Politics: Louisiana Style --
An anonymous venue of discussion on politics in Central Louisiana
Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Alexandria, 1864 Revisited
With another round of elections racing towards us, does the present mayorial election coming at the end of September, stand to correct the so deemed "on-going" issues of city hall? Who will you vote for to set things on the right course?
Harry Truman when asked to "give em hell harry" said, I dont give them hell , I just tell the truth and they think its Hell...I think thats what we see from those who didnt like the poll questions.
I think one question was "If it were shown that Delores Brewer had no experience, special education or training to qualify her for her job but was entirely a 'political' patronage hire employeed solely because of her relationship with Mayor Randolph , would you be more or less likely to vote for her.
I think I remember another question about, if you knew that Delores Brewer was a Republican born an raised in Colfax, La, would you be more or less inclined to vote for her.
Another was, if you knew that Delores Brewer has been a long time member of the current administration would that make you more or less likely to believe that she has any new ideas or would be able to escape the problems of the current administration.
And I do remember this one because i jotted it down....IF video taped proceedings of a City counsil committee meeting and a subsequent press release from the Mayor that Delores Brewer is working for showed that Delores Brewer blatently lied to the public about an important situation would you tend to trust or distrust her and would her subsequent excuse that her lie was a "misspeak" make you more or less liketly to vote for her
Also, there was a question about whether the fact that Albin Provosty was a high paid atty for the city and that he was one of primary supporters and advisors of Delores Brewer would make you less or more likely to vote for her
There were a couple of more that I can remember. Was the fact that Delores Brewer attempted to get a contract with the Alexandria Housing Authority at the same time that she was employeed by the City of Alexandria make you more or less likely to vote for her. Also, the fact that she did not get the contract but subsequently reported as inappropriate to the legislative auditor her African American coworker whose wife got the contract over her with the Alexandria Housing Authority make you more or less likely to vote for her.
If you knew that Jaques Roy's strings are beong pulled by Tommy Antoon and Harold Chambers, would you be more or less likely to vote for him?
If you knew that Jaques was a product of the Democratic Central Committee would be more or less likely to vote for him?
If you knew that Jaques and his PR man David Pugh are using this election as leverage in their suit against CLECO would you be more or less likely to vote for him?
Hey, did ya'll hear that shot the TT fired over our heads in their editorial today basically saying blogs were a troublesome pack of lies issued by people unable to discern the truth? I may have taken some of the varnish off their words, but that was the message I heard. I would wish that they would do their job as we have discussed here many times before and we could trust that we are being delivered truthful information to create a complete picture of what occurs in our community. But alas, I have my feet on the ground and realize what a big word "bias" is. So, my question is " am I being overly sensitive or do I percieve local blogs as a threat to the TT's view of the truth?"
ha ha how does the town talk explain the fact that they spend hours everyday on our blog as well as the outclicks we see by them from our blog to this blog as well as the sheriff race blog, cenla antiX and lamar's blog?
The town talk is in desperate mode for the past 5 years they have lost circulation and the their ad revenue keeping going down. They are not alone TV and radio is suffering too. Yet they raise rates and give their advertisers some BS about circulation is not important it all about readership. They quote that 2.3 people read a paper and their is alot of "pass along readership" So if everything is so great why....
1. is the circulation department being transfer toa centralized Gannett local for all gannett papers. Better service or cutting expenses
2. full pages are going for less than half the going rate.
And i thought car salesmen were crooks. TT is biggest snake oil salemen in this town
lamar, my apologies. at the time i was asking for your input, i hadn't seen the questions. none of the questions are outside of the pale for a political race. again, sorry.
Did anyone see Ms Brewer and her crew of underage voters out on Jackson and MacArthur @ 5p yesterday? With 15 +/- years of city experience, how did she not know (or did she forget - a touch of the Nedly disease) that the State doesn't allow soliciting and/or pandering on their right of way. The city allows this active on their right of ways - but a permit is required that calls for safety measures to be followed - you know like those attactive bright orange vest, etc.
Albin, Shame on you for letting your candidate get involved in an illegal activity. I guess you need to work on one of your famous "letter of understaning" opinions and opine that any city employee while on leave from the city does not have to comply with state law - that ought to do it!
"Shame on you for letting your candidate get involved in an illegal activity."
You're right. What an incredible lawbreaker she is. Perhaps, Jam Downs needs to investigate. At the least she should be sent to Angola. I would never vote for such a criminal - especially when the field is full of model citizens like Roy, SMith, Fuller, Sams, Johnson and Hammond.
Mrs. Brewer's campaign isn't the only one violating election laws regarding rights of ways. Has anyone seen Joe Fuller signs on city-owned right of ways? This is also illegal.
"1) Complete and absolute investigation of all city departments"
Mr. Antics,
By this statement, is it your opinion that each and every city department is corrupt and by the same token every employee therein?
I think not! Most city departments have compentent leadership by dedicated, UNDERPAID, individuals. Like any business, you will have your slackers and dead heads. Your cheap shot at the 800+ employees is a horrendous misuse of your First Amendment rights. Sen. Joe McCarthy would be proud.
You owe the vast majority of city workers a heartfelt apology immmediately!!!!!
Jeez, Anonymous, don't get your panties in a wad and prove yourself as reactionary as whom you accuse. Somewhere in the middle is more than likely the prudent course. We have a great crew with all of the city folks and I appreciate them. I think what you are hearing, though, is frustration with our council, who in my opinion does a poor job and should wear Jesse James bandanas so no one will recognize them. Once the citizens recover from the ether and realize that the council takes credit for events that were happening under their noses anyway and that they cannot pronounce "fiscal responsibility", folks might get mad enough to hunt the rascals down. Just as an example; go to the La ethics website and pull Roosevelt Johnsons reports from the last race and what you will find is generous contributions from Highway Materials. You can thank them every time you drive over one of their goofy-ass speed bumps that the council made a large purchase of. You know, the neat ones that are bolted down to the street. If any of my elected council members had asked me, I would have told the to have the 8 motorcycle units get writers cramps until knothead speeders understand that 50-60-70 in a thirty five is going to result in the death of someone's child. But I would not burden everyone with the aggravation, brake wear, and shock wear that placing speed bumps in a thoroughfare produces. I have driven over most of the country and never have I seen speed bumps used as a solution for speeding on public thoroughfares anywhere else. These are the kind of aggravations that have normally sane people calling for investigations and wanting to hang somebody.
Spanky, Always wondered why those rediculous speed bumps and humps appeared all over the place without any one asking for them. What is the real skinny? Who is getting the money from the city and who is receiving big contributions from the speed bump companies. I doubt that Roosevelt could have put together this city wide fiasco by himself. You have poked a hole in a steamin' cow puddin' and now you have to let it all out. Good work.
Anybody know who all the FBI is investigating and what info they have? Is this an ongoing investigation? Are they looking at everyone on the council or just specific members?
City of Alexandria employees are protected under civil service except for 22 appointments the Mayor makes for departement heads and staff. To get rid of an employee under civil service is virtually impossible. Dorsey was caught stealing from FEMA resources at the old Service Merchandise building during Katrina and now he's Joe Fuller's chosen chief of staff when he's elected mayor. So, be cool city employees; no one will fire you. You can continue to do personal business in city vehicles all you want.
Steve Rogge's lie in the TT today is typical. Property values have gone up tremendously in the last 3 - 5 years along with the re-assessments made by the Tax Assessor in Rapides parish. When my property was re-assessed and its value went up 12% the LIBRARY MILLEGE FROM MY PROPERTY INCREASED 12% ALSO. The Library needs to CLOSE branches and live within their budget period!! Libraries as Steve Rogge wants them are a thing of the past. JUST SAY NO!!
I realize that speed humps are not novel since Rossevelt Johnson, but if you check his campaign records, Highway Materials made significant contributions and after he was elected, the city bought a substantial amount of the bolt down type speed bumps which is in the minutes of the city council. The bolt down type are relatively easy to install and durable. I just thought with all the roughness we have in our city streets, adding bumps is not high on my priority list.
yeah anonymous we agree with you too. steve rogge is about the biggest scam artist to come down the pike. this guy never tires of thinking up ways and excuses to put yet another tax on the ballot. and all you renters out there that think if you vote for this tax it wont affect you well it will when your rent goes up to offset the cost of the tax.
