions?
I do hope all the black ministers got a good look at today's TT. It had a couple of really good points in it. First was the front page quote by the first Arab business man in Alexandria and the best one was the letter to the editor about parasites. OUTSTANDING!
Dear Spadecaller: You are not christian, you or not moral, you are not decent, and you are not smart. You are the worst of everything. You are ugliness and hate and intolerance. You destroy everything that the decent people on this planet are trying to build.
Spadecaller, do you know the injury you do to your children and other kids that they infect with your hatred and ignorance. Think about them for a change.
I taught my children first the value of getting a good education so they could provide for their own way on this planet. Then I instilled in them a good work ethic, so again they could provide for their own way on this planet. That does not make me ignorant, intolerant or hateful. It makes me responsible.
You must be one of the parasites or a filthy rich person who enjoys seeing your money being wasted on people who choose not to work for a living.
Nobody makes it without help and that includes you and your children. What about the children that didn't have the wonderful advantage of growing up under a tolerant, loving, charitable, learned parent like you. What happens to them?
Please quit wasting your time and our space trying to enlighten the race-baiter. In 20 years he will wonder why his children can't adjust to society and it will never occur to him that he ruined them.
Back to the discussion about the dynamics of Sams vs. Brewer. You have two pretty capable and well funded republican candidates drawing from the same voter profile. Will they get together and talk or will enjoy mutually assured distruction? What impact will Harry Silver, Rod Noles, and Dudley Hixon have if they announce?
Jesse Jackson and his ilk make a living at race-baiting. The black ministers in the area called for a boycott of all the Arab-owned stores for golly sakes! What is that if not racism!?
Spadecaller is just a republican who actually speaks what's really on his mind. Remember, Duke carried Rapides with almost 70% of the vote. Its a damn shame, but racism is alive and well.
Actually, I doubt that there is a non-racist black or white democrat or republican to be found. Those that hadn't cultivated the feelings have developed them from the polarizing effect of people like Myron Lawson and the asshole who is reacting to him. The best we can hope for is that we get people who recognize their prejudices and work hard to overcome them because they understand they are inherantly distructive to everyone. When people spout hatred and promote intolerance we need to kick their ass - immediately and every time.
Things like Black Miss America and the United Negro College Fund fuel the fire.
There was someone who could unite both parties and all races. However, as someone earlier stated, he moved out of District 4 and now lives on the lake.
It's time for action - not words. Who's going to the council meeting to oppose the proposal to spend $600,000 of our money on the Louis Marshall rape trail? I'll be there.
If you have the money, I have the time to run for mayor. I have a pulse and can fog a mirror which evidently qualifies me for the position. I will make no promises since the electorate has no expectations and won't vote anyway, except that; #1. I will try to keep the impact of my personal gain to a break even point that will not negatively impact the population of the city. #2. There will be no special favors, unless of course, there is something in it for me. #3. In the event I am going to give away the public's property or seize private property, I will at least mention it in public so that the population will at least know they are going to get screwed, not that it will make any difference on the out come. I find public discourse a waste of time. #4. I will make no pretense that I have any respect for any one's interest but my own. ( this is my honesty in government statement.) So as not to be be disagreeable, I have no plan, platform, or promise which should be a comfortable extension of the status quo and quite palatable for the citizenry since they have no expectations in the first place. My identity will be revealed upon a suitable offer.
The current city surplus or fund balance as it is called by the bean counters is around 5 million dollars. At on time it was as high as 13 million and has been as low as 2 million.
I hear that Roosevelt is going to take a stand against the thugs tomorrow night. He may our white knight, or black knight rather. Lets see if he can start a trend.
The surplus or fund balance is the amount over spending that is a surplus. Projected tax collections are also used in this calculation. Our city budget is divided into capital and operating expenditures. The surplus can also be viewed as the amount used for a margin of error against our approximately 150 million anual city budget. These funds are not yet allocated and at 5 million, barely sufficient to meet the next hurricane season emergencies if they arise or any other non budgeted expense. There can be no deficit spending in the city by law.
I have read the majority of this blog and it strikes me that a great portion of the discussion centers around personalities and not principles or a defined course of action. To make the changes that we need to make here, and they will be the life or death of this community, there needs to be a discussion of what priorities are going top be a addressed. City government has as its basic responsibility to provide for the safety and health of its citizens. I don't mean to get to basic but its the basics that are not happening here. Provision of basic services are unsatisfactory here and anyone looking to relocate will pass us up. While Union Tank Car is a wonderful addition to our community, they ahave been exempted out of the tax base and have a ten year free ride. The majority of their employees will come from out of state and while they will add 850 jobs, we lost 1600 jobs in Alexandria in 2005, so I would say the trend is not progressive. We have had a net population loss since the eighties from 58,000 to our current 46,000 which by the way disqualifies us for many federal matching fund programs that have 50,000 population as a minimum threshhold. While many want to see Alexandria as growing, the numbers say otherwise. I would focus immediately on getting the crime stats way down. Any FBI agent knows that we are number four in the per capita murder rate for any size city in the US. That alone addresses a quality of life issue. I would like to have an expanded discussion of what it is going to take to make Alexandria a very desirable place to live again and formulate a course of action. Any one game?
I'll tell you what its going to take, its simple. How about honest public officials who are not in office solely to line their own pockets. Now, there's a novel idea.
Spanky, I respect your view but what we have here is not a failure in operation but a failure in motive. We have officials that are getting rung up for ethics violations, are involved in unconscionable conflicts, are doing amazing questionable things in the open without fear of consequence, and folks that are purely motivated by their desire for money and influence (to get more money). Honesty on the council and the mayor's office would go a long way toward correcting some of the trends you mention.
It's all about a return to honesty. If you build it they will come.
We should expect our mayor and council to be honest and serve the people who elect them with honesty and integrity. The electorate as a whole has to understand that local politics is not a spectator sport and that the results will directly affect their fortunes and estates. It is of the utmost importance that everyone participate and be part of the community. When you analyze poll results, 20-25% voter turnout has 10-12.5 % of the electorate making the decisons for the rest of the population. It is my contention that we have the government we deserve by our neglect as citizens. Apply it across racial, gender and party lines. We as the electorate must motivate our neighbors to care. The first question I ask when someone complains about our government is if they voted. If they do, I listen - If they don't, I tell them to vote and I will listen next time. While we bash our elected officials, and lord knows they deserve an additional double scoop, we are guilty for not being more involved and insisting our fellow citizens be involved also. If recent events of the past year don't motivate people around here to put aside differences and work for change, then nothing will. I am well aware of things that occur in this town and could probably expand on many of the subjects discussed in this blog. It is not good to share everthing one knows. Why have sections of Alexandria been left to crack blight. Do I smell a land grab. By doing nothing, whole neighborhoods have been devalued and equity that was built in homes evaporated as sales prices plunged. Would you believe that houses on Levin street that are selling for 15-20K were worth 80K 15 years ago prior to the interstate shifting the population. I would not call that serving the public. I personally feel that the crack plague was allowed to spread. Especially when it is so obvious that people are dealing and walking the street with goods that would appear to be stolen. I will go as far as saying the city allowed whole neighborhoods to be affected and that you will begin to see developers begin to capitalize on the areas of town that can be picked up at sheriffs sale or bought for a pittance. There is more than one way to steal.
Disciples of the snake are spreading some pretty vicious rumors about ole Slatkin. The first offensive from the snake pit has begun. Its going to be a scorched Earth approach. Absolute power and wealth are not given up without a war. Get ready, I hope the good doc has very thick skin.
Even Alexandria voters have a threshold of tolerance. There is some finite point where the regular folks will say "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it any more". I think that council arrogance and misconduct are bringing us to that threshold. If I am right, we will have voter participation and things will change. If I'm wrong, we will have the usual apathy, low turnout, and more of the same unfortunate distructive self-serving city business.
Of course, the threshold is reached not by what they do but what we know about. I think that is the key. If the people know how they have been treated they will react. A perfect example is the way the people of District 4 are reacting to the Council insult in treating their wishes with contempt and total disregard in appointing it's own guy instead of the guy they wanted. Now those folks are seriously invested in making sure that the council doesn't get its way again. That is why Mark Lampert has such strong and enthusiastic support in the District 4 neighborhoods. The rest of Alexandria needs to reach the same point of disgust and determination.
I imagine that Dr. Alex knows what to expect from Myron. Myron's got two kinds of problems: 1. he is running against a guy with absolutely no political baggage - he is a family doc and a popular person with a pleasing personality and a spotless reputation;
2. Myron has screwed so may people with this lies and double-dealings and irresponsible representation (utility bills, consulting contracts, kickbacks, double-crosses) that his biggest problem is not Dr. Alex, its everybody else. I know for a fact that he as personally lied to and shit upon two of the prosecutors in the DA's office. There is usually a heavy price to pay for that.
Scarlett, your opinion of Brewer seems to be right on. She is standing her ground on some delicate issues. I bet the council is getting a case of the bends.
Scarlett, I have never seen anyone as ill-at-ease with an agreement or compliment. You must have been abused, mistreated, and underappreciated before your Diamond Grill barstool days.
Scarlett, I have never seen anyone as ill-at-ease with an agreement or compliment. You must have been abused, mistreated, and underappreciated before your Diamond Grill barstool days.
Well, generally, I suppose it is your unfortunate lack of grace that concerns me. But, of course, you reacted as one might expect.
It is just unfortunate that we observers have to watch your inappropriate attacks on those who try to treat you with kindness. You are obviously unaccustomed to compliments.
But, you're right. It's your problem. If you could just somehow keep it to yourself we would not be affected. Pity.
Dear Scarlett, I too find it troublesome when someone tells you that you were correct and they support your viewpoint and you counter with "oh yeah, well kiss my ass."
Your attitude should really not be the focus of our diaglogue but we all sort of get to know each other here and it is a little off-puting when these things are in our face. When your hostility is in the unnecessary defense of a candidate (Brewer, for instance) they bare the brunt of your conduct.
Can anyone confirm - Mcalroy from the consulting firm robbing the city of a quarter million dollars for yet another master plan is an old roommate of Myron's from his Southern days and supposedly lost his architect license in Mississippi?
That's how one becomes an Alexandria consultant. He could have doubled his take (gross, not net) by renting office space in the Lawson Economic Incubator.
Dear Scarlett, I am sorry you are so insecure. I think that your nastiness is just a symptom of your insecurity. And I think you care what everybody thinks about you, are embarrassed by your over-reactive behaviour, and relish the fact that you can pretend on this blog. But its OK. We accept you as you are.
P.S. I fully expect you to strike out at me - it's who you are. It's OK.
The council meeting, the committee meetings - what do you think? Chump Change Silver was subdued - actually voted against Myron on a gimmie contract but only after determining that he could vote no for the crowd and Myron could still get his deal.
Spanky, that's that old "Original Sin" deal where we condemn her for her associations rather than her achievments. Anybody who stands up to Lawson is OK with me. See:
No one has mentioned the contract that Hobbs pushed through in the utility committee meeting to provide electronic meter reading consulting services to the City. This could cost millions of dollars in consulting fees and equipment purchases. The administration wanted to develop a process for selecting this consultant but Hobbs pushed it through with his buddy getting the contract with no competition. Wonder what kind of kickback that will get him?
I noticed that Marc Lampert and Dr. Slatkin were both at the council meeting. Marc attended most of the committee meetings as well. They really need to be in the "private" meetings that happen prior to and during the committee meetings. That's where all the deals get cut. Hopefully these two can get elected and provide some well needed "sunlight" on the council's thug activities.
Disciples of the snake are taking Slatkin down on the streets. There are rumors out there that will kill him in the Bible belt. The snakes minions must be stopped or they will retain their grasp on power through subterfuge and misinformation.
I appreciate your courage and responsible stance on the Hobbs-Buddy meter consultation contract. I, for one, am not particularly interested in what a candidate promises. The important thing is what a candidate delivers and you are kicking ass in that department. I agree with the previous writer that your potential for success depends on changes in council personnel. Keep the faith. You are the first good news we have had on the second floor in over a decade.