Honestly, Carolyn, I gave serious thought to it and have for several years. Due to personal events this year, it has not been in the stars and I am afraid I would have the distinction of Alexandria's first assasinated mayor had I been successful.
CentralLaPolitics] Where is Bridgette I haven't heard of Kelvin Sanders and Joe Fuller using their influence yet to get Bridgette Brown in on the Pineville bond issue? God knows she is well qualified. Perhaps Joe knows that will not fly well with Mayor Fields. His best shot would be to bribe Mayor Dupree.
In the Sept. 2, 2006 issue of the Alexandria Town Talk, it warned of the numerous Blog sites that are becomming popular. It warned that people can post anonymously to those and say anything. While that is a fact, the funny statement by the Town Talk was "blogs are merely opinion and are rarely ever aspire to any fair and balanced reporting of the news and issues of the day." The local news media would not know "fair and balanced reporting" if it hit them in the face. In the Fall of 2004, I offered the Town Talk and KALB photographs of Town of Ball equipment and employees, along with a DOC prisoner, working at Ball Mayor Roy Hebron's new homesite. along with handwritten signed witness statements. Later, this same information was offered to the North Side Journal. To this date, not one of those news agencies have requested to see that information. When offered to Town Talk reporter Billy Gunn, he informed me that this was over his head and that he would have to speak to his editor about it. No reply was received from Jim Leggett, of the Town Talk, when offered to him, in July, 2005. When offered to Robert Morgan of the Town Talk, approximately a month ago, he said he would have to think about it. Whn Babbs Zimmerman, of KALB, called be this past Spring, to discuss a court reuling, she laughed at me when this information was offered to her. When I related this story on the Cenla Antics Blog, in response to Michelle Goddard's assertations of what great reporting KALB does, an anonymous poster replied. That poster asked"where is the story"?. God help us if we depend on reporters who think that political corruption is not news. That person also stated that all of these matters have been investigated and dropped. That is simply not true. I guess somebody called Roy Hebron or his attorney, and they told them there was nothing to it. What other crimes do we not hear about in the press, because they called the accused and were assured there was no crime and the police had dropped the matetr? I find it reprehensible that a reporter would not even want to see such information. To not even look at it is incompetent. Many local news reporters are more interested in their self importance by moving in the same social circles of politicians, than in actually reporting the news to the public. We have all seen their reporting of incomplete facts, one side of disputed facts, and favoritism of certain local politicians over others. We are not fooled by their empty claims of "fair and balanced reporting". Prove us wrong by putting your print or talk where your mouth is. Until then, you do not deserve the titles of news or reporter.
CentralLaPolitics] The Cart Before the Horse The Town Talk reports that that to fight the recent Pizza Hut fire, Pineville firefighters had to stretch a hose across Hwy. 165 and block traffic. This was due, they said, to the lack of sufficent pressure of the 6" waterlines of Water District 3 on the other side of the road. Here are some questions for Pineville: (1) Why haven't those pressure concerns been reported to the Water District before? (2) Why have other fire departments not complained of insufficient pressure? (3) Why does Pineville reap the benefit of additional tax revenue from expansive economic development, yet seek the infrastructure costs from Water District 3? (4)Why has Pineville continually, in the past, refused to discuss and impliment water solutions for the future? (5) Why did Pineville have a water emergency during the last hurricane season, and have those problems been resolved? If that is true, that sufficient water pressure is not available, it appears that the uneducated Clarence Dupree has put the horse before the cart. Rich, let me explain, prior to expansion, you have to have water. Pineville appoints Thurman Kelly to the Water Board, and Rich Dupree himself served on the Water District 3 Board. Instead of bragging about all they accomplish and spending City funds so that all of Pineville's citizens can attend an Aces ballgame, which is Rich's employer, perhaps they should spend some money on water and sewer? Does this bunch really have the experience and skills to run a city?
CentralLaPolitics · Politics As Usual in Central Louisiana
Oops They Are Doing It Again Message List
At the July 25, 2006 Board meeting of Rapides parish Waterworks District Number 3, bids were received for a costs to the District of $8,500 for painting a Tioga High Indian head logo and an additional $1,400 for lettering on on of its water tanks. The Water District has been advised many times before that such an expenditure of their public funds is illegal. Article VII, Section 14. It provides, in pertinent part, the following:
"§ Section 14. (A) Prohibited Uses. Except as otherwise provided by this constitution, the funds, credit, property, or things of value of the state or of any political subdivision shall not be loaned, pledged, or donated to or for any person, association, or corporation, public or private. . . .
In Attorney General Opinion Number 95-81, the Louisiana Attorney General ruled that the City of Madeville could not donate City funds to support the debate team at the local high school. The Attorney General wrote: "we note that public school sponsored organizations such as the debate team constitute very worthy organizations that foster, promote and further the education of our youth. Certainly, no one can argue that these organizations do not serve a public benefit to those students who wish to participate. However, as noted above, the worthiness of the recipient and the actual use of the public funds are immaterial to the constitutionality of the transfer. The prohibition is not affected by the fact that the community may reap some benefit as a result of the disbursement if the constitutional norm has not been satisfied." There are numerous other Attorney General opinions and court rullings standing for the same rule. I have personally told the water Board this, just like when they intalled a flag pole at the old commissary. Obviously, they still have little regard for the law. Why hasn't their attorney or auditor advised them that they cannot do this? Even if a cooperative agreement was entered into with the School Board, the Water District would still have to receive something of substantial value in return. The District's auditor, Bobby Litton, has told them the same, although he apparently does not report such violations. The sad thing about this is that there are still many roads in the District with no fire hydrants and low pressure 2 inch lines. This is supposed to be what the Water District is improving, not painting an Indian head on a water tank. And let's not forget the fees incurred, if any, for Pan American Engineers during that bidding process. Of course those Board members are free to have that painting done with a donation of their own personal funds, if they think it is so imporatant to the community. Have no fear though, I will see that the matter is reported to the proper authorities.
Those last four posts are courtesy of the only man with a brain in Rapides Parish. GREGORY R. AYMOND, ATTORNEY AT LAW. It must be true because he has outsmarted and insulted everyone else, on every level of government and proved just how smart he is. Since he doesn't have any clients to occupy his time, he decided to post for you his ramblings from his own website (since you wouldn't see them otherwise) and prove once and for all just how smart he is. Maybe there's a reason GREGORY that no one takes your accusations and mud-slinging seriously. It's something that even a white sheet can't cover up. You're an IDIOT!!!
Okay, enough, Greg has made many valid points in the past and when, as an attorney, he has followed his sworn duty as an officer of the court, worked through channels(SO &DA), and see no valid effort to fully investigate wrongdoing, he is actually performing functions of the fifth estate (The Town Talk by name) to alert concerned citizens by getting the facts to the public in what is a new venue. Your repeated and rabid attacks on Greg the person, show you to be a highly defense sensitive person prone to attack to cover your own misdeeds. It is OK though, Seagoville Federal Pen serves a lovely sunday brunch where you and your cohorts can reminisce upon how petty the amounts of money were that you are concerned with compared to what you could have gotten away with. How do you like your steak?
So its in the council minutes that the city bought a bunch of speed humps from HMS after RJ's election. If its in the minutes then it must be award of a BID. A BID by its very definition is an open, public process. It may look bad that HMS got the bid, but if it was properly advertised, evaluated, and awarded then it's legal.
The problem with you people is that you expect someone else to do the dirty work. Most of the time, all of the facts regarding an issue that smells are a matter of public record and, under LA RS 44, are YOURS for the asking. Make a public records request. See if the HMS purchase is above board or not.
Those who are not part of the solution are part of the problem.
May I insert an observation in regard to the TT. They seemed to enjoy their publication in the editorial section...SOUND OFF!!! Like blogs maybe? That section boosted revenue for them, until business's pulled out advertising.
Noowww, they want a blog of their very own.
I tryed to sign up on TT blog, just for the heck of it....and guess what? They want take me. Maybe I did something wrong in signing up. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.
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Good Old Police work????? we need to put call boxs out so some of those out of shape fat asses will get out and walk.. They need to make the Gate a sub-station... Cars race up and down Jackson Str Ext while the cops sit in their vehicles throwing down Canes Chicken.... They're a joke... The Police Chief looks like a funeral director whenever he is on TV.. Put a damn uniform on and lead from the front... Let the community see that you are in charge and do community policing... Half the time they're worried about getting in the lunch line at Chilies or the Wok.... They need to stay away from food joints period....