80% of the black vote - that's a little optimistic, don't you think. Nelson Mandela wouldn't get 80%. At any rate, lots of signs and not too much noise. I guess they are on schedule.
Too late. She is already effective. I'm guessing that she is too vital to delete now. It's kinda like the point in Giant when Chill Wills tells Rock Hudson that James Dean got too rich to kill. I love them old movies.
If the information of this site is anywhere close to the truth, I'm thinking that Albin has problems of his own. If Albin makes his future depend on Myron's good will, he better be contriving a fall-back plan. Myron ain't famous for sticking with you when you cease to be usefull to him.
Albin is gonna be "Scooter Libbyed" and then "Martha Stewarted" and finally, "Noland Hammonded". Folks don't feel too sorry for you when you tumble all the way from the top. They kinda thrive on it.
Good points on Albin. Ask Wiggins where Lawson was on election day in 1999. On the Sams thing, he may get 8 black votes, if he's lucky. The black leaders on his team can deliver at least 6.
You didn't miss much. As usual, you have to pay more attention to what isn't said than what is said. The CFS/Patel hotel lease deal was mysteriously pulled from the Legal Committee agenda. Hmmmmmmmm
I am astounded that Hobbs hasn't drawn some major opposition. His conduct in directing that meter consulting contract should make him a target for the administration and the good government people.
I understand that Billy Gunn is on vacation this week. That can be confirmed by the decline in reporting on the council's rather amazing variety of sleezy developments on Tuesday. I hope he returns soon and I hope he is not depending on the Town Talk to learn what transpired in his absence.
Dear Anonymous Posters Obviously Associated and Disgruntled with Alexandria Government,
I discovered this little sounding board today, and I believe it serves a good purpose. I've uncovered some outstanding commentary here. However, as far as I can tell, this post marks the first time in which the writer uses his REAL name. Of course, anonymity allows many of you the ability to write unsubstantiated gossip and mean-spirited attacks against people who cannot defend themselves because this forum isn't exactly the most well-known website in the world. To those people, you're simply pathetic. All of you. Regardless of political persuasion. Regardless of the intention of your claims. If you really care about the state of affairs and if you're really serious about the issues you espouse, then you should have no problem with putting your name next to your opinion. Also, to those of you who are obviously posting from the back offices of City Hall, ladies and gentlemen, your IP addresses can be directly traced. Recently, staffers from both Republican and Democratic Senators offices were exposed as contributors of self-serving content on Wikipedia. If you're using one of Uncle Sam's computers to post slander, even under the shroud of anonymity, you're putting yourself and your boss at risk.
I think that most of you really want to see positive change occur in Alexandria, and I share a similar vision. But the only way this will ever occur is if we decide to have enough courage to stand up and speak out. It may be risky to say unpopular things (and I know Alexandria is a small town), but you're accomplishing nothing if you continue to fear the implications of your own beliefs.
I agree with much of what has been said here: The local government's composed of a bunch of good ol' boys (and these boys are both black and white), our tax dollars are being wasted on dumb projects, and our government has no concept of how to prioritize.
If you share these beliefs, speak out. Cynthia Jardon at The Town Talk will publish your letters. The problem with the paper isn't due to an unwillingness to publish the truth; it's because most people in Alexandria with an opinion, like those in this blog, are simply unwilling to put their money where their mouth is. So please people, share your knowledge with the entire community.
Get up. Stand up.
Lamar White, Jr. lamarw@gmail.com cenlamar.blogspot.com
Bravo to you, Lamar. I was reminded of this blog a few days ago and decided to check it out tonight. It is fortuitous that you made your comments tonight. You are 100% correct. It is time for people to stand up for what is right. If you operate in the shadows hidden by anonymity, you will never win. You must be willing to stand on your convictions. Sometimes that means people will say bad things about you (true or untrue). But that's the price one must be willing to pay if they truly want to make a difference. Lip service is not enough.
Some of the comments I have read are very profound and very correct. Unfortunately, unless they are accompanied by the name of a person who is willing to stand behind them, they are worthless. When I was on the City Council, my policy was to respond to 100% of the calls I received from folks who left contact information. I responded to 0% of the anonymous mailings and messages I received.
Thanks for taking a stand and I am proud to be the second person willing to use their real name.
By the way, if you think this is a fake message, call me and we can discuss it. But, remember, use your real name.
Rick, Let me say first that I admire your relative honesty and the service you provided. However, I disagreed with your premature departure. You should have stayed and fought the good fight against the snake an his cohorts. You only had one more year. Second, you departed in a coordinated fashion in order to allow the snake and gang to appoint their own kind as your replacement. If you had chosen to delay your departure a few more days, the law would have dictated that an election be held and then the neighborhoods could have elected someone who believed as you did, in honest government. Also, you and little White must remember that some of us would be fired if we spoke our minds without the protection of anonimity. However, all that being said, I think you're a good guy, and I hope you enjoy being with your family and quit worrying about this crap. The only snake that can get you at the lake is a water mocassin. Which, in my opinion, is much less dangerous than the one in Alexandria.
I too admire you for your conviction. Don't let anyone make you feel guilty about getting out when you did. Your family will remember you a lot longer than any of your constituents will. Unfortunantly, I must remain anonymous on this blog as my family relies on my bi-weekly city paycheck to survive.
As I said, I don't respond to anonymous comments, but, since you seem to be a little twisted with the facts, let me set the record straight.
The reason I left the Council had nothing to do with City government. It had to do with priorities. We found a house on Cotile Lake which is perfect for raising my 5 year old. It was available and (to my surprise) I was able to sell my existing house in two days. My first priority was and is my family.
Secondly, the timing of my departure was orchestrated by me. If I would have resigned 12 days earlier, there would have been an election to fill the remaining time of my term. I chose to wait in order to avoid wsteful spending on an election. By the time the election could be held, the winner would only get to serve 5 - 6 months. I don't think this is proper use of the taxpayer dollars.
For the record, if you'd like to ask me a question or make a comment about me, please include your name and telephone number. If you're afraid of repercussions, call or e-mail me directly.
I don't buy the "save money" arguement for delaying your departure. The costs of a district race would have been minimal. Its only a few precincts. The financial damage now being done due to the fact that Lampert or some other fighter is not on the council to stop the slithering is catastrophic. The "appointment" created a super-majority which is now unstopable. However, all of that is water under the bridge. You are gone and spending quality time with your five year old is much more important than all of this other crap. Your son will actually be grateful to you for the rest of his life. On the other hand, most people who clamor around politicians don't care what you did for them yesterday. Good night Ranson.
You dare to question Mr. Ranson's personal priorities, and yet you don't have the integrity to sign your own name. Why are you afraid? Who are you afraid of?
And more importantly, why are you changing the subject? Mr. Ranson was speaking to the self-defeating nature of anonymity, and you decide to turn the conversation onto him.
Is there some violent Alexandrian mafia that I'm not aware of?
Scarlet, my previous comment was not directed toward you. However, considering that you are one of the most active particpants in this forum, I think you'd gain more credibility if you signed your real name and dropped the paranoia.
Lighten up Junior. Turn your considerable youthful energies toward defeating the slithering. Are you over 18 and ready to run for the council? If so, saddle up.
Actually gentlemen, your points are well-taken, however, you are not the first person(s) to identify yourself on this site. Al Shapiro beat you to it and suffered the proverbial slings and arrows of cheap shot artists with memories. Therein lies the rub. If everyone has to dress out to play then you have an enlightened forum. If some folks step up and others remain anonymous, then you have a shooting gallery. I, for one, would rather do it your way but how can we make it work?
"Lighten up Junior. Turn your considerable youthful energies toward defeating the slithering. Are you over 18 and ready to run for the council? If so, saddle up."
Hey, there is no reason to assume that I'm so morose. I'm just feel like this forum is not healthy to real debate.
And run for the Council? I think I can affect more change elsewhere, but I appreciate it.
Hey..lamar JR....why dont you run for office yourself or do something more couragous than lecture everyone on here. It doesnt make you a MAN just because you have no boss, no political vulnerability, no mortgage to have to be concerned about and thus can sign your NAME . See, those of us who don't inherit our wealth and substinance have to be careful who we piss off lest we be without a pay check or have a landfill put in our back yard. So , when you grow some hair on your chest and have to earn a living without the WHITE name come back and give us some of your self righteous wisdom. We know who you are and all the reasons why we need to treat you with kid gloves but lighten up.
"Hey..lamar JR...." Hey. Oh! I get it; you put my name in lower case and capitalized JR in order to create emphasis. Well, hey to you, ANONYMOUS.
"why dont you run for office yourself or do something more couragous than lecture everyone on here."
Well, you have to start somewhere, right? But thanks for lecturing me about "lecturing everyone on here," which, by the way, was not my intention. Perhaps I need to do something more courageous, but I've put my name out there... which is more than you can say for yourself.
"It doesnt make you a MAN just because you have no boss, no political vulnerability, no mortgage to have to be concerned about and thus can sign your NAME."
I never meant to emasculate anyone, but I need to correct your assertion: I have a boss. Political vulnerability? Obviously I've made myself vulnerable to anonymous attacks from people in government. And how on earth do you know I don't have a mortgage to pay? You're making assumptions about something you know nothing about.
"See, those of us who don't inherit our wealth and substinance have to be careful who we piss off lest we be without a pay check or have a landfill put in our back yard."
That way of thinking is self-defeating. Maybe you have a good reason to be scared of sharing your opinions in an honest forum, but ultimately, you're wasting your time.
Also, I've worked hard for everything that I have. My family provided me with opportunity, no doubt, but I hardly see how my finances are a part of any discussion concerning the Alexandria government. But you're probably right: wealthy people are NEVER persecuted for their beliefs.
"So , when you grow some hair on your chest and have to earn a living without the WHITE name come back and give us some of your self righteous wisdom."
You want me to move away and change my name? Well, I lived in Houston for the past five years, and believe me, my last name doesn't mean anything to people over there. And honestly, my last name has little to do with the real issues we should be discussing. It's sad to me that you'd label my opinions as "self-righteous wisdom" without even addressing their substance. This is one of the reasons Alexandria has such a hard time keeping motivated, intelligent young people: If they dare to speak out, they're immediately met with resistance by those whose lives are completely entrenched in a system in desperate need of reform. Rather than listen, they make baseless personal accusations.
"We know who you are and all the reasons why we need to treat you with kid gloves but lighten up."
Kid gloves? There's no reason to be afraid of being honest with me. I'm just as capable of defending myself as anyone else is (except, of course, if you meant kid gloves literally, in which case, yeah, I'm not a very good boxer at all).
Maybe I am beating a dead horse. But initially, I wanted to make the point that anonymous attacks accomplish nothing. I respect those of you who are honest, topical, and balanced in your remarks, and I understand the reasons you want to protect your identity online.
But if you're going to personally attack people anonymously, you deserve to be called to task.
Otherwise, like you said, let's discuss the issues.
I think the universal truth on this blog is that we all see the need for a complete change: a change in leadership and a change in direction. We have good candidates. Now what?
When we try to focus on common issues and goals we founder. We are only good at cheap shots. No wonder we are getting walking trails, water parks, and consultants out the ass. No wonder 60% of your mother's retirement check goes to the Alexandria Utility Department. Mr. Ranson knew more than all of us and he MOVED!
I agree with Mr. White. Anonymous critical rantings produce no effect and give the appearance of being cowardly. If you are going to express a critical opinion, you need to identify yourself. One notable exception to this would be the city employee who could suffer as a result of identifying him/herself. Criticism is every citizen's right, but rights bring responsibility. Also, please let me note that, if Rick Ransom makes a statement, you can book it.