I do not consider myself a conspiracy therorist. I like to take actions that are evident and provable and bring them together to see who defends the action. Speed bumps on public thoroughfares is a ludicrous idea in itself. When you find folks that will defend how they got there in an extreme manner, it's like, you know, bonus points. I have more research to do to support the brilliance of our current council.
Where can one find a list of all of the speed humps installed during the past ten years?
Also, is there any type of traffic safety research study that argues for the effectiveness of speed humps?
I remember when they installed the humps on Terra, and they literally had to remove two or three of them because it became MORE hazardous. (We paid for the installation and removal of these speed humps. You'd think the engineers who cooked up this idea would have at least properly measured the distances between the speed humps).
I agree with Spanky. This was a bad idea from the beginning. They put them everywhere, including on a handful of heavily trafficked thoroughfares.
What is the procedure for emergency vehicles on streets with speed humps? DRIVE AS FAST AS POSSIBLE.
So much for being the shining star in the center of the state. Our elected officials are quite fond of telling the public that we are the envy of state. What a let down. Trailer park? Makes sense to me. Delores actually wants to use double wides in the city as a solution to affordable housing. It is all becoming clearer. Thanks Lake Charles.
Someone informed me that the last 4 posts were copied onto the Cenla Antics website, and sure enough they were. That anonymous poster said that this is mudslinging and I am an idiot. He also said that I think I am the smartest man around. Well let me address his idiotic statements. No i do not think that I am the smartest person in the area, just smarter than you. I have a college degree, some masters work, and a doctorate degree. What do you have? Also I have the courage and integrity to place my name beside what I say, unlike you. And shame on you, if you favor corruption, illegal and unethical acts by our government officials. What facts do you have to dispute mine? No Mr. Anonymous, I think you are the ignorant one. Once again I state, somebody should sue me if I have lied in anything I said. This idiot proves what the Town Talk says about anyone can say anything without and facts or truth on a blog. Come back and debate facts once you have grown a set of balls and have learned to sign your name. Everytime I post something here, somebody writes about it on the other blog sites. I know people from the Water District and the City of Pineville read it, as they have reported it to lawyers, discused it in illegal private meetings and reported it to the Office of Disciplinary Council. Could it be that people at KALB and the Town Talk also read it? By the way, I do thank you for giving my free speech a wider distribution
Within the past couple of weeks, that was a statement that she made on KALB as it was covered at one of the forums. I did a double take and asked if I heard that correctly and subsequently heard it repeated on a rebroadcast. KALB would have file footage.
Hey guys, let's center back on what I said and that was that I saw KALB coverage of the aftermath of one of the forums and Delores stated that double wides could be a possible solution to affordable housing. I saw it twice and I am sure that KALB would have the file footage. Make of it what you will but she said it, I did not.
Ok, here is the throwdown. Any of the current councilmen that want to defend their actions as being in the best interest of Alexandria, this is an open forum where you can remain anonymous and call out the liars among us. Go ahead, act like you didn't hear me but you did. We will be waiting.
I also act in the best interest of the city because I gained a lot of knowledgew while I was serving time in the federal pen. Now, the citizens are benefiting from this knowledge and all I ask in return is to let me continue to serve illegally as a member of this esteemed body.
Thanks Spanky, I remember her being very concerned regarding the evacuees at the city hall parking lot during the storm.
I still hope Delores wins!
Roy, concerns me because of the TT article saying tommy lost coutees retirement info without asking tommy. Then in the second article saying he had not spoken to tommy. Why not? Would't you ask the person that could tell you what you are seeking.
Well, it could have been on one of my hallucination days, but it happened twice which would be rather unusual. Did anyone else see the KALB interview I am referring to? I am not prone to total fabrication.
What Delores said was that most of the women in here campaign were Double wide......I see nothing false or inapproprate about her statement and should leave it alone..
I suggest you call Jacques personally, considering you've twice posted about this Town Talk story (while at the same time, decrying the TT's objectivity). I think it'd be good for you to hear directly from Jacques regarding this matter.
I stand by my statement. The TT objectivity stays with their interest.
My point in regard to missing retirement records is why not ask Tommy. Depositions from others.. chief Ritchie, Ethel Q. all these answers were suppositions and hearsay.
Like all first in peoples lives: important events, you remember them as if they were yesterday. Tommy's first day as interim chief was like that....the conversation with Ritchie about why he had this file and is keeping track of these part of the chiefs job. Ritchie said no they need to go to accounting. Tommy sent them to accounting department in care of someone by the last name of Washington.
Call Roy...no. The damage was done once again...for whatever reason. Besides its not my place to right this wrong.. C.C.
The first speed bumps were installed on North Drive shortly after the new Super K-Mart opened. The idea came from then Public Works Director Darrell Williamson, Street Department Director Dru Wells, and Traffic Department Director Doc Fontenot. At that time Councilman Bob Lawrence lived on North Drive. The speedbumps were originally made of asphalt until we started using the bolt down type.
what a strange occurence. delores' people were putting out signs yesterday, and all the roy and sams signs on the block are missing. hmmmmmmmm. say it ain't so delores.
The last speed hump on North Drive, if I recall correctly, was poorly constructed. If you were driving a small car low to the ground, you ran the risk of bottoming out.
Now we know where the first ones were installed. What lead to the speed hump epidemic?
You know, when we were calling on Saturday to set up people who wanted signs, a # of them said something to the effect, "Good, now I can get this other ridiculous sign out of my yard". Maybe they took them out themselves. :-) After all, she does have the best looking signs.
It is amazing how people reveal themselves. The comment about signs reveals that her tribe values appearance over substance which is actually the crux of the matter that is driving passions in this election. Folks want someone that can carry the water, not sit around and look cute.
Mr. Roy wasn't allowed to contact Mr. Cicardo, because it would have been a violation of the code of professional conduct. Lawyers cannot talk to unrepresented parties who may have an adverse interest to the lawyer's client.
It was not incumbent upon Mr. Roy to contact Mr. Cicardo about anything. Mr. Cicardo should have disclosed all relevant facts to the Town Talk.
He implied to the TT that Mr. Roy had spoken with him, which is not true.
I agree with the young Mr. White. You need to hear the facts directly from Mr. Roy before you end up exposing the identity of an individual who wished to be kept anonymous.
When the Town Talk misspoke, they implied Mr. Roy had violated the code of professional conduct, which is why he wanted to make it clear that he never spoke to your husband.
I'm not sure why you've decided to take this so personally. The Town Talk made a mistake. It was corrected.
I called the City of Alex. to complain when the new batch of PARKING LOT speed bumps were installed on Maureen Street (the entrance to Good Earth subdivision). I was told that ONLY the people that lived on Maureen Street could make the decision to have speed bumps added. Nevermind that Maureen turns into Terra Avenue at the entrance to Good Earth. The city employee that I spoke to said that someone had filed a petition that the majority of people living on Maureen Street had signed (which could have been a small number, as there aren't more than a dozen or so houses on Maureen) requesting speed bumps. She said the City of Alex. then did a study by clocking drivers on Maureen Street to see if speed bumps were necessary. Apparently, they found them to be necessary, because they were installed. In the beginning, there were four installed. I believed this to be way too many, since Maureen is so short. I was informed that they were the "regulated" distance apart from each other. Since then, two of the four have been removed.
My problems with speed bumps are these:
1. The city is trying to use them to do the job of our police force.
2. In the event of an emergency, first response vehicles will be slowed by these ridiculous speed bumps. At a time when minutes can mean the difference between life and death, I don't think that's a good gamble.
3. Speed bumps/humps, etc. do damage to our cars! Our suspension systems take an increased beating because of them.
Some will say that safety outweighs all my complaints above, but to those people I ask: Do you honestly think that your street is more SAFE with speed bumps or is there just less of a NUISANCE?
I've also heard the excuse that "my children can't play in the front yard for fear of getting hit by a speeding car." I wouldn't let my children play out in my front yard unattended EVER. No matter where I live, or what time of the day it is, or how old they are. That's unsafe for many reasons other than speeders.
Carolyn, make the call. If he can not discuss the subject with you, he will say so and why, so you must be able to respect that and find your answers in another direction if he can not. Regardless of what most folks think, attorneys are held to a high standard of ethics that they must enforce upon themselves.
If some investigative reporter would follow the money in the speed bump fiasco, then it would become apparent what really went down, which I guarantee you had nothing to do with safety. Since there are no investigative reporter in 200 miles I guess we will not know unless some insider spills his guts.
What is curious is that the Coty Council apporived the hire of 5 new policemen (5 black council members - coincendental.) Five Black females were hired. White applicants, no matter their qualifications, received a letter stating they did not meet the city's qualifications. No the white fiolks didn't - they were white and, for the most part, male. Numerous well qualified people were not hired in order that the Black council members could reward their folks. As Brigette said: "it is now their time."
The police officers should remember this when needing/calling for backup and a skinny ass, whinny, incompetent negress shows up. There is hope though common rumour says they will have an office job within a year.
It is sad that equality as to employment opportunity isn't available to all citizens. Our ebonics speakers on the City Council will not be happy until we have a Black Mayor and all Departments head are Black.
Coutee you and Fuller return political favors in an outstanding manner. One of these days you gonna need white politicians and they are not going to be there.
I trust you for some reason. I am unsure about making that call, though. Maybe, just let that issue go..
As far as being dramatic, yeh.
After years of bending over and grabbing your ankles, the way Tommy and I have from our fine newspaper, city council, black ministers, NAACP and citizens sitting back unconcerned about what was happening under their apathetic noses. Yehhh... I just might be a tad bit dramatic...
No one cared what was growing in their fine government...
And now, what you have is a big mess to clean up....
I am hearing that a lot of brewers supporters are doing the same.......notice the Town Talk comment about Roy getting stronger and Brewer stagnet?.......And thats coming from Brewers supporter at the Town Talk......
Carolyn, a lot of the criminal activity that occurs in plain sight could be prevented by establishing strong enforcement routines. Everytime a citizen witnesses another breaking the law and nothing happens, it is another step closer to less effective law enforcement. I do not want to live in a police state, but I want traffic, pedestrian, litter, obscenity, noise, and the various ohter ordinances that are on the books to provide for a decent, healthful, and safe environment to be enforced. It takes a professional police force that does not have the added pressures of being poorly paid and sold out at a moments notice to accomplish an orderly city. Public safety is a primary concern for anyone looking at a new community in which to locate and I am afraid we don't show well in that category. It is a daunting task to be police chief in Alexandria and I don't know if Jesus Christ could could walk the line to everyones satisfaction in that position. That is why I refrain from criticism of any police chief because they each are trying to walk the line the best they can. If we were perfect citizens, there would be no need for law enforcement.
Lamar, we have not met face to face, but I have been close to you at the Diamond Grill. As for mayor, we have a great candidate in Jacques Roy. It was my great fear that no other candidates would appear until he did. By the way, I think he is at a great age (35 is by no means a child - what a foolish statement) and the gravity of the matters he has handled in his practice rival what he will be asked to deal with in the mayor's office. He, or whoever prevails, is going to need help from the citizens to make progress and he is wise enough to know that he is not a saviour and it is going to take good old fashioned work and sacrifice from all of us to claim success. We all for months discussed how we wanted a real choice, now we have it. Is Jaques perfect? I think he would say no, but I feel he is going to be 110% or he would not take on the challenge if he was going to give a half effort. I know it is usually crass to discuss income, but I would say his will be half when he takes the mayors job, so it is very much a sacrifice for him to run for office as well as lost revenue during the race. How many among us would do the same? I also have to tip my hat to all of the mayoral candidates because it is not an easy path to walk when you run for office. If nothing else, this race has strirred enough interest to have seven candidates representing a wide spectrum of our community come forward. Hopefully that enthusiasm will carry on after the election and be channeled to promote the common good of Alexandria as it is going to take everybody to unite under whoever is elected to move forward.
Spanky, your comments about a police chief are kind of naive. Either the police chief will have his department enforce laws or selectively ignore laws. The kind of Alexandria the majority wants is a city which has justice and the laws enforced without prejudice. Also, the sales tax passed by the voters was promised to the APD and others. The increase definitely put them where they need to be compared to other cities of like size. No, they want ever be paid like the employees at Proter & Gamble. The amount of money coming into the parish sales tax office has greatly increased according to the TT and Eldon Pody. The money's there, the city needs to pass it on to the APD. Of course, Sams has stated that the police officers make too much and should see a reduction when he's elected.
I think selective enforcement is exactly the problem that we have. How can you be clear with the public when that happens. As far as pay, the part that was not fully discussed was the fact that any pay raise the officers recieve is muted by the large deduction to fund the drop in value of the retirement program that was experienced by the city. It is state mandated that whenever the retirement fund drops below preset levels, a large portion of any raises must be used to replenish the fund. I am fuzzy on the numbers and specifics, but that was the battle Rick Ranson was fighting. His contention was that any tax hike for pay raises would not accomplish that goal because of the replenishment requirement. Ask any line officer how much their check went up - it is not a happy subject and we are almost back where we started with police pay. I feel selective enforcement messages come directly from the council and that is where the separation line needs to be drawn and reinforced as the police chief is directly responsible to the mayor, not the council. I would also say that there is a community police academy that is held on a regular basis by APD that is quite informative and upon completion will allow a citizen to ride patrol with any officer. It will give you a different perspective on what really happens in this town and I recommend it.
It is possible that the deficit in the Police retirement fund is mandated to be made up by the City not the Officers - if memory serves. George Bowden and his cohorts were stealing the pension plan dry so the Policeman (off that era) got legislation introduced that requires the City to make up the difference from the General fund. That way the city thieves can steal all they want.
Would be interesting to see a source quoted whereby the difference is made up feom pay raises.
The Town Talk is great. Front page news: Baby boy whines about his wittle signs being taken. Try and put them in yards where people want them and quit using the Sams method. And next step: Grow up you little whiner, its politics, signs will get grabbed, run over, stolen, and of course it is the everyone elses camp that is doing it. Sad. Just damn sad. If this bothers you that much I would be terrified, not scared, to have you as mayor.
I heard a great line from an elected official the other day, "The only two candidates remotely, remotely, qualified are Charles and Delores. The other 5 are in kindergarden compared. I said I agree with Delores but what about Charles? He said most people discount him because of how he communicates, but he has the knowledge better than anyone of how this city runs and should run. He also said Delores is that plus 100. Her knowledge is unmatched by these people. She just needs to be where she can show it. And don;t give me this crap about "well, she was chief of staff". She was chief for barely six months. Anyway, thought it was interesting coming form a black elected official about Delores.
Hey, how about this novel idea. Let's just do away with all of this government stuff, give everyone a fifty dollar pistol and let folks take care of their own business.
I know your husband and our new chief fairly well. I like them both. To explain how well I know both would compromise my i.d. - which may jeapordize my livelihood. I know you wouldn't want that? Although, I do not know you, I think you to be very intelligent, well spoken, good hearted and genuinely concerned about the greater good.
Nonetheless, Tommy was a pretty damn good cop, a good guy and seems like a good husband and father. However, he was a not a very good Chief. I know it seems to you as if all of the cards were stacked against him - they were not. He was in control of his destiny and a few vital decisions or lack thereof cost him his credibility with the officers that worked for him, the press and the public. He is to blame not the press, public or fate.
He was not there - as the book explains - on Wise St. or at the station later on that tragic day - I was. He was not the leader or even there for his men the way they expected him to be after that date. He seemed much more self-absorbed and narcisistic - smothering himself in self-pity. Appearances are reality in situtations like that.
Please stop wasting your obvious talents, wit and wisdom trying to justify his misgivings. He was human and all will forgive such. Give Coutee a chance to create his own legacy and the truth will be known.
After reading the DB / CFS comaparison, I am nearly, note I said nearly, speechless. If the both are so brilliant and have so much experience, then how come they haven't led the city in their current positions to participate in federal and state revenue sharing and grants where they could to maximize the use of local taxpayer dollars. Do you think possibly that is why some of us want to throw the bums out because they are INNEFECTUAL? Delores admitted at the time she had the bout with Bridgette that she had an epiphany and actually read the thirty five pages that comprise the city charter. Amazing. I think I would have kept that to myself as she should have been well versed in its composition and fuction well before 16 years had elapsed in administrative employment. And Charles. You make him sound akin to DR. Sams except with the variation that he posesses so much knowledge, he just don't know how to use it all. As far as giving them the stage, they have been all over it and in return, given us a comedy show. I say throw the bums out, out, out....and kick 'em in the ass as they go.