Please let me make a correction. I spelled Rick's last name wrong in my last post. It should be "Ranson", of course, not "Ransom". Thanks for letting me make the correction
You people have no idea how badly I want to spill my guts. Unfortunantly, my employment with the city keeps me from doing so. I can say this...there is so much going on that is bad...really bad. No one really knows who to trust or who is in charge. What we need is some honest and gutsy people on the council, and in the mayor's office who can develop some sensible priorities based on the common good, not a select few. Lamar Jr. has my vote.
How can all this bad stuff go on and the mayor and Delores Brewer not be fully aware of it. It they are aware of it does that mean that they are in cahoots or at least approving of the bad stuff. This is why I firmly believe that we need a clean sweep. After Sept. 30th there should be new folks in the mayor's office and in council districts 2, 4, and at-large. We will finish cleaning house in two years.
With the charter written the way it is, it doesn't matter who wins the mayors race. If the snake doesn't go down this fall, we should all move to Cotile with Rick, to Woodworth, or to Ball. Last one out of Alexandria, turn out the lights.
OK Working4thcity. Let's hear it. This gives you the advantage of anonymity. If you have information of wrongdoing give it to us and let us take it from here.
Forget the charter, if the mayor and Delores are mixed up in wrongdoing they need to run out of town. If Working4thecity has information he needs to lay it out or go down with the ship. Anybody who protects these creeps is as much at fault as they are. The Town Talk, some of the prosecutors, and many of the city leaders read this site. Shine some light for us. Then if becomes our problem.
The problem is not with the mayor and the administration. It's with the council. Most of it stems from dealmaking. Council members (not all) are trying to get their guys in on the business. Things like drug testing, master plans, meter reading equipment, gas contracts,water parks, hotels, condos, board appointments, and numerous other spoils. In the past, the administration and council have mostly thought alike on many of these issues and most of the time the job, contract, etc. went to the most qualified. Now the new powerbrokers want their guys to get the deals. In most cases, their guys are a tad bit incompetent. It's not just what they are doing, but how they are doing it. For example important job openings that need council approval are being pulled from the agenda as a ploy for certain council members to get administration approval on something they want. Everything is based on power and politics and not what is best for the city. I am getting to the point where I believe that cleaning house is the only way to solve it.
The deals to look for are the ones where the councilman derives some personal benefit from an appointment, contract, or hire. A perfect example would be if a council gave lucrative positions or contracts to persons who rent office space from him and then increased the rent as a bribe. I understand, for instance, that Deidre Fuller has left the Lawson building and is located elsewhere now that ther $100,000 water park consultation contract is over (without a report or any work product to show for it, one might add). Brigit and Kelvin, on the other hand, who are still firmly affixed to the city teat, are still tenants of the Lawson Economic Incubator. Go figure???
Using the Name Al Shapiro shows NO class whatsoever and is very insensitve to the lavonna ryland family. Obviously its NOT Al Shapiro who lives now in Baton Rouge. I hope we dont hope to replace the idiots we have now for the idiots who sometimes occupy this place.
Here is the bottom line. The Council will do whatever they want as long as WE let them get away with it. It is OUR money and OUR city. Why do you think they passed the smoking ordinance? Do you really think they care about your health? Hell NO. They passed the ordiance because the anti smoking people got organized, did their homework, showed up in unison at the committee meetings and got in the councilmen's faces. There is strength in numbers. You can bitch and moan on this blog until the cows come home and it wont do a bit of good. Show up to the committee or council meetings and raise some hell. The agendas for both are posted on the City of Alexandria website at least one week prior to the meetings. Find someone who is willing to run against these thugs and hit the streets. And by all means VOTE early and vote often. Its YOUR city!
Working4 & Civil, You have ranted and suggested all sorts of misconduct that you know about and made all sorts of cryptic suggestions about where the skeletons are hidden but you are protecting all those bastards with your silence. Don't you feel some responsibility to expose misconduct that is injuring the city that supports you and your family.
You are anonymous here. Lay it out in detailed concrete terms and we can take it from there. I assure you that these blog reaches people that will make a huge difference. The ball is in your court. If you don't have the character and courage to expose those folks then S T F U.
QUESTION....WHO do you disclose to? The DA doesnt prosecute and the culprits WORK for the Sheriff who has duty to investigate and arrest. The Town Talk does not investigate or disclose and the TV station cant report on anything unless it robs a 7-11 or is an auto wreck..SO.....who the hell do we DISCLOSE to?
ITS the truth. THE District Attorney Jam Downs was a good man who was sincere aboout prosecutions BEFORE he got elected, but his office has not prosecuted anyone in political positons of authority in years. Remember Fred Baden...NO PROSECUTION...remember Nunnally and his drunk of the week arrest...NO PROSECUTION.....remember John Sams and his DISHONIST dual households? NO ACTION...remember the City Counselman who was not qualified because he was a convicted felon NO ACTION. So what are the chances of him prosecuting anything where votes may might be lost??? And our Sheriff..what a disappointment he has become. The only time you see him is when he is showing off his newest ARMAGEDDON mobile that he has bought with the HURRICANE tax that he got passed to give him a gazillion dollars a year. He SURELY isnt going to investigate Charles Frederick Smith who WORKS FOR HIM...remember when CFS crashed a PATROL car into a telephone pole on Bolton Avenue and Was DRUNK?!?!?!?...NOTHING HAPPENED...so why would Hilton do anything.?????
You may be right but I don't think so. Lay it out with some substance and then you have done your part. The head of the local NAACP, Bobby Jordon, Richard Nunnally, the pervert legislator at Buhlow, Crawford James, the Sheffields - the DA does a pretty good job when the case is there. He apparently avoids political vendettas. Your sheriff is a different thing.
Let me venture a guess. The reason you say NOTHING is that you know NOTHING of substance. You are chronic complainers and make up all sorts of intrigue and faux skullduggery because you don't have to produce and back anything up. You are writing stuff on bathroom walls because that is where your "information" belongs. Quit the cheap shots.
Bobby Jordan KILLED a man and is now out of jail. Downs was not the DA then. Pervert Legislator at the Lake? Got away paying a TICKET nothing substantial. Nunnally? Uh he got arrested AGAIN the other day never has gotten ANY penalty so im not sure what you are talking about.Sheffelds? That was the Atty General NOT the DA and it too was NOT DA DOWNS. Not sure what you are talking about. So not sure what nerve hit ya but sounds like you got personal contacts perhaps. Skullduggery? Ha. Wonder which Govt agency YOU work for. Amazing.
I was serious about the mayors race if you guys want to shake city hall til the bad apples roll out of the door and into jail and make some real progress fast.
Dear Anonymous (I note that you share a last name with many alcoholics), You are missing the point. Perhaps you don't like the outcome of some of the prosecutions of local politicos but they took place and our DA deserves credit for that. BUT
all these phantom bloggers hint that they have a smoking gun in their pockets and can drop a dime on the local bandits that should blow them all to hell but the substance of their accusations never shows up. There are nearly 2300 entries on this site and, for all the screaming and yelling, few if any facts are disclosed. Some identify themselves as city employees and they seem to think that it is everybody else's responsibility to clean up city hall, even though they have the "info" in their anonymous little hands. This is, of course, horseshit. These folks are the same inveterate whiners that every large organization tolerates and I am sure that are also the sourpuss in their church and social organizations that wish things would "somehow" improve in "some way" but never contribute meaningfully to any solution. As for the pervert legislator escaping without consequence, I doubt that he would agree with you. He lost his legislative office and suffered crushing shame and humiliation for having consensual sex with another adult. That ain't no ticket. Try to focus on the problem. You want to talk about the DA and the Pope and the sheriff and I want to get the facts on the city council wrongdoings (if they exist). There are 4 important elected positions coming up for vote in September and the DA and the Pope are not among them.
While I do not concede the issue of the quality of our local law enforcement machine, I do agree that it is time for the city people who have the info to share it and put it in the public domain where it can be analyzed, broadcast, and used to effectively address and correct any crooked dealing in the city administration and city council. The questions about the Three Amigos will never be answered because those of you that have the information but don't need to bury it, won't share it. The same thing will likely happen in the Cleco litigation. So it is up to the small group of people that were close enough to know exactly what transpired but not close enough to reap any benefit.
The real test is the character of those employees that are distressed what they perceive is illegal activity but feel no obligation to the citizens they serve. There are lots of those. Unfortunately government workers can be generally classified as public servants or parasites. It looks like our bloggers are the latter.
Here is an alternative: give the information to Dr. Sams. You can be assured that it will applied where it is most effective.
whoever operates this blog needs to start a new comment thread it takes far too long to download them all (even on a cable connection) and its way too many to keep track of.
Most of the activity that is ruining our city is not illegal per se or if it is associated with illegal activity the participants are smart enough to cover their asses. But most of it is downright wrong. While those higher up on the food chain may have access to or knowledge of secret files or documents every bit of information that I have was gained by pure observation. You people can get the same information by simply showing up at the meetings and asking questions or in many cases by just listening. You can't go to the DA and tell him to bring charges against someone just because they make decisions that are good for themsleves and bad for the city. There is no law against being stupid. Here is an example: McElroy gets a contract to do a Master Plan for Alexandria. A&E services are not subject to state bid laws so each government entity picks consultants however they want. McElroy has close ties to Myron Lawson. Lawson uses his influence to get him the job. McElroy is incompetent. It is unethical, immoral, and plain stupid, but its not illegal. Another case in point: Hoobs is trying to do the same thing with the elctronic meter reading contract. He is going against the reccomendations of the administration and staff by pushing his guy. But, there is no law against it. The only recourse we have is to replace these people with individuals who have the city's best interest as their motivation for serving.
Logic and reason suggests that they are profiting from these contract deals. These are not the kind of guys who would risk their political futures for and act of kindness and friendship. It has to be there. We just need to know where to look.
Don't be so niave. These kinds of "deals" are nothing new to city government politics. Look at Pat Moore. He got a really sweet deal to do a masterplan for the city several years ago to tune of about 500k. He got that contract because of his friendship with the mayor and several councilmen who are no longer in office. There are numerous other examples of contractors, consultants, and companies who continue to get work because of who they know, not what they know. The rub know is that the "new" powerbrokers want their incompetent guys to get all the deals now and they strut around arrogantly demanding it. That pisses off a lot of the "old crowd". Again, not necassarily illegal, but definitely wrong.
I continue to believe that these councilmen derive a direct financial benefit from these contracts. It may take a grand jury to bust them but I assure you it will happen. Maybe you are right and the practical objective is to clear the deck. Lets do it.
I certainly think that they get some sort of benefit from the deals. Thats part of why they do it but not the only reason. They also do it just because they can. Power can be very intoxicating to some people. There are very few in the city other than those at the top who have access to enough information to prove if there is anything illegal going on. I don't think that our DA would prosocute anyway. The best solution at this point is to simply vote them out of office.
Brigit's mama (a nice lady) was just named to the new hisorical commission. She has never been remotely involved in historic preservation. She is just Brigit's mama. Brigit is at least one person who makes no effort to hide her connections. She is grabbing all the advantage she can because she feels entitled. The honkeys had the advantage long enough (which is, of course, difficult to deny). I think Brigit's tendency to throw it in your face may end up being her downfall. She ain't got any class and appears to have few if any friends in her own race (Godfather Myron is the exception) and that has to be lonely.
BB doesn't even try to hide it. She's flaunts the power and money. I gotta admit, I did not like it when the bluebloods ran the town like a plantation, but damn, this is ten times worse. We are living in the purgatory which ememplifies the phrase: "Be careful what you ask for."
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«Oldest ‹Older 1801 – 2000 of 2571 Newer› Newest»Hey Q -- Why don't you start archiving some of these comments? The blog is getting quite lenghty.
Brewer has opened a campaign account. So she must be unofficially in the run for Mayor. This race will require tireless effort and work from anyone with any real desire to be successful. How will she run a campaign and keep up with her new full time job as Chief of Staff of the City? Will we the taxpayers pay her to launch this campaign? Will she resign? Will she take leave: with or without pay? It will be very interesting to see how she handles this!
I hear a rumor that the snake has talked Bob Madison into running in an attempt to split the white vote. Is there any truth to this rumor?
We are already paying for it! For her radio debut...who preped her, who was sitting right next to her, whose contract with the City did she defend...you guessed it! Her political publisist, Ken Juneau. Look for more of her on the civic speaking tour. I suppose this is Ned's "new direction" - DELORES FOR MAYOR!
As the deputy mayor and person-in-charge, she will be in constant contact with the people that she needs to politik. She is in the perfecct position to run for mayor. She can grant favors and advantages that require repayment. $640,000 for a fishing pier and walking trail along Bayou Rapides would be a good example: who do you think will cut that ribbon?
The key right now is getting behind Dr. Alex. If he doesn't become the at-large councilman, Gandhi could win mayor and it wouldn't make any difference.
Other politicians campaign on the taxpayers dollar, so she may as well do it too.
Isn't Bob Madison an announcer on KSYL radio? Can he continue to work on air if he is a candidate. What will that do to the station's commercial and political advertising. Bet there are FCC regs on it and, if not, Taylor Thompson won't want a lawsuit up his butt. I would think that the snake would come up with a better idea than that.
Delores is in a difficult position. She needs black support but has a white base. Still, coming off of Katrina and having gigantic utility bills, water wells that don't work after storms, a shortage of policemen, highest sales tax in the State, really don't figure well with building a walking trail and a mud pier along an undeveloped ditch when we have other truly pressing needs. BUT, the trial will wind along the Pentacostal complex and therein lies its beauty to Delores.
I met Dr. Alex. He is openly running in his own way which is telling the hundreds of people he sees each day that he needs their support. I have talked to several of his patients and members of their family and they all sing his praises. He runs the largest internal medicine practice in Cenla and all of the Drs and nurses you talk to speak of him with confidence and affection. The main thing about Dr. Alex, I think, is that he is willing to jump out there and do it. We owe him a real debt of gratitude and support for that reson alone.
A fishing pier in a mudhole? Which engineer is gonna get rich on this boondogle. People are having to chose whether to stay warm or eat and they are building a pier for one or two people so they can snag gar? What the hell is going on here. Its Monroe south.
Why all the negative stuff? We know what we gotta do. Now let's do it. The story of Monroe is that they let it happen. We are not going to make the same mistake.
My guess is that this site is partially populated by disenchanted city workers from upper echelons and they are so angry at the various organs of the city, for whatever reason, real or imagined, that they only care about venting their spleen and really don't care about fixing anything. You should realize that you have a real chance to get even by making change happen. Put good people in control of our city and let the rotten bastards that wronged you spend the next 4 years cursing us on their own blog. We can make a huge difference and make it impossible for the bad folks to operate by electing Dr. Alex and Mark Lampert and some progressive leader as mayor. They know that and they don't like it.
You just need to decide if you want to kick their asses or just hurt their feelings. Then act accordingly.
I predict that the mudhole will be lavishly landscaped if that give you a clue.
When will she be back on the radio and what's the deal about Bob Madison?
The rational view for Delores to take on the mudhole is that it would be a lovely addition to Alexandria and would enhance our quality of life, however, in the wake of the hurricanes and utility rates, we have other matters that are more pressing and immediate in nature. (LIKE EVERYTHING!) It certainly is something I would like for us to look at in the future.
In the meantime, she need to institute a program where people can go over to the trail under the interstate or near the river, get raped, and then get brought back to Levin St. It's the best we can do.
Well Scarlett - instead of saying "forget it" say what mamas say: "we'll see". That way she remains sensitive to the Marshall constituents while not making doo doo on her base. Everybody is sort of happy and nobody is really pissed.
I have a novel idea. How about helping people afford to eat and stay warm rather than paying back engineers and "landscape artist" with a $600,000 gar gigging platform in a high crime precinct. Nah, that makes too much sense for these morons. I'm moving to Ball.
The city can't buy people food or pay their utility bills. Of course you know that. The city obviously can spend our money or projects and programs that will have a more immediate and beneficial impact than $640,000 of our money for such a meaningless gesture and a tribute to an absolutely ineffective councilman. Brewer will have trouble living this down.
What about Bob Madison from KSYL. Is he considering a run for the At Large seat? Does that take him off the air?
Certainly we read what you wrote, Scarlett. It's just that you don't know what the hell you are talking about. I saw and heard what she said on TV and I think she probably supports and certainly does not openly oppose the project. Who, may I ask, are you to say different. Should we not believe what she says?
Scarlett, nobody is saying derogatory things about Brewer. People are discussing the relative merits of this rather expensive issue and suggesting positions that Brewer might consider to split the baby by doing the right thing without alienating (further) a significant minority district that she will need to win mayor. Everyone has been sincerely helpful and interested in having the administration do the right thing with minimal political backfire.
Go shopping and let the grown-ups talk.
Bob Madison? Gee....the guy has worked everywhere and has the charisma of a funeral home director. Certainly we dont need someone who runs for INCOME. There has to be more viable candidates.
OK -- here's the bottom line on the Marshall rape trail. As originally proposed, it was supposed to be paid for by grants. Fowler and Ranson opposed it. When it came to a final vote, Ranson and Marshall got into a violent argument. Ranson said that the city could not afford to maintain the trail no matter who paid to build it. Only Ranson officially voted against it.
I remember him asking one of the engineers from Meyer, Meyer, LaCroix and Hixson how much it would cost to maintain the rape trail. They estimated 800 - 1000 dollars per month. Ranson said he didn't believe them and asked if their company would be willing to fund everything over 1000 dollars per month. Of course, they quickly answered "NO".
The engineers publically admit that the fishing docks would go under water three times per year. Maybe someone needs to tell Kelvin Sanders the liability the city is assuming.
By the way, Marshall's trail has already produced two rapes. The first one is how the MMLH engineering firm has raped the city by continuing to promote this absurd project. The second rape will occur at the next council meeting when the council officially votes to spend $600,000 of our money on this boondoggle.
Guess what? $600,000 will not be enough. I see another rape on the horizon.
I think you run a campaign against Myron with a cash register ringing up the projects...from money for incubator, money for out of state consultants , to attys fees for Kelvin Sanders, to buying the Regions building, to building the trail, to spending money for Charles Frederick and he to go to BAYOU CLASSIC....to the enormous costs of CLECO which incidently was Myrons previous employer.....etc...and then end with a voice saying........and now Myron wants you to give him 4 more years to CONTINUE what he has started........and then have voice say.....We JUST CANT AFFORD 4 MORE YEARS...vote sensibility, vote confidence vote for candidate X........simple message that will identify an issue that will motivate ALL tax paying voters...which is still over 50%. You can get a goat elected if you paint the OTHER candidate with an issue that motivates.
Or..run a commercial with..the State Farm music in the back ground........"Mr Myrons Neighborhood......could you would you be my neighbor.....and list his ..Neighbors....from Bridgette who shares office space and business ventures with him and THEN gets contracts with city..or neighbor KElvin Sanders who also shared office space in Myrons neighborhood and then gets rewarded with being appointed City Atty, or Mcalroy the consultant from Mississippi..or his neighbors the Southern University Jags who he spends city money to go to their football game..., or his Neighbor Kathleen Blanco or Representative Jefferson. ...and then end the commercial with .....Has Myron been Neighborly to the taxpayers...??
Scarlett,
What's your connection with Delores? Why are you so supportive? What do you know that we don't? What is she all about? Do you have a clue? Does she? Let's hear some real SOLID reasons to get behind her. She hasn't shown any on her own...so convince us!
Man, what great ideas. I think we have the horsepower to make a difference if we can stay focused on our universal objective.
Can Madison stay on the air if he is running for office? Will Myron support him and his family until after the election? And will Taylor Thompson want him back after he was muddied the waters for Myron? I see Taylor spending a lot of time in court and a lot of bread on lawyers.
Scarlett doesn't seem to get it. Delores has gained a tremendous about of respect and support on this blog since her radio appearance and most people seem to be trying to help her or at least hope she succeeds but Scarlett attacks anyone that mentions her, even in a favorable or constructive light. I wonder if Scarlett the red-haired one is really husband John who is both red headed very aggressive.
The problem is that we have two opposite forces in Alexandria and they are both riddled with pure thugery. When the bluebloods were in power they sucked the taxpayers dry with crap like The Heart of Spain. Now that was a huge publicly funded fiasco that made one or two people rich and almost broke the City. Now, with the complete opposite group having seized control, we get gar hole piers and Mississippi consultants. Can't we just elect HONEST people!
He wasn't a public official Scarlett. I think you know who ended up with the taxpayers dollars. My point is that we can't seem to find an honest governing body. Why must we always be riddled with coruption?
Let's get Oday to run for mayor then....at least he has the money to spare
I'd be very much interested in who got all the money from HOS exhibit. Several of us are new and don't know all the intricasies of our "leaders" in the area.
I thought the HOS exhibit lost money. What's the story?
Somebody needs to find out if Bob Madison is a ringer for Myron. That would be OK as long as we are aware of it and he is off of the air.
Myron thinks white people are pretty stupid and so far he has been entirely correct.
Well we are aren't we?
I am not. Are you?
23% of us were real damn stupid a certain election for council at large a few years ago.
Who cares about the scam that was, The Heart of Spain", that's water under the bridge now. I'm worried about the millions of dollars to be scammed in the future.
This is a different time. Myron the wonderboy is gone. He garnered lots of support accross the board in this community and I think we were open-minded, fair and right at the time. Myron has changed or has shown his true colors and I don't think the public will let him get by with it. We need to keep his nose on the untility issue. No escape from that. This guy Dr. Alex can win.
I WANT TO KNOW, dammit, that's why I asked! Since I didn't live here during HOS, I'd like to know who got the money. Is it too much to ask? Geez!
anonymous has been rude and impatient and I son't think it deserves an answer until he/she apologizes. I think he/she should be invited to go suck an egg.
I asked politely the first time. I guess being nice isn't your area of expertise, or possibly you would have answered the first time. If you choose not to answer, may I invite you to kiss my ass.
The problem is that you are obviously a phoney. "I just blew into town and was wondering who made off the the Heart of Spain revenue". Try to do better, OK?
Here's some trivia for you newbies: What black field general double-crossed Randy Wiggins in the 1999 Senate race?
Clarence Fields?
Well that is correct ..but other than him...
Both Rosa(MS CLARENCE) Fields AND Myron Lawson got their jobs with State Farm because of Randy Wiggins and both double crossed him and worked for Joe Mcpherson after saying they would support Wiggins.
That's pretty much inline with my point that Myron had his chance and he blew it. He has screwed over so many people and has never showed a shred of honesty, veracity, or loyalty to anyone - that has to catch up with you sooner or later. I hope it is sooner.
Although I heard that Wiggins and Lawson were back in bed together again. Wiggins is a slow learner.
How bout Wiggins and Fields? They mended fences?
How bout Wiggins and Fields? They mended fences?
I believe that Fields is postitioning himself to run for McPherson's senate seat in 2011. The writing is on the wall, but can he carry Buckeye and Tioga?
Why would he do that? He cant make $70,000 being Senator even if he could get elected which he cant. He's never actually had an election against anyone. Besides would his side kick let him? What would he do for a job since he lives in Tioga? Leach off of Roy Hebron ?? I doubt Roy would work for him like the current Mayor does.
Buckeye and Tioga?? Ha...how bout Glenmora, Forest Hill and all the other areas that he couldnt get a single vote in. Face it Mayor of Pineville is the Alpha and Omega for Brother Fields. Thank God for the gift and dont let your mind wander . This is it.
I've gotta assume that this whole bunch is ADHD. You are able to focus you attention for about 45 seconds and then off on some meaningless tangent. We couldn't quite figure out the picture on the mud pier so we moved to speculating on the 2011 elections. AND WE FANCY OURSELVES AS THE INFORMED, INTERESTED AND COMMITTED.