I should offer my apologies as I may appear to be so intransigent in my mayoral views. As a matter of penance, I would ask any and all Delores Brewer / Charles Frederick Smith supporters to enumerate and offer possible solutions to issues that face us in Alexandria.
The school board will have little if any change. Very few have opposition. Rodessa Metoyer is the most vunerable of the incumbants. The two running against Dixon are hoping to build a base to run when Herbert wins the Bo Curtis state rep race next year and there's a special election to fill his school board seat then. The Board has done a pretty good job actually, so there will be little change. Pam Webb will be elected to the District I seat Sams is giving up to run for Mayor. Thank God we played Sams's ego fiddle and got him to vacate his school board seat to run for mayor.
Can Lamar White even vote in the Alexandria mayor's race? Or, is he like the Sams supporters at Evergreen Plantation on Horseshoe Drive who don't live in the city limits and can't vote?
Can Lamar White even vote in the Alexandria mayor's race? Or, is he out of the city limits like the Sams supporters at Evergreen Plantation on Horseshoe Drive who can't vote for Sams?
I have seen a lot of facts come out about all candidates for all offices over the last six months. I just wonder if anyone out there has changed their opinion and would vote differently today than then. Might give us an idea of the effect of our previous comments.
I am undecided because I can't get excited about the field of candidates. Looks like if the election were held today, Brewer and Roosevelt would be in a run-off. However, the election is on Sept. 30 so there is time for some significant movement. Brewer is currently the frontrunner but definately must worry about Roy and Johnson. She would be foolish not to. She is NOT a shoe-in for the runoff. Many of her own supporters believe she would be the best mayor, but that she is not the best campaigner. She definately made some missteps in the beginning, but has done well at overcoming them. She must continue to work very hard and come up to speed on speaking and debating. Roy is a better public speaker and will campaign hard. However, Brewer has been in the race longer and has more money. If people are looking for experience, she is more likely to appeal to them than the young Mr. Roy. It would take LOTS of money for Roy to catch up with Brewer and overtake her. He would need great TV and lots of it. But, it is not impossible. It COULD be done. Some people who think Roy won't win think this is a practice run for such a young candidate and that he has a political future after this race. Meanwhile, Johnson has a comfortable lead among the black candidates. He is likely to be in a runoff with a white candidate. Hammond and Smith are in the tank and Fuller is not seeming to catch on. However, Af. Americans do not always poll accurately. Sams is quickly becoming a non-factor in the race. His numbers have actually gone down since the spring. Surely, this is because people are recognizing him for the radical "fringe" candidate that he really is. Every time he speaks at a forum, he does himself more harm than good. His TV spots are the worst I have ever seen here. Who did those, the cable company? Unscientific trial heats--if Johnson and Brewer get in a runoff, Brewer can win if she gets her vote out. If Johnson and Roy are in a runoff, Roy wins by merely getting the whites out and stealing some of the blacks who don't like Johnson. Not at all likely, but if the blacks somehow feed off one another and take Roosevelt down and Brewer and Roy get into a runoff, Roy would win because he would get the black vote and some white vote. I do not think Brewer could possibly take that race. But lucky for her, that scenario probably won't happen!
My feeling is that a police chief has no control over what an individual policeman "sees" or doesn't see while on patrol. He can and often does witness crimes being perpetrated and chooses to or not to enforce based on his/her personal choice. I've seen offenses being committed in plain sight of an officer and the officers either don't see it on purpose or are not observant enough to have seen it.
To blanketly blame the chief is a bit short-sighted.
Wellll anyone read a good book lately? Uhh..guess not
Tess Gerritsen has out some great medical thrillers. Yeah! Oh, and also Erika Spingler just finished her novel FORTUNE Yeah! SILENCE, and DEAD RUN UhhUhh.
345 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 345 of 345Harry Truman when asked to "give em hell harry" said, I dont give them hell , I just tell the truth and they think its Hell...I think thats what we see from those who didnt like the poll questions.
You may be onto something, Anonymous. Now I'm also wondering what questions were "dirty?"
I think one question was "If it were shown that Delores Brewer had no experience, special education or training to qualify her for her job but was entirely a 'political' patronage hire employeed solely because of her relationship with Mayor Randolph , would you be more or less likely to vote for her.
Hahaha. Really? That's fantastic.
I think I remember another question about, if you knew that Delores Brewer was a Republican born an raised in Colfax, La, would you be more or less inclined to vote for her.
Another was, if you knew that Delores Brewer has been a long time member of the current administration would that make you more or less likely to believe that she has any new ideas or would be able to escape the problems of the current administration.
And I do remember this one because i jotted it down....IF video taped proceedings of a City counsil committee meeting and a subsequent press release from the Mayor that Delores Brewer is working for showed that Delores Brewer blatently lied to the public about an important situation would you tend to trust or distrust her and would her subsequent excuse that her lie was a "misspeak" make you more or less liketly to vote for her
Also, there was a question about whether the fact that Albin Provosty was a high paid atty for the city and that he was one of primary supporters and advisors of Delores Brewer would make you less or more likely to vote for her
There were a couple of more that I can remember. Was the fact that Delores Brewer attempted to get a contract with the Alexandria Housing Authority at the same time that she was employeed by the City of Alexandria make you more or less likely to vote for her.
Also, the fact that she did not get the contract but subsequently reported as inappropriate to the legislative auditor her African American coworker whose wife got the contract over her with the Alexandria Housing Authority make you more or less likely to vote for her.
another one was about whether John Sams support for the American Civil Liberties Union would make you more or less likely to vote for him.
Woooooo! All factually true, important questions!!
If you knew that Jaques Roy's strings are beong pulled by Tommy Antoon and Harold Chambers, would you be more or less likely to vote for him?
If you knew that Jaques was a product of the Democratic Central Committee would be more or less likely to vote for him?
If you knew that Jaques and his PR man David Pugh are using this election as leverage in their suit against CLECO would you be more or less likely to vote for him?
Hey, did ya'll hear that shot the TT fired over our heads in their editorial today basically saying blogs were a troublesome pack of lies issued by people unable to discern the truth? I may have taken some of the varnish off their words, but that was the message I heard. I would wish that they would do their job as we have discussed here many times before and we could trust that we are being delivered truthful information to create a complete picture of what occurs in our community. But alas, I have my feet on the ground and realize what a big word "bias" is. So, my question is " am I being overly sensitive or do I percieve local blogs as a threat to the TT's view of the truth?"
ha ha how does the town talk explain the fact that they spend hours everyday on our blog as well as the outclicks we see by them from our blog to this blog as well as the sheriff race blog, cenla antiX and lamar's blog?
*oh and central la politics blog?
The Town Talk Can't handle the truth!!!
You bunch of troublesome upstarts. I don't know why you people let me hang around with you.
The town talk is in desperate mode for the past 5 years they have lost circulation and the their ad revenue keeping going down. They are not alone TV and radio is suffering too. Yet they raise rates and give their advertisers some BS about circulation is not important it all about readership. They quote that 2.3 people read a paper and their is alot of "pass along readership" So if everything is so great why....
1. is the circulation department being transfer toa centralized Gannett local for all gannett papers. Better service or cutting expenses
2. full pages are going for less than half the going rate.
And i thought car salesmen were crooks. TT is biggest snake oil salemen in this town
just some food for thought.
lamar, my apologies. at the time i was asking for your input, i hadn't seen the questions. none of the questions are outside of the pale for a political race. again, sorry.
So she wants to be our Mayor!
Did anyone see Ms Brewer and her crew of underage voters out on Jackson and MacArthur @ 5p yesterday? With 15 +/- years of city experience, how did she not know (or did she forget - a touch of the Nedly disease) that the State doesn't allow soliciting and/or pandering on their right of way. The city allows this active on their right of ways - but a permit is required that calls for safety measures to be followed - you know like those attactive bright orange vest, etc.
Albin,
Shame on you for letting your candidate get involved in an illegal activity. I guess you need to work on one of your famous "letter of understaning" opinions and opine that any city employee while on leave from the city does not have to comply with state law - that ought to do it!
info on Darrell Hickman, please
"Shame on you for letting your candidate get involved in an illegal activity."
You're right. What an incredible lawbreaker she is. Perhaps, Jam Downs needs to investigate. At the least she should be sent to Angola. I would never vote for such a criminal - especially when the field is full of model citizens like Roy, SMith, Fuller, Sams, Johnson and Hammond.
Mrs. Brewer's campaign isn't the only one violating election laws regarding rights of ways. Has anyone seen Joe Fuller signs on city-owned right of ways? This is also illegal.
Yeah, beside it is to hard to lead by example anyway.
"1) Complete and absolute investigation of all city departments"
Mr. Antics,
By this statement, is it your opinion that each and every city department is corrupt and by the same token every employee therein?
I think not! Most city departments have compentent leadership by dedicated, UNDERPAID, individuals. Like any business, you will have your slackers and dead heads. Your cheap shot at the 800+ employees is a horrendous misuse of your First Amendment rights. Sen. Joe McCarthy would be proud.
You owe the vast majority of city workers a heartfelt apology immmediately!!!!!
Jeez, Anonymous, don't get your panties in a wad and prove yourself as reactionary as whom you accuse. Somewhere in the middle is more than likely the prudent course. We have a great crew with all of the city folks and I appreciate them. I think what you are hearing, though, is frustration with our council, who in my opinion does a poor job and should wear Jesse James bandanas so no one will recognize them. Once the citizens recover from the ether and realize that the council takes credit for events that were happening under their noses anyway and that they cannot pronounce "fiscal responsibility", folks might get mad enough to hunt the rascals down. Just as an example; go to the La ethics website and pull Roosevelt Johnsons reports from the last race and what you will find is generous contributions from Highway Materials. You can thank them every time you drive over one of their goofy-ass speed bumps that the council made a large purchase of. You know, the neat ones that are bolted down to the street. If any of my elected council members had asked me, I would have told the to have the 8 motorcycle units get writers cramps until knothead speeders understand that 50-60-70 in a thirty five is going to result in the death of someone's child. But I would not burden everyone with the aggravation, brake wear, and shock wear that placing speed bumps in a thoroughfare produces. I have driven over most of the country and never have I seen speed bumps used as a solution for speeding on public thoroughfares anywhere else. These are the kind of aggravations that have normally sane people calling for investigations and wanting to hang somebody.
Spanky, Always wondered why those rediculous speed bumps and humps appeared all over the place without any one asking for them. What is the real skinny? Who is getting the money from the city and who is receiving big contributions from the speed bump companies. I doubt that Roosevelt could have put together this city wide fiasco by himself. You have poked a hole in a steamin' cow puddin' and now you have to let it all out. Good work.
Anybody know who all the FBI is investigating and what info they have? Is this an ongoing investigation? Are they looking at everyone on the council or just specific members?
speed humps were installed in good earth in the 90s long before councilman johnson was elected.
City of Alexandria employees are protected under civil service except for 22 appointments the Mayor makes for departement heads and staff. To get rid of an employee under civil service is virtually impossible. Dorsey was caught stealing from FEMA resources at the old Service Merchandise building during Katrina and now he's Joe Fuller's chosen chief of staff when he's elected mayor. So, be cool city employees; no one will fire you. You can continue to do personal business in city vehicles all you want.
Steve Rogge's lie in the TT today is typical. Property values have gone up tremendously in the last 3 - 5 years along with the re-assessments made by the Tax Assessor in Rapides parish. When my property was re-assessed and its value went up 12% the LIBRARY MILLEGE FROM MY PROPERTY INCREASED 12% ALSO. The Library needs to CLOSE branches and live within their budget period!! Libraries as Steve Rogge wants them are a thing of the past. JUST SAY NO!!
I realize that speed humps are not novel since Rossevelt Johnson, but if you check his campaign records, Highway Materials made significant contributions and after he was elected, the city bought a substantial amount of the bolt down type speed bumps which is in the minutes of the city council. The bolt down type are relatively easy to install and durable. I just thought with all the roughness we have in our city streets, adding bumps is not high on my priority list.
oh we agree with you spanky and speed humps have to be in the top 10 most stupid ideas to come out of city government ever.
yeah anonymous we agree with you too. steve rogge is about the biggest scam artist to come down the pike. this guy never tires of thinking up ways and excuses to put yet another tax on the ballot. and all you renters out there that think if you vote for this tax it wont affect you well it will when your rent goes up to offset the cost of the tax.
Spanky,
You amaze me. Why did you not, run for mayor. C.C.
Honestly, Carolyn, I gave serious thought to it and have for several years. Due to personal events this year, it has not been in the stars and I am afraid I would have the distinction of Alexandria's first assasinated mayor had I been successful.
CentralLaPolitics] Where is Bridgette
I haven't heard of Kelvin Sanders and Joe Fuller using their
influence yet to get Bridgette Brown in on the Pineville bond issue?
God knows she is well qualified. Perhaps Joe knows that will not fly
well with Mayor Fields. His best shot would be to bribe Mayor Dupree.
[CentralLaPolitics] Town Talk's Joke of the Day
In the Sept. 2, 2006 issue of the Alexandria Town Talk, it warned
of the numerous Blog sites that are becomming popular. It warned
that people can post anonymously to those and say anything. While
that is a fact, the funny statement by the Town Talk was "blogs are
merely opinion and are rarely ever aspire to any fair and balanced
reporting of the news and issues of the day." The local news media
would not know "fair and balanced reporting" if it hit them in the
face.
In the Fall of 2004, I offered the Town Talk and KALB photographs
of Town of Ball equipment and employees, along with a DOC prisoner,
working at Ball Mayor Roy Hebron's new homesite. along with
handwritten signed witness statements. Later, this same information
was offered to the North Side Journal. To this date, not one of
those news agencies have requested to see that information.
When offered to Town Talk reporter Billy Gunn, he informed me that
this was over his head and that he would have to speak to his editor
about it. No reply was received from Jim Leggett, of the Town Talk,
when offered to him, in July, 2005. When offered to Robert Morgan
of the Town Talk, approximately a month ago, he said he would have
to think about it. Whn Babbs Zimmerman, of KALB, called be this past
Spring, to discuss a court reuling, she laughed at me when this
information was offered to her.
When I related this story on the Cenla Antics Blog, in response to
Michelle Goddard's assertations of what great reporting KALB does,
an anonymous poster replied. That poster asked"where is the
story"?. God help us if we depend on reporters who think that
political corruption is not news. That person also stated that all
of these matters have been investigated and dropped. That is simply
not true. I guess somebody called Roy Hebron or his attorney, and
they told them there was nothing to it. What other crimes do we not
hear about in the press, because they called the accused and were
assured there was no crime and the police had dropped the matetr?
I find it reprehensible that a reporter would not even want to
see such information. To not even look at it is incompetent. Many
local news reporters are more interested in their self importance by
moving in the same social circles of politicians, than in actually
reporting the news to the public. We have all seen their reporting
of incomplete facts, one side of disputed facts, and favoritism of
certain local politicians over others. We are not fooled by their
empty claims of "fair and balanced reporting". Prove us wrong by
putting your print or talk where your mouth is. Until then, you do
not deserve the titles of news or reporter.
CentralLaPolitics] The Cart Before the Horse
The Town Talk reports that that to fight the recent Pizza
Hut fire, Pineville firefighters had to stretch a hose across Hwy.
165 and block traffic. This was due, they said, to the lack of
sufficent pressure of the 6" waterlines of Water District 3 on the
other side of the road. Here are some questions for Pineville: (1)
Why haven't those pressure concerns been reported to the Water
District before? (2) Why have other fire departments not complained
of insufficient pressure? (3) Why does Pineville reap the benefit of
additional tax revenue from expansive economic development, yet
seek the infrastructure costs from Water District 3? (4)Why has
Pineville continually, in the past, refused to discuss and impliment
water solutions for the future? (5) Why did Pineville have a water
emergency during the last hurricane season, and have those problems
been resolved?
If that is true, that sufficient water pressure is not available,
it appears that the uneducated Clarence Dupree has put the horse
before the cart. Rich, let me explain, prior to expansion, you have
to have water. Pineville appoints Thurman Kelly to the Water Board,
and Rich Dupree himself served on the Water District 3 Board.
Instead of bragging about all they accomplish and spending City
funds so that all of Pineville's citizens can attend an Aces
ballgame, which is Rich's employer, perhaps they should spend some
money on water and sewer? Does this bunch really have the experience
and skills to run a city?