Somebody needs to figure out what we can do to help Slatkin and we need to do it. The objective is replacing the incumbent in the at-large position and so far we have only one person with the courage, fortitude, clout, and money, to get it done. But he can't do it without the people and that is US. Please try to focus.
Two other items of interest i found on the Committee Meeting Agenda for next Tuesday:
Legal Committee Meeting at 3:00 p.m.
1. To consider final adoption of an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to sign an amended ground lease with N. R. Group, LLC for the property commonly known as the Holiday Inn.
(Lewis Marshall and CFS should NOT be able to vote on this item!
Here is another interesting one:
Finance Committee Meeting at 4:30 p.m.
1. To discuss waving portion or all past due utility bills for low income payers.
Sounds like the Council is feeling the "heat" from the utility bill fiasco.
Real scrutiny for a change. If either Harry or Chuck vote against the lease amendment it falls. If either of them don't, they should be run out of town. Is this the amendment that Brenner Sadler proposed on behalf of the tenant and Albin Provosty reviewed on behalf of the Mayor? As the Muslims say: Shiite!
I direct your attention to the current Town Talk web sight. I double-dog dare you to read this article.
March 2, 2006 6:58 PM
Consultant studied water park for city of Alexandria
A $100,000 contract awarded last year to develop affordable housing in Alexandria included a hard look at a $10 million water park after the City Council president redirected the $110-an-hour consultant.
Aw, what the hell - why should you have to wait:
Consultant studied water park for city of Alexandria
A $100,000 contract awarded last year to develop affordable housing in Alexandria included a hard look at a $10 million water park after the City Council president redirected the $110-an-hour consultant.
By December, Alexandria architectural and engineering firms were sitting on go, hoping they had a project and waiting on word to start $450,000 in water park design work.
The arrangement would have had all invoices and payments flowing through Fuller Consulting’s Jason Gamlin, the consultant hired to look at housing.
Now, the water park and possibly the unfinished affordable housing study aren't likely to see sunlight, and Alexandria taxpayers are left $100,000 poorer.
“I have serious concerns about the way this was done,” City Councilman Roosevelt Johnson said.
For more on this story, see Friday's Town Talk or check back Friday at this Web site.
Originally published March 2, 2006
Well, Well Well, looks like Billy Gunn has some balls after all. Myron, CFS and the rest of the chain gang are raping the city. They won't stop unless we stop them. We sit here and complain, but do nothing. We need to show up at the next city council meeting with a "political posse" and run these thieves out of town. Tuesday March 7, 5:00....be there!
You can't "waive" a utility bill regardless of how "poor" the customer happens to be. The council knows that much law. This is a bullshit grandstand by desparate politicians trying to deflect the heat. They want to say they tried to help, but the big bad lawyers said it could not be done. Someone needs to call crap on this dog and pony show.
Not someone, us.
Ya know..Considering the current quality of traffic in the mall, the positive effects of aqua emersion and the documented counterpropensity to float, the water park might be a long term cost saving device. Don't shoot it down so quickly.
Good idea!!!!Never thought of that. Give em a rope and let them hang themselves. I for one will be at the council meeting Tuesday. Can't speak up though. Might lose my job....city employee.
Aw, come on Delores, If not you than who?
Classic example of the old saying that Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. In Alexandria you have a majority of a governing body making decisions based upon special interests and perhaps illegal but certainly STUPID concepts such as the water park. BUT, you have at least minimum resistance from one of the counsil members and sometimes the Mayor and some Citizens... thus the Power is not yet absolute. You read articles written by Billy Gunn in the newspaper that show how stupid such decisions are , you see some minimal negative reporting of their actions on TV and you have interest on blogs like this . Water park STUPID spending money for Walking trail STUPID and thus its likely that they will be blocked. Watch and see. ..but just across the river you have Mayor and City Counsil that vote unanimously, no debate, no discussion nothing but A Mayor his Karl Rove and bobbing heads who agree on everything which is quite UNAMERICAN if truth be known..... And they too make STUPID decisions such as a BIKE track built on a LANDFIll built with tens of thousands of taxpapers dollars. The reason it was built? One of the Counsilmans family members had an "interest" . Never been used and not surprising since its built over a dump. And it gives the City such a nice site as you cross the river. Grass, trash and trailer house. Any less stupid and perhaps improper than walking trail or a waterpark?? NO BUT unlike Alexandria, the Power is ABSOLUTE in Pineville and thus, no articles in the newspaper . They have Bill, "Im up the Mayors Butt" Summral who unlike Billy Gunn has absolutely NO journalistic credibility and writes puff pieces given to him by the City. NO Difference between wasting money on a walking trail or a water park and actually SPENDING the money on a so called bike track that has never been used. ....Alexandria still has a chance to do something . The only thing worse than a City ran by idiots is a City run by idiots and an electorate that doesnt care anymore. In Pineville they've already drank the Coolaide and made themselves believe they like it. In Alexandria some still dont like the taste. Keep fighting.
Finally some appreciation for Gunn and the Town Talk. I am somewhat dissappointed that the article (and all articles) fail to mention that Fuller Consulting is in fact, a tenant of Myron Lawson. The Lawson Incubator is truly an exciting story in itself. From that small building comes Brigit Brown, Kelvin Sanders, Sanders Consulting (Kelvin's wife), Charles Johnson, and Fuller Consulting. These entities have achieved considerable success at the public's expense. First, we have Brigit's meteoric rise in the England Authority, courtesy of Myron the Polce Juror. Then we have everyone's genuinely remarkable success at the expense of the City of Alexandria, directly and indirectly (Brigit the Bonding Attorney and Brigit the Cleco Attorney). Myron's insight into the real estate market is amazing because it is rumoured that each of these good luck stories is accompanied by a substantial increase of rent paid by the tenant to landlord Lawson.
When you have an economic merry-go-round that is that good, ya gotta pay to ride.
Fuller Consulting? .... Any relation to Joe "I ain't got no job" Fuller?
MYRON GETS THE CASH, CHARLES GETS THE HEAT;
COUNCIL POLITICS IS OH SO SWEET!
** this couplet brought to you by the Council for Good Government in Alexandria and the Rest of the World Except for Consultants and Tenants of Lawson Financial Incubator
*** our motto: "Too much WATER under the bridge."
Who owns the proposed water park tract on lower third?
The actual park site will be located on property owned by the Red River Waterway Commission...however they will need to buy property along Main Street for parking. Alexandria Business and Civic League owns a huge chunk in that area. I wonder who they are?
SUMBITCH!
Y'all realize that we not only have this blog to get out the word, but we have the radio station KSYL where we can call in EVERY DAY and complain about city government. There MUST be someone from the government who listens to the show each day or at least some days and if some of us call in each day to remind the voting public how badly we're being cheated by this scumbag council, there just might be a rebellion at the polls. If we're silent too long, someone will cover us up with dirt.
Dear Radio, folks are saying that Bob Madison of KSYL fame is going to run for mayor or councilman at large. What does that do to the station's neutrality and objectivity. I would sure like to know if this is true.
Dear Radio, folks are saying that Bob Madison of KSYL fame is going to run for mayor or councilman at large. What does that do to the station's neutrality and objectivity. I would sure like to know if this is true.
Dr. Sams has taken off like rocket. He has a good organization. I think he is gonna make it.
Bob Madison has not announced his candidacy to my knowledge, but I miss some of the show each day so I can't really say for sure. I think he'd make a good mayor, but I can't imagine he'd want the frustration involved in the job.
If he did run, I would think he'd have to quit the radio station to avoid the appearance of impropriety.
I suspect that the mayor's salary plus benefits amounts to 5 or 6 times Bob Madison's highest income ever. He could be motivated by the $$$. He told certain politicos of his intention to run and I think somebody needs to openly inquire. Certainly his employer would need to know to avoid at least one law suit that I know to be drafted and ready to file. "Taylor Thompson, do you promise to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you Charlie Soprano?"
I think the previous poet is correct. His brother councilmen let CFS be "head councilman in charge", get out front, be the spokesperson, appear in control, set him up, told him what to do and how, took advantage of his ego and stupidity, and left him holding the bag. He will probably lose his job, his girlfriend, his saloon, his seat, and quite possibly his freedom just because Myron had him figured and let him make his inevitable greedy mistakes. Myron got the goldmine and CFS got the shaft. I see an HBO movie in the works.
Sams says he is gonna win with the black vote. You gotta be kidding. They won't vote for an "R". He may get 10 black votes because he has a couple of people working for him that can carry 5 votes each.
Its a shame Brewer is too dumb or stubborn to switch parties. She'd landslide everyone as a Democrat with Neds 20% of the black vote and all the whites. Nobody likes a stubborn loser.
Won't all that depend on who else is running? If Bo Curtis runs it won't matter what symbol is on the ballot - this one depends on the white folks showing up - the key is dist. 4 & 5. That's 20,000+ folks if they show up and vote. If they don't he could have an endorsement from Jesus and it won't help.
What district does Jesus live in? I thought he lived in Pineville.
He used to live in District 4 but resigned from the council and moved to the lake.
How much will Dr. Sams and Delores Brewer hurt each other? It is beginning to look like Sams is drawing support accross racial and economic lines. That is a surprise but he has a pretty good organization going. Would it be a mistake to think that Ned's supporters are still out there and that they could be delivered to Brewer or anybody else? Ned's popularity was based on the fact that he wasn't John Snyder. Will that emotional issue still hold up. What happens if Harry Siver and Dudley Hixon announce? Has anyone thought of the big picture? What happened to the "Acosta for Mayor" sign. I only saw one and it vanished.
Are all the people waiting on Ned to finally publically announce what is a foregone conclusion - that he can't make another round? Questions? Questions?
I do hope all the black ministers got a good look at today's TT. It had a couple of really good points in it. First was the front page quote by the first Arab business man in Alexandria and the best one was the letter to the editor about parasites. OUTSTANDING!
Dear Spadecaller:
You are not christian, you or not moral, you are not decent, and you are not smart. You are the worst of everything. You are ugliness and hate and intolerance. You destroy everything that the decent people on this planet are trying to build.
Spadecaller, do you know the injury you do to your children and other kids that they infect with your hatred and ignorance. Think about them for a change.
I taught my children first the value of getting a good education so they could provide for their own way on this planet. Then I instilled in them a good work ethic, so again they could provide for their own way on this planet. That does not make me ignorant, intolerant or hateful. It makes me responsible.
You must be one of the parasites or a filthy rich person who enjoys seeing your money being wasted on people who choose not to work for a living.
Nobody makes it without help and that includes you and your children. What about the children that didn't have the wonderful advantage of growing up under a tolerant, loving, charitable, learned parent like you. What happens to them?
Please quit wasting your time and our space trying to enlighten the race-baiter. In 20 years he will wonder why his children can't adjust to society and it will never occur to him that he ruined them.
Back to the discussion about the dynamics of Sams vs. Brewer. You have two pretty capable and well funded republican candidates drawing from the same voter profile. Will they get together and talk or will enjoy mutually assured distruction? What impact will Harry Silver, Rod Noles, and Dudley Hixon have if they announce?
Jesse Jackson and his ilk make a living at race-baiting. The black ministers in the area called for a boycott of all the Arab-owned stores for golly sakes! What is that if not racism!?
Spadecaller is just a republican who actually speaks what's really on his mind. Remember, Duke carried Rapides with almost 70% of the vote. Its a damn shame, but racism is alive and well.
Of course, then you have blacks like the snake who fuel more racism by doing what they do with the public's money. So, who's worse?
Is there an honest, white, non-racist democrat who can save Cenla form the evil forces on both extremes?
Hillary Randolph?
Actually, I doubt that there is a non-racist black or white democrat or republican to be found. Those that hadn't cultivated the feelings have developed them from the polarizing effect of people like Myron Lawson and the asshole who is reacting to him. The best we can hope for is that we get people who recognize their prejudices and work hard to overcome them because they understand they are inherantly distructive to everyone. When people spout hatred and promote intolerance we need to kick their ass - immediately and every time.
Things like Black Miss America and the United Negro College Fund fuel the fire.
There was someone who could unite both parties and all races. However, as someone earlier stated, he moved out of District 4 and now lives on the lake.
Just ask Ranson which councilman made him so sick he switched parties. Bet you can guess!
Yes, and if Wiggins would have beat McPherson, that councilman would probably be sporting an "R" on his voter registration card.
"Like a good neighbor ......"
It's time for action - not words. Who's going to the council meeting to oppose the proposal to spend $600,000 of our money on the Louis Marshall rape trail? I'll be there.
If you have the money, I have the time to run for mayor. I have a pulse and can fog a mirror which evidently qualifies me for the position. I will make no promises since the electorate has no expectations and won't vote anyway, except that; #1. I will try to keep the impact of my personal gain to a break even point that will not negatively impact the population of the city. #2. There will be no special favors, unless of course, there is something in it for me. #3. In the event I am going to give away the public's property or seize private property, I will at least mention it in public so that the population will at least know they are going to get screwed, not that it will make any difference on the out come. I find public discourse a waste of time. #4. I will make no pretense that I have any respect for any one's interest but my own. ( this is my honesty in government statement.) So as not to be be disagreeable, I have no plan, platform, or promise which should be a comfortable extension of the status quo and quite palatable for the citizenry since they have no expectations in the first place. My identity will be revealed upon a suitable offer.
My God, Spanky! What do you want? You're already the president, for god's sake.
It's not $600,000 - it's $640.000 - however, maybe you agree with Harry Silver who described spending a mere $70,000 of our money as "chump change".
I want it all.
On a more serious note, I have been out of town for the last four months and do not know what the city surplus figure is. Has any one checked lately?
Spanky, tell us what the surplus is, how you find out, and what it means. Thanks
The current city surplus or fund balance as it is called by the bean counters is around 5 million dollars. At on time it was as high as 13 million and has been as low as 2 million.
I hear that Roosevelt is going to take a stand against the thugs tomorrow night. He may our white knight, or black knight rather. Lets see if he can start a trend.
The surplus or fund balance is the amount over spending that is a surplus. Projected tax collections are also used in this calculation. Our city budget is divided into capital and operating expenditures. The surplus can also be viewed as the amount used for a margin of error against our approximately 150 million anual city budget. These funds are not yet allocated and at 5 million, barely sufficient to meet the next hurricane season emergencies if they arise or any other non budgeted expense. There can be no deficit spending in the city by law.
I have read the majority of this blog and it strikes me that a great portion of the discussion centers around personalities and not principles or a defined course of action. To make the changes that we need to make here, and they will be the life or death of this community, there needs to be a discussion of what priorities are going top be a addressed. City government has as its basic responsibility to provide for the safety and health of its citizens. I don't mean to get to basic but its the basics that are not happening here. Provision of basic services are unsatisfactory here and anyone looking to relocate will pass us up. While Union Tank Car is a wonderful addition to our community, they ahave been exempted out of the tax base and have a ten year free ride. The majority of their employees will come from out of state and while they will add 850 jobs, we lost 1600 jobs in Alexandria in 2005, so I would say the trend is not progressive. We have had a net population loss since the eighties from 58,000 to our current 46,000 which by the way disqualifies us for many federal matching fund programs that have 50,000 population as a minimum threshhold. While many want to see Alexandria as growing, the numbers say otherwise. I would focus immediately on getting the crime stats way down. Any FBI agent knows that we are number four in the per capita murder rate for any size city in the US. That alone addresses a quality of life issue. I would like to have an expanded discussion of what it is going to take to make Alexandria a very desirable place to live again and formulate a course of action. Any one game?
I'll tell you what its going to take, its simple. How about honest public officials who are not in office solely to line their own pockets. Now, there's a novel idea.
Spanky, I respect your view but what we have here is not a failure in operation but a failure in motive. We have officials that are getting rung up for ethics violations, are involved in unconscionable conflicts, are doing amazing questionable things in the open without fear of consequence, and folks that are purely motivated by their desire for money and influence (to get more money). Honesty on the council and the mayor's office would go a long way toward correcting some of the trends you mention.
It's all about a return to honesty. If you build it they will come.
We should expect our mayor and council to be honest and serve the people who elect them with honesty and integrity. The electorate as a whole has to understand that local politics is not a spectator sport and that the results will directly affect their fortunes and estates. It is of the utmost importance that everyone participate and be part of the community. When you analyze poll results, 20-25% voter turnout has 10-12.5 % of the electorate making the decisons for the rest of the population. It is my contention that we have the government we deserve by our neglect as citizens. Apply it across racial, gender and party lines. We as the electorate must motivate our neighbors to care. The first question I ask when someone complains about our government is if they voted. If they do, I listen - If they don't, I tell them to vote and I will listen next time. While we bash our elected officials, and lord knows they deserve an additional double scoop, we are guilty for not being more involved and insisting our fellow citizens be involved also. If recent events of the past year don't motivate people around here to put aside differences and work for change, then nothing will. I am well aware of things that occur in this town and could probably expand on many of the subjects discussed in this blog. It is not good to share everthing one knows. Why have sections of Alexandria been left to crack blight. Do I smell a land grab. By doing nothing, whole neighborhoods have been devalued and equity that was built in homes evaporated as sales prices plunged. Would you believe that houses on Levin street that are selling for 15-20K were worth 80K 15 years ago prior to the interstate shifting the population. I would not call that serving the public. I personally feel that the crack plague was allowed to spread. Especially when it is so obvious that people are dealing and walking the street with goods that would appear to be stolen. I will go as far as saying the city allowed whole neighborhoods to be affected and that you will begin to see developers begin to capitalize on the areas of town that can be picked up at sheriffs sale or bought for a pittance. There is more than one way to steal.
Disciples of the snake are spreading some pretty vicious rumors about ole Slatkin. The first offensive from the snake pit has begun. Its going to be a scorched Earth approach. Absolute power and wealth are not given up without a war. Get ready, I hope the good doc has very thick skin.
Even Alexandria voters have a threshold of tolerance. There is some finite point where the regular folks will say "I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take it any more". I think that council arrogance and misconduct are bringing us to that threshold. If I am right, we will have voter participation and things will change. If I'm wrong, we will have the usual apathy, low turnout, and more of the same unfortunate distructive self-serving city business.
Of course, the threshold is reached not by what they do but what we know about. I think that is the key. If the people know how they have been treated they will react. A perfect example is the way the people of District 4 are reacting to the Council insult in treating their wishes with contempt and total disregard in appointing it's own guy instead of the guy they wanted. Now those folks are seriously invested in making sure that the council doesn't get its way again. That is why Mark Lampert has such strong and enthusiastic support in the District 4 neighborhoods. The rest of Alexandria needs to reach the same point of disgust and determination.
I imagine that Dr. Alex knows what to expect from Myron. Myron's got two kinds of problems:
1. he is running against a guy with absolutely no political baggage - he is a family doc and a popular person with a pleasing personality and a spotless reputation;
2. Myron has screwed so may people with this lies and double-dealings and irresponsible representation (utility bills, consulting contracts, kickbacks, double-crosses) that his biggest problem is not Dr. Alex, its everybody else. I know for a fact that he as personally lied to and shit upon two of the prosecutors in the DA's office. There is usually a heavy price to pay for that.
Scarlett, your opinion of Brewer seems to be right on. She is standing her ground on some delicate issues. I bet the council is getting a case of the bends.
more likely a case of the red ass.
Scarlett, I have never seen anyone as ill-at-ease with an agreement or compliment. You must have been abused, mistreated, and underappreciated before your Diamond Grill barstool days.
Scarlett, I have never seen anyone as ill-at-ease with an agreement or compliment. You must have been abused, mistreated, and underappreciated before your Diamond Grill barstool days.
Well, generally, I suppose it is your unfortunate lack of grace that concerns me. But, of course, you reacted as one might expect.
It is just unfortunate that we observers have to watch your inappropriate attacks on those who try to treat you with kindness. You are obviously unaccustomed to compliments.
But, you're right. It's your problem. If you could just somehow keep it to yourself we would not be affected. Pity.
Dear Scarlett, I too find it troublesome when someone tells you that you were correct and they support your viewpoint and you counter with "oh yeah, well kiss my ass."
Your attitude should really not be the focus of our diaglogue but we all sort of get to know each other here and it is a little off-puting when these things are in our face.
When your hostility is in the unnecessary defense of a candidate (Brewer, for instance) they bare the brunt of your conduct.
Can anyone confirm - Mcalroy from the consulting firm robbing the city of a quarter million dollars for yet another master plan is an old roommate of Myron's from his Southern days and supposedly lost his architect license in Mississippi?
That's how one becomes an Alexandria consultant. He could have doubled his take (gross, not net) by renting office space in the Lawson Economic Incubator.
Dear Scarlett, I am sorry you are so insecure. I think that your nastiness is just a symptom of your insecurity. And I think you care what everybody thinks about you, are embarrassed by your over-reactive behaviour, and relish the fact that you can pretend on this blog. But its OK. We accept you as you are.
P.S. I fully expect you to strike out at me - it's who you are. It's OK.
Enough already. Scarlett acts nasty for the attention. Lets move on. Who watched the Council meetings on TV today? What do you think?
The council meeting, the committee meetings - what do you think? Chump Change Silver was subdued - actually voted against Myron on a gimmie contract but only after determining that he could vote no for the crowd and Myron could still get his deal.
The problem I have with Delores is that there needs to be a clean sweep. No one left behind to keep the kitty litter neat.
Spanky, that's that old "Original Sin" deal where we condemn her for her associations rather than her achievments. Anybody who stands up to Lawson is OK with me. See:
"http://www.thetowntalk.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060307/NEWS01/60307002"
No one has mentioned the contract that Hobbs pushed through in the utility committee meeting to provide electronic meter reading consulting services to the City. This could cost millions of dollars in consulting fees and equipment purchases. The administration wanted to develop a process for selecting this consultant but Hobbs pushed it through with his buddy getting the contract with no competition. Wonder what kind of kickback that will get him?
I noticed that Marc Lampert and Dr. Slatkin were both at the council meeting. Marc attended most of the committee meetings as well. They really need to be in the "private" meetings that happen prior to and during the committee meetings. That's where all the deals get cut. Hopefully these two can get elected and provide some well needed "sunlight" on the council's thug activities.
Disciples of the snake are taking Slatkin down on the streets. There are rumors out there that will kill him in the Bible belt. The snakes minions must be stopped or they will retain their grasp on power through subterfuge and misinformation.
I hope that the candidates for mayor realize that their potential for success is directly related to the outcome of the council races.
Delores Brewer, I hope you read this.
I appreciate your courage and responsible stance on the Hobbs-Buddy meter consultation contract. I, for one, am not particularly interested in what a candidate promises. The important thing is what a candidate delivers and you are kicking ass in that department. I agree with the previous writer that your potential for success depends on changes in council personnel. Keep the faith. You are the first good news we have had on the second floor in over a decade.
Dr. Sams has been uncharacteristically quiet. Has he lose courage or gained prudence?
Gained prudence? You gotta be kidding! His people say he's gonna get 80% of the black vote. Maybe he's just coasting on his "chocolate idol" status.
80% of the black vote - that's a little optimistic, don't you think. Nelson Mandela wouldn't get 80%. At any rate, lots of signs and not too much noise. I guess they are on schedule.
Delores,
BEWARE! If you become the least bit effective, Myron via Albin will send you packing!
Too late. She is already effective. I'm guessing that she is too vital to delete now. It's kinda like the point in Giant when Chill Wills tells Rock Hudson that James Dean got too rich to kill. I love them old movies.
If the information of this site is anywhere close to the truth, I'm thinking that Albin has problems of his own. If Albin makes his future depend on Myron's good will, he better be contriving a fall-back plan. Myron ain't famous for sticking with you when you cease to be usefull to him.