CentralLaPolitics · Politics As Usual in Central Louisiana
Oops They Are Doing It Again Message List
At the July 25, 2006 Board meeting of Rapides parish Waterworks
District Number 3, bids were received for a costs to the District of
$8,500 for painting a Tioga High Indian head logo and an additional
$1,400 for lettering on on of its water tanks. The Water District
has been advised many times before that such an expenditure of their
public funds is illegal.
Article VII, Section 14. It provides, in
pertinent part, the following:
"§ Section 14. (A) Prohibited Uses. Except as
otherwise provided by this constitution, the funds, credit,
property, or things of value of the state or of any political
subdivision shall not be loaned, pledged, or donated to or
for any person, association, or corporation, public or
private. . . .
In Attorney General Opinion Number 95-81, the Louisiana Attorney
General ruled that the City of Madeville could not donate City funds
to support the debate team at the local high school. The Attorney
General wrote: "we note that public school sponsored organizations
such as the debate team constitute very worthy organizations that
foster, promote and further the education of our youth.
Certainly, no one can argue that these organizations do not serve
a public benefit to those students who wish to participate.
However, as noted above, the worthiness of the recipient and the
actual use of the public funds are immaterial to the
constitutionality of the transfer. The prohibition is not
affected by the fact that the community may reap some benefit as
a result of the disbursement if the constitutional norm has not
been satisfied."
There are numerous other Attorney General opinions and court
rullings standing for the same rule. I have personally told the
water Board this, just like when they intalled a flag pole at the
old commissary. Obviously, they still have little regard for the
law. Why hasn't their attorney or auditor advised them that they
cannot do this? Even if a cooperative agreement was entered into
with the School Board, the Water District would still have to
receive something of substantial value in return. The District's
auditor, Bobby Litton, has told them the same, although he
apparently does not report such violations.
The sad thing about this is that there are still many roads in
the District with no fire hydrants and low pressure 2 inch lines.
This is supposed to be what the Water District is improving, not
painting an Indian head on a water tank. And let's not forget the
fees incurred, if any, for Pan American Engineers during that
bidding process. Of course those Board members are free to have that
painting done with a donation of their own personal funds, if they
think it is so imporatant to the community.
Have no fear though, I will see that the matter is reported to
the proper authorities.
Those last four posts are courtesy of the only man with a brain in Rapides Parish. GREGORY R. AYMOND, ATTORNEY AT LAW. It must be true because he has outsmarted and insulted everyone else, on every level of government and proved just how smart he is. Since he doesn't have any clients to occupy his time, he decided to post for you his ramblings from his own website (since you wouldn't see them otherwise) and prove once and for all just how smart he is. Maybe there's a reason GREGORY that no one takes your accusations and mud-slinging seriously. It's something that even a white sheet can't cover up. You're an IDIOT!!!
Okay, enough, Greg has made many valid points in the past and when, as an attorney, he has followed his sworn duty as an officer of the court, worked through channels(SO &DA), and see no valid effort to fully investigate wrongdoing, he is actually performing functions of the fifth estate (The Town Talk by name) to alert concerned citizens by getting the facts to the public in what is a new venue. Your repeated and rabid attacks on Greg the person, show you to be a highly defense sensitive person prone to attack to cover your own misdeeds. It is OK though, Seagoville Federal Pen serves a lovely sunday brunch where you and your cohorts can reminisce upon how petty the amounts of money were that you are concerned with compared to what you could have gotten away with. How do you like your steak?
To all of the conspiracy theorists:
So its in the council minutes that the city bought a bunch of speed humps from HMS after RJ's election. If its in the minutes then it must be award of a BID. A BID by its very definition is an open, public process. It may look bad that HMS got the bid, but if it was properly advertised, evaluated, and awarded then it's legal.
The problem with you people is that you expect someone else to do the dirty work. Most of the time, all of the facts regarding an issue that smells are a matter of public record and, under LA RS 44, are YOURS for the asking. Make a public records request. See if the HMS purchase is above board or not.
Those who are not part of the solution are part of the problem.
May I insert an observation in regard to the TT. They seemed to enjoy their publication in the editorial section...SOUND OFF!!!
Like blogs maybe?
That section boosted revenue for them, until business's pulled out advertising.
Noowww, they want a blog of their very own.
I tryed to sign up on TT blog, just for the heck of it....and guess what? They want take me.
Maybe I did something wrong in signing up. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt.
C.C.
Previous poster about Delores waving out on MacArthur, no laws were broken. Checked with the police and it is perfectly lega
I hope someone will ask the mayor candidates a question.
Has there been any civil service hearings in the past 3 years?
Crime in Alex. is a major issue, considering the need for downtown renewal.
Speed bumps, and surveilance camera's should not replace good police work.
I hope police accountability has not gone by the way-side. C.C.
LSU Football Tickets... If anyone is interested in winning two LSU football tickets and dinner for 2 at Chimes, Let me know how i can get in touch with you. These are prime seats and the raffle is $5.00 a ticket... The game is November 18th LSU vs Ole Miss..... The drawing will be November 5th..
Good Old Police work????? we need to put call boxs out so some of those out of shape fat asses will get out and walk.. They need to make the Gate a sub-station... Cars race up and down Jackson Str Ext while the cops sit in their vehicles throwing down Canes Chicken.... They're a joke... The Police Chief looks like a funeral director whenever he is on TV.. Put a damn uniform on and lead from the front... Let the community see that you are in charge and do community policing... Half the time they're worried about getting in the lunch line at Chilies or the Wok.... They need to stay away from food joints period....
Anonymous,
I thought no one saw that there is a problem. The buck stops at the police chief, always has before.
I wish him the best of luck!
C.C.
I do not consider myself a conspiracy therorist. I like to take actions that are evident and provable and bring them together to see who defends the action. Speed bumps on public thoroughfares is a ludicrous idea in itself. When you find folks that will defend how they got there in an extreme manner, it's like, you know, bonus points. I have more research to do to support the brilliance of our current council.
Where can one find a list of all of the speed humps installed during the past ten years?
Also, is there any type of traffic safety research study that argues for the effectiveness of speed humps?
I remember when they installed the humps on Terra, and they literally had to remove two or three of them because it became MORE hazardous. (We paid for the installation and removal of these speed humps. You'd think the engineers who cooked up this idea would have at least properly measured the distances between the speed humps).
I agree with Spanky. This was a bad idea from the beginning. They put them everywhere, including on a handful of heavily trafficked thoroughfares.
What is the procedure for emergency vehicles on streets with speed humps? DRIVE AS FAST AS POSSIBLE.
Speed bumps = KICKBACKS
I'm from Lake Charles, and I moved to Alexandria two years ago to work for Rapides Hospital.
You know where we have speed humps in Lake Charles?
Trailor parks!
When I first moved here, I told my boyfriend, "It's like Alexandria's aspiring to be one big trailor park."
So much for being the shining star in the center of the state. Our elected officials are quite fond of telling the public that we are the envy of state. What a let down. Trailer park? Makes sense to me. Delores actually wants to use double wides in the city as a solution to affordable housing. It is all becoming clearer. Thanks Lake Charles.
Spanky,
Is it true that Mrs. Brewer believes we should use double wides as a solution to affordable housing?
Someone informed me that the last 4 posts were copied onto the
Cenla Antics website, and sure enough they were. That anonymous
poster said that this is mudslinging and I am an idiot. He also
said that I think I am the smartest man around. Well let me address
his idiotic statements.
No i do not think that I am the smartest person in the area, just
smarter than you. I have a college degree, some masters work, and a
doctorate degree. What do you have? Also I have the courage and
integrity to place my name beside what I say, unlike you. And shame
on you, if you favor corruption, illegal and unethical acts by our
government officials. What facts do you have to dispute mine? No
Mr. Anonymous, I think you are the ignorant one. Once again I
state, somebody should sue me if I have lied in anything I said.
This idiot proves what the Town Talk says about anyone can say
anything without and facts or truth on a blog. Come back and debate
facts once you have grown a set of balls and have learned to sign
your name. Everytime I post something here, somebody writes about it
on the other blog sites. I know people from the Water District and
the City of Pineville read it, as they have reported it to lawyers,
discused it in illegal private meetings and reported it to the
Office of Disciplinary Council. Could it be that people at KALB and
the Town Talk also read it? By the way, I do thank you for giving
my free speech a wider distribution
Who had the idea for speed bumps?