Albin is gonna be "Scooter Libbyed" and then "Martha Stewarted" and finally, "Noland Hammonded". Folks don't feel too sorry for you when you tumble all the way from the top. They kinda thrive on it.
Good points on Albin. Ask Wiggins where Lawson was on election day in 1999. On the Sams thing, he may get 8 black votes, if he's lucky. The black leaders on his team can deliver at least 6.
Plus, there are two black republicans in Alexandria. That's 8.
You didn't miss much. As usual, you have to pay more attention to what isn't said than what is said. The CFS/Patel hotel lease deal was mysteriously pulled from the Legal Committee agenda. Hmmmmmmmm
What
I am astounded that Hobbs hasn't drawn some major opposition. His conduct in directing that meter consulting contract should make him a target for the administration and the good government people.
I understand that Billy Gunn is on vacation this week. That can be confirmed by the decline in reporting on the council's rather amazing variety of sleezy developments on Tuesday. I hope he returns soon and I hope he is not depending on the Town Talk to learn what transpired in his absence.
Dear Anonymous Posters Obviously Associated and Disgruntled with Alexandria Government,
I discovered this little sounding board today, and I believe it serves a good purpose. I've uncovered some outstanding commentary here. However, as far as I can tell, this post marks the first time in which the writer uses his REAL name. Of course, anonymity allows many of you the ability to write unsubstantiated gossip and mean-spirited attacks against people who cannot defend themselves because this forum isn't exactly the most well-known website in the world. To those people, you're simply pathetic. All of you. Regardless of political persuasion. Regardless of the intention of your claims. If you really care about the state of affairs and if you're really serious about the issues you espouse, then you should have no problem with putting your name next to your opinion. Also, to those of you who are obviously posting from the back offices of City Hall, ladies and gentlemen, your IP addresses can be directly traced. Recently, staffers from both Republican and Democratic Senators offices were exposed as contributors of self-serving content on Wikipedia. If you're using one of Uncle Sam's computers to post slander, even under the shroud of anonymity, you're putting yourself and your boss at risk.
I think that most of you really want to see positive change occur in Alexandria, and I share a similar vision. But the only way this will ever occur is if we decide to have enough courage to stand up and speak out. It may be risky to say unpopular things (and I know Alexandria is a small town), but you're accomplishing nothing if you continue to fear the implications of your own beliefs.
I agree with much of what has been said here: The local government's composed of a bunch of good ol' boys (and these boys are both black and white), our tax dollars are being wasted on dumb projects, and our government has no concept of how to prioritize.
If you share these beliefs, speak out. Cynthia Jardon at The Town Talk will publish your letters. The problem with the paper isn't due to an unwillingness to publish the truth; it's because most people in Alexandria with an opinion, like those in this blog, are simply unwilling to put their money where their mouth is. So please people, share your knowledge with the entire community.
Get up. Stand up.
Lamar White, Jr.
lamarw@gmail.com
cenlamar.blogspot.com
Bravo to you, Lamar. I was reminded of this blog a few days ago and decided to check it out tonight. It is fortuitous that you made your comments tonight. You are 100% correct. It is time for people to stand up for what is right. If you operate in the shadows hidden by anonymity, you will never win. You must be willing to stand on your convictions. Sometimes that means people will say bad things about you (true or untrue). But that's the price one must be willing to pay if they truly want to make a difference. Lip service is not enough.
Some of the comments I have read are very profound and very correct. Unfortunately, unless they are accompanied by the name of a person who is willing to stand behind them, they are worthless. When I was on the City Council, my policy was to respond to 100% of the calls I received from folks who left contact information. I responded to 0% of the anonymous mailings and messages I received.
Thanks for taking a stand and I am proud to be the second person willing to use their real name.
By the way, if you think this is a fake message, call me and we can discuss it. But, remember, use your real name.
Rick Ranson
office: 484-4761
home: 793-0776 (before 8 pm please)
cell: 542-2185
e-mail: rick@rickranson.net
Thats nice. Hows the lake?
Rick, Let me say first that I admire your relative honesty and the service you provided. However, I disagreed with your premature departure. You should have stayed and fought the good fight against the snake an his cohorts. You only had one more year. Second, you departed in a coordinated fashion in order to allow the snake and gang to appoint their own kind as your replacement. If you had chosen to delay your departure a few more days, the law would have dictated that an election be held and then the neighborhoods could have elected someone who believed as you did, in honest government. Also, you and little White must remember that some of us would be fired if we spoke our minds without the protection of anonimity. However, all that being said, I think you're a good guy, and I hope you enjoy being with your family and quit worrying about this crap. The only snake that can get you at the lake is a water mocassin. Which, in my opinion, is much less dangerous than the one in Alexandria.
Rick,
I too admire you for your conviction. Don't let anyone make you feel guilty about getting out when you did. Your family will remember you a lot longer than any of your constituents will. Unfortunantly, I must remain anonymous on this blog as my family relies on my bi-weekly city paycheck to survive.
As I said, I don't respond to anonymous comments, but, since you seem to be a little twisted with the facts, let me set the record straight.
The reason I left the Council had nothing to do with City government. It had to do with priorities. We found a house on Cotile Lake which is perfect for raising my 5 year old. It was available and (to my surprise) I was able to sell my existing house in two days. My first priority was and is my family.
Secondly, the timing of my departure was orchestrated by me. If I would have resigned 12 days earlier, there would have been an election to fill the remaining time of my term. I chose to wait in order to avoid wsteful spending on an election. By the time the election could be held, the winner would only get to serve 5 - 6 months. I don't think this is proper use of the taxpayer dollars.
For the record, if you'd like to ask me a question or make a comment about me, please include your name and telephone number. If you're afraid of repercussions, call or e-mail me directly.
Thanks,
Rick
I don't buy the "save money" arguement for delaying your departure. The costs of a district race would have been minimal. Its only a few precincts. The financial damage now being done due to the fact that Lampert or some other fighter is not on the council to stop the slithering is catastrophic. The "appointment" created a super-majority which is now unstopable. However, all of that is water under the bridge. You are gone and spending quality time with your five year old is much more important than all of this other crap. Your son will actually be grateful to you for the rest of his life. On the other hand, most people who clamor around politicians don't care what you did for them yesterday. Good night Ranson.
You dare to question Mr. Ranson's personal priorities, and yet you don't have the integrity to sign your own name. Why are you afraid? Who are you afraid of?
And more importantly, why are you changing the subject? Mr. Ranson was speaking to the self-defeating nature of anonymity, and you decide to turn the conversation onto him.
Is there some violent Alexandrian mafia that I'm not aware of?
Again, it's pathetic.
Scarlet, my previous comment was not directed toward you. However, considering that you are one of the most active particpants in this forum, I think you'd gain more credibility if you signed your real name and dropped the paranoia.
Lighten up Junior. Turn your considerable youthful energies toward defeating the slithering. Are you over 18 and ready to run for the council? If so, saddle up.
Actually gentlemen, your points are well-taken, however, you are not the first person(s) to identify yourself on this site. Al Shapiro beat you to it and suffered the proverbial slings and arrows of cheap shot artists with memories. Therein lies the rub. If everyone has to dress out to play then you have an enlightened forum. If some folks step up and others remain anonymous, then you have a shooting gallery. I, for one, would rather do it your way but how can we make it work?
"Lighten up Junior. Turn your considerable youthful energies toward defeating the slithering. Are you over 18 and ready to run for the council? If so, saddle up."
Hey, there is no reason to assume that I'm so morose. I'm just feel like this forum is not healthy to real debate.
And run for the Council? I think I can affect more change elsewhere, but I appreciate it.
Look for my column in Sunday's TT.
Thanks
Hey..lamar JR....why dont you run for office yourself or do something more couragous than lecture everyone on here. It doesnt make you a MAN just because you have no boss, no political vulnerability, no mortgage to have to be concerned about and thus can sign your NAME . See, those of us who don't inherit our wealth and substinance have to be careful who we piss off lest we be without a pay check or have a landfill put in our back yard. So , when you grow some hair on your chest and have to earn a living without the WHITE name come back and give us some of your self righteous wisdom. We know who you are and all the reasons why we need to treat you with kid gloves but lighten up.
"Hey..lamar JR...."
Hey. Oh! I get it; you put my name in lower case and capitalized JR in order to create emphasis. Well, hey to you, ANONYMOUS.
"why dont you run for office yourself or do something more couragous than lecture everyone on here."
Well, you have to start somewhere, right? But thanks for lecturing me about "lecturing everyone on here," which, by the way, was not my intention. Perhaps I need to do something more courageous, but I've put my name out there... which is more than you can say for yourself.
"It doesnt make you a MAN just because you have no boss, no political vulnerability, no mortgage to have to be concerned about and thus can sign your NAME."
I never meant to emasculate anyone, but I need to correct your assertion: I have a boss. Political vulnerability? Obviously I've made myself vulnerable to anonymous attacks from people in government. And how on earth do you know I don't have a mortgage to pay? You're making assumptions about something you know nothing about.
"See, those of us who don't inherit our wealth and substinance have to be careful who we piss off lest we be without a pay check or have a landfill put in our back yard."
That way of thinking is self-defeating. Maybe you have a good reason to be scared of sharing your opinions in an honest forum, but ultimately, you're wasting your time.
Also, I've worked hard for everything that I have. My family provided me with opportunity, no doubt, but I hardly see how my finances are a part of any discussion concerning the Alexandria government. But you're probably right: wealthy people are NEVER persecuted for their beliefs.
"So , when you grow some hair on your chest and have to earn a living without the WHITE name come back and give us some of your self righteous wisdom."
You want me to move away and change my name? Well, I lived in Houston for the past five years, and believe me, my last name doesn't mean anything to people over there. And honestly, my last name has little to do with the real issues we should be discussing. It's sad to me that you'd label my opinions as "self-righteous wisdom" without even addressing their substance. This is one of the reasons Alexandria has such a hard time keeping motivated, intelligent young people: If they dare to speak out, they're immediately met with resistance by those whose lives are completely entrenched in a system in desperate need of reform. Rather than listen, they make baseless personal accusations.
"We know who you are and all the reasons why we need to treat you with kid gloves but lighten up."
Kid gloves? There's no reason to be afraid of being honest with me. I'm just as capable of defending myself as anyone else is (except, of course, if you meant kid gloves literally, in which case, yeah, I'm not a very good boxer at all).
And just so you know, I'm in a great mood.
So, at this point, I'm thinking that Lamar and Rick are beginning to understand the difference between a discussion and a gang rape. Sorry guys.
Scarlett,
Maybe I am beating a dead horse. But initially, I wanted to make the point that anonymous attacks accomplish nothing. I respect those of you who are honest, topical, and balanced in your remarks, and I understand the reasons you want to protect your identity online.
But if you're going to personally attack people anonymously, you deserve to be called to task.
Otherwise, like you said, let's discuss the issues.
I think the universal truth on this blog is that we all see the need for a complete change: a change in leadership and a change in direction. We have good candidates. Now what?
When we try to focus on common issues and goals we founder. We are only good at cheap shots. No wonder we are getting walking trails, water parks, and consultants out the ass. No wonder 60% of your mother's retirement check goes to the Alexandria Utility Department. Mr. Ranson knew more than all of us and he MOVED!
I agree with Mr. White. Anonymous critical rantings produce no effect and give the appearance of being cowardly. If you are going to express a critical opinion, you need to identify yourself. One notable exception to this would be the city employee who could suffer as a result of identifying him/herself. Criticism is every citizen's right, but rights bring responsibility. Also, please let me note that, if Rick Ransom makes a statement, you can book it.
Please let me make a correction. I spelled Rick's last name wrong in my last post. It should be "Ranson", of course, not "Ransom". Thanks for letting me make the correction
You people have no idea how badly I want to spill my guts. Unfortunantly, my employment with the city keeps me from doing so. I can say this...there is so much going on that is bad...really bad. No one really knows who to trust or who is in charge. What we need is some honest and gutsy people on the council, and in the mayor's office who can develop some sensible priorities based on the common good, not a select few. Lamar Jr. has my vote.
How can all this bad stuff go on and the mayor and Delores Brewer not be fully aware of it. It they are aware of it does that mean that they are in cahoots or at least approving of the bad stuff. This is why I firmly believe that we need a clean sweep. After Sept. 30th there should be new folks in the mayor's office and in council districts 2, 4, and at-large. We will finish cleaning house in two years.
With the charter written the way it is, it doesn't matter who wins the mayors race. If the snake doesn't go down this fall, we should all move to Cotile with Rick, to Woodworth, or to Ball. Last one out of Alexandria, turn out the lights.
OK Working4thcity. Let's hear it. This gives you the advantage of anonymity. If you have information of wrongdoing give it to us and let us take it from here.
Forget the charter, if the mayor and Delores are mixed up in wrongdoing they need to run out of town. If Working4thecity has information he needs to lay it out or go down with the ship. Anybody who protects these creeps is as much at fault as they are. The Town Talk, some of the prosecutors, and many of the city leaders read this site. Shine some light for us. Then if becomes our problem.
Does anyone know if somebody is going to run against Hobbs?
The problem is not with the mayor and the administration. It's with the council. Most of it stems from dealmaking. Council members (not all) are trying to get their guys in on the business. Things like drug testing, master plans, meter reading equipment, gas contracts,water parks, hotels, condos, board appointments, and numerous other spoils. In the past, the administration and council have mostly thought alike on many of these issues and most of the time the job, contract, etc. went to the most qualified. Now the new powerbrokers want their guys to get the deals. In most cases, their guys are a tad bit incompetent. It's not just what they are doing, but how they are doing it. For example important job openings that need council approval are being pulled from the agenda as a ploy for certain council members to get administration approval on something they want. Everything is based on power and politics and not what is best for the city. I am getting to the point where I believe that cleaning house is the only way to solve it.
The deals to look for are the ones where the councilman derives some personal benefit from an appointment, contract, or hire. A perfect example would be if a council gave lucrative positions or contracts to persons who rent office space from him and then increased the rent as a bribe. I understand, for instance, that Deidre Fuller has left the Lawson building and is located elsewhere now that ther $100,000 water park consultation contract is over (without a report or any work product to show for it, one might add). Brigit and Kelvin, on the other hand, who are still firmly affixed to the city teat, are still tenants of the Lawson Economic Incubator. Go figure???
Using the Name Al Shapiro shows NO class whatsoever and is very insensitve to the lavonna ryland family. Obviously its NOT Al Shapiro who lives now in Baton Rouge. I hope we dont hope to replace the idiots we have now for the idiots who sometimes occupy this place.
Here is the bottom line. The Council will do whatever they want as long as WE let them get away with it. It is OUR money and OUR city. Why do you think they passed the smoking ordinance? Do you really think they care about your health? Hell NO. They passed the ordiance because the anti smoking people got organized, did their homework, showed up in unison at the committee meetings and got in the councilmen's faces. There is strength in numbers. You can bitch and moan on this blog until the cows come home and it wont do a bit of good. Show up to the committee or council meetings and raise some hell. The agendas for both are posted on the City of Alexandria website at least one week prior to the meetings. Find someone who is willing to run against these thugs and hit the streets. And by all means VOTE early and vote often. Its YOUR city!
Working4 & Civil,
You have ranted and suggested all sorts of misconduct that you know about and made all sorts of cryptic suggestions about where the skeletons are hidden but you are protecting all those bastards with your silence. Don't you feel some responsibility to expose misconduct that is injuring the city that supports you and your family.
You are anonymous here. Lay it out in detailed concrete terms and we can take it from there. I assure you that these blog reaches people that will make a huge difference. The ball is in your court. If you don't have the character and courage to expose those folks then S T F U.
QUESTION....WHO do you disclose to? The DA doesnt prosecute and the culprits WORK for the Sheriff who has duty to investigate and arrest. The Town Talk does not investigate or disclose and the TV station cant report on anything unless it robs a 7-11 or is an auto wreck..SO.....who the hell do we DISCLOSE to?
ITS the truth. THE District Attorney Jam Downs was a good man who was sincere aboout prosecutions BEFORE he got elected, but his office has not prosecuted anyone in political positons of authority in years. Remember Fred Baden...NO PROSECUTION...remember Nunnally and his drunk of the week arrest...NO PROSECUTION.....remember John Sams and his DISHONIST dual households? NO ACTION...remember the City Counselman who was not qualified because he was a convicted felon NO ACTION. So what are the chances of him prosecuting anything where votes may might be lost??? And our Sheriff..what a disappointment he has become. The only time you see him is when he is showing off his newest ARMAGEDDON mobile that he has bought with the HURRICANE tax that he got passed to give him a gazillion dollars a year. He SURELY isnt going to investigate Charles Frederick Smith who WORKS FOR HIM...remember when CFS crashed a PATROL car into a telephone pole on Bolton Avenue and Was DRUNK?!?!?!?...NOTHING HAPPENED...so why would Hilton do anything.?????
You may be right but I don't think so. Lay it out with some substance and then you have done your part. The head of the local NAACP, Bobby Jordon, Richard Nunnally, the pervert legislator at Buhlow, Crawford James, the Sheffields - the DA does a pretty good job when the case is there. He apparently avoids political vendettas. Your sheriff is a different thing.
Let me venture a guess. The reason you say NOTHING is that you know NOTHING of substance. You are chronic complainers and make up all sorts of intrigue and faux skullduggery because you don't have to produce and back anything up. You are writing stuff on bathroom walls because that is where your "information" belongs. Quit the cheap shots.
Bobby Jordan KILLED a man and is now out of jail. Downs was not the DA then. Pervert Legislator at the Lake? Got away paying a TICKET nothing substantial. Nunnally? Uh he got arrested AGAIN the other day never has gotten ANY penalty so im not sure what you are talking about.Sheffelds? That was the Atty General NOT the DA and it too was NOT DA DOWNS. Not sure what you are talking about. So not sure what nerve hit ya but sounds like you got personal contacts perhaps. Skullduggery? Ha. Wonder which Govt agency YOU work for. Amazing.
Hey Timeforaction...why dont YOU say SOMETHING?
I was serious about the mayors race if you guys want to shake city hall til the bad apples roll out of the door and into jail and make some real progress fast.
Dear Anonymous (I note that you share a last name with many alcoholics),
You are missing the point. Perhaps you don't like the outcome of some of the prosecutions of local politicos but they took place and our DA deserves credit for that. BUT
all these phantom bloggers hint that they have a smoking gun in their pockets and can drop a dime on the local bandits that should blow them all to hell but the substance of their accusations never shows up. There are nearly 2300 entries on this site and, for all the screaming and yelling, few if any facts are disclosed. Some identify themselves as city employees and they seem to think that it is everybody else's responsibility to clean up city hall, even though they have the "info" in their anonymous little hands. This is, of course, horseshit. These folks are the same inveterate whiners that every large organization tolerates and I am sure that are also the sourpuss in their church and social organizations that wish things would "somehow" improve in "some way" but never contribute meaningfully to any solution. As for the pervert legislator escaping without consequence, I doubt that he would agree with you. He lost his legislative office and suffered crushing shame and humiliation for having consensual sex with another adult. That ain't no ticket. Try to focus on the problem. You want to talk about the DA and the Pope and the sheriff and I want to get the facts on the city council wrongdoings (if they exist). There are 4 important elected positions coming up for vote in September and the DA and the Pope are not among them.
While I do not concede the issue of the quality of our local law enforcement machine, I do agree that it is time for the city people who have the info to share it and put it in the public domain where it can be analyzed, broadcast, and used to effectively address and correct any crooked dealing in the city administration and city council. The questions about the Three Amigos will never be answered because those of you that have the information but don't need to bury it, won't share it. The same thing will likely happen in the Cleco litigation. So it is up to the small group of people that were close enough to know exactly what transpired but not close enough to reap any benefit.
The real test is the character of those employees that are distressed what they perceive is illegal activity but feel no obligation to the citizens they serve. There are lots of those. Unfortunately government workers can be generally classified as public servants or parasites. It looks like our bloggers are the latter.
Here is an alternative: give the information to Dr. Sams. You can be assured that it will applied where it is most effective.
whoever operates this blog needs to start a new comment thread it takes far too long to download them all (even on a cable connection) and its way too many to keep track of.
Civil, you have a million excuses for not having the balls to do the right thing. Do you think we don't notice that. You have the city you deserve.
Most of the activity that is ruining our city is not illegal per se or if it is associated with illegal activity the participants are smart enough to cover their asses. But most of it is downright wrong. While those higher up on the food chain may have access to or knowledge of secret files or documents every bit of information that I have was gained by pure observation. You people can get the same information by simply showing up at the meetings and asking questions or in many cases by just listening. You can't go to the DA and tell him to bring charges against someone just because they make decisions that are good for themsleves and bad for the city. There is no law against being stupid. Here is an example: McElroy gets a contract to do a Master Plan for Alexandria. A&E services are not subject to state bid laws so each government entity picks consultants however they want. McElroy has close ties to Myron Lawson. Lawson uses his influence to get him the job. McElroy is incompetent. It is unethical, immoral, and plain stupid, but its not illegal. Another case in point: Hoobs is trying to do the same thing with the elctronic meter reading contract. He is going against the reccomendations of the administration and staff by pushing his guy. But, there is no law against it. The only recourse we have is to replace these people with individuals who have the city's best interest as their motivation for serving.
Logic and reason suggests that they are profiting from these contract deals. These are not the kind of guys who would risk their political futures for and act of kindness and friendship. It has to be there. We just need to know where to look.
Don't be so niave. These kinds of "deals" are nothing new to city government politics. Look at Pat Moore. He got a really sweet deal to do a masterplan for the city several years ago to tune of about 500k. He got that contract because of his friendship with the mayor and several councilmen who are no longer in office. There are numerous other examples of contractors, consultants, and companies who continue to get work because of who they know, not what they know. The rub know is that the "new" powerbrokers want their incompetent guys to get all the deals now and they strut around arrogantly demanding it. That pisses off a lot of the "old crowd". Again, not necassarily illegal, but definitely wrong.
I continue to believe that these councilmen derive a direct financial benefit from these contracts. It may take a grand jury to bust them but I assure you it will happen. Maybe you are right and the practical objective is to clear the deck. Lets do it.
Its kinda hard to trace cash you idiots.
you sweat a little fish and work up - most drug dealers don't operate on checks and VISA cards, you idiot.
I certainly think that they get some sort of benefit from the deals. Thats part of why they do it but not the only reason. They also do it just because they can. Power can be very intoxicating to some people. There are very few in the city other than those at the top who have access to enough information to prove if there is anything illegal going on. I don't think that our DA would prosocute anyway. The best solution at this point is to simply vote them out of office.
Scarlett....unfortunately you are right. The new powerbrokers are taking over and WE are letting them.
Brigit's mama (a nice lady) was just named to the new hisorical commission. She has never been remotely involved in historic preservation. She is just Brigit's mama. Brigit is at least one person who makes no effort to hide her connections. She is grabbing all the advantage she can because she feels entitled. The honkeys had the advantage long enough (which is, of course, difficult to deny). I think Brigit's tendency to throw it in your face may end up being her downfall. She ain't got any class and appears to have few if any friends in her own race (Godfather Myron is the exception) and that has to be lonely.
BB doesn't even try to hide it. She's flaunts the power and money. I gotta admit, I did not like it when the bluebloods ran the town like a plantation, but damn, this is ten times worse. We are living in the purgatory which ememplifies the phrase: "Be careful what you ask for."
somewhere on this thread someone mentioned a new newspaper in north rapides parish - its called the "northside journal" and you may access it here
Sounds like he's full of himself.
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