Anyone Know...Specfics not just city council
I feel very ignorant.. never thought of emergency vehicles trying to get to a person in need!
Spanky, I'm sure you know and Lamars question re: Delores and Moblehomes or whatever he said.
C.C.
"Also I have the courage and
integrity to place my name beside what I say, unlike you."
Who are you again? You forgot to put your name besides what you said.
Within the past couple of weeks, that was a statement that she made on KALB as it was covered at one of the forums. I did a double take and asked if I heard that correctly and subsequently heard it repeated on a rebroadcast. KALB would have file footage.
Has there been any civil service hearings in the past 3 years?
I think they have one once a month.
Anonymous,
You said once a month. Are these police officers brought before the civil service board for reprimands?
I'm asking again because I have heard otherwise from a good source.
No leadership and bad apples not good for the city.
If they are being lead by certain union leaders spells trouble. C.C.
Back to the TT and their "We print a fair, unbiased, balanced, only print confirmed articles." I have to say b.ll sh.t.
I have six boxes of their so called BS. I would love to have them reprinted on a site to refresh everyones memory.
They put down this blog site and create their own.
How soon everyone forgets the TT created the first anonymous sound
off site in their very " ethical"
newspaper.
No one really cared who it hurt then until it hit too close to home.
C.C.
If mobile homes are truly one of Delores Brewer's solutions to affordable housing, then she made it an issue, not anyone else.
What's the harm in discussing this?
Smelly Pelican,
He does not talk to Chief Coutee, but that does not surprise him.
Dukes is a wonderful officer and I'm sad to hear that. He has a lot to offer the police department.
C.C.
Hey guys, let's center back on what I said and that was that I saw KALB coverage of the aftermath of one of the forums and Delores stated that double wides could be a possible solution to affordable housing. I saw it twice and I am sure that KALB would have the file footage. Make of it what you will but she said it, I did not.
will those double-wides have a bay window and a garden tub?
Where have you been Biff? I have been trying to stir folks up all by my self today and it has been tough.
Ok, here is the throwdown. Any of the current councilmen that want to defend their actions as being in the best interest of Alexandria, this is an open forum where you can remain anonymous and call out the liars among us. Go ahead, act like you didn't hear me but you did. We will be waiting.
Spanky, she didn't say it...period. Someone needs to concoct a better rumor than that.
I always act in the best interest of the city becuase I tell everyone what they want to hear and that makes them feel good.
I also act in the best interest of the city because I gained a lot of knowledgew while I was serving time in the federal pen. Now, the citizens are benefiting from this knowledge and all I ask in return is to let me continue to serve illegally as a member of this esteemed body.
Thanks Spanky, I remember her being very concerned regarding the evacuees at the city hall parking lot during the storm.
I still hope Delores wins!
Roy, concerns me because of the TT article saying tommy lost coutees retirement info without asking tommy.
Then in the second article saying he had not spoken to tommy.
Why not? Would't you ask the person that could tell you what you are seeking.
This blunder on his part was not very smart. C.C.
Uh ...uh .... uh .... uh huh
I run the council to the letter of the Home Room Charter. Ax anybody at the Corner Office and they'll vouch for me.
Well, it could have been on one of my hallucination days, but it happened twice which would be rather unusual. Did anyone else see the KALB interview I am referring to? I am not prone to total fabrication.
I always do things in the best interest of Bridg .... I mean, the city.
I do whatever they allow me to do
What City?
You guys are sooo funny!
On that note I'm off to read my new thriller.
Good nite and Good luck C.C.
What Delores said was that most of the women in here campaign were Double wide......I see nothing false or inapproprate about her statement and should leave it alone..
Sams is waaaayyyy to quiet for all the bad things that have been said about him. He's up to something. Something rotten.
Carolyn,
I suggest you call Jacques personally, considering you've twice posted about this Town Talk story (while at the same time, decrying the TT's objectivity). I think it'd be good for you to hear directly from Jacques regarding this matter.
All the best,
Lamar
Part of any Mayor's success will be his/her staff. What names are being tossed about as potential members of each candidate's staff?
Lamar,
I stand by my statement. The TT objectivity stays with their interest.
My point in regard to missing retirement records is why not ask Tommy. Depositions from others..
chief Ritchie, Ethel Q. all these answers were suppositions and hearsay.
Like all first in peoples lives: important events, you remember them
as if they were yesterday.
Tommy's first day as interim chief was like that....the conversation with Ritchie about why he had this file and is keeping track of these part of the chiefs job. Ritchie said no they need to go to accounting. Tommy sent them to accounting department in care of
someone by the last name of Washington.
Call Roy...no. The damage was done
once again...for whatever reason.
Besides its not my place to right this wrong.. C.C.
The first speed bumps were installed on North Drive shortly after the new Super K-Mart opened. The idea came from then Public Works Director Darrell Williamson, Street Department Director Dru Wells, and Traffic Department Director Doc Fontenot. At that time Councilman Bob Lawrence lived on North Drive. The speedbumps were originally made of asphalt until we started using the bolt down type.
what a strange occurence. delores' people were putting out signs yesterday, and all the roy and sams signs on the block are missing. hmmmmmmmm. say it ain't so delores.
The last speed hump on North Drive, if I recall correctly, was poorly constructed. If you were driving a small car low to the ground, you ran the risk of bottoming out.
Now we know where the first ones were installed. What lead to the speed hump epidemic?
What block are you talking about, anonymous?
You know, when we were calling on Saturday to set up people who wanted signs, a # of them said something to the effect, "Good, now I can get this other ridiculous sign out of my yard". Maybe they took them out themselves. :-) After all, she does have the best looking signs.
It is amazing how people reveal themselves. The comment about signs reveals that her tribe values appearance over substance which is actually the crux of the matter that is driving passions in this election. Folks want someone that can carry the water, not sit around and look cute.
Spanky,
I agree with your observation, but come on this is just one blogger.
C.C.
Spanky,
Your smart man, tell me honestly in regard to Lamar telling me to call Roy.....Your thoughts please.
C.C.
Carolyn,
Mr. Roy wasn't allowed to contact Mr. Cicardo, because it would have been a violation of the code of professional conduct. Lawyers cannot talk to unrepresented parties who may have an adverse interest to the lawyer's client.
It was not incumbent upon Mr. Roy to contact Mr. Cicardo about anything. Mr. Cicardo should have disclosed all relevant facts to the Town Talk.
He implied to the TT that Mr. Roy had spoken with him, which is not true.
I agree with the young Mr. White. You need to hear the facts directly from Mr. Roy before you end up exposing the identity of an individual who wished to be kept anonymous.
Anonymous,
We told the TT an associate spoke with Mr. Roy on our behalf....
The TT (misspoke) in regard to our
having a direct face to face conversation, but of course Roy was aware of this...
Not having a law degree, myself
this whole affair stinks...Are you
bringing us to court in this matter. Do we need a lawyer?
Carolyn Cicardo
It ain't so
Bringing what to court, Carolyn?
Geez you have a flair for the dramatic.
Carolyn,
When the Town Talk misspoke, they implied Mr. Roy had violated the code of professional conduct, which is why he wanted to make it clear that he never spoke to your husband.
I'm not sure why you've decided to take this so personally. The Town Talk made a mistake. It was corrected.
You should know all of this.
My opinion on the speed humps:
THEY ARE RIDICULOUS!
I called the City of Alex. to complain when the new batch of PARKING LOT speed bumps were installed on Maureen Street (the entrance to Good Earth subdivision). I was told that ONLY the people that lived on Maureen Street could make the decision to have speed bumps added. Nevermind that Maureen turns into Terra Avenue at the entrance to Good Earth. The city employee that I spoke to said that someone had filed a petition that the majority of people living on Maureen Street had signed (which could have been a small number, as there aren't more than a dozen or so houses on Maureen) requesting speed bumps. She said the City of Alex. then did a study by clocking drivers on Maureen Street to see if speed bumps were necessary. Apparently, they found them to be necessary, because they were installed. In the beginning, there were four installed. I believed this to be way too many, since Maureen is so short. I was informed that they were the "regulated" distance apart from each other. Since then, two of the four have been removed.
My problems with speed bumps are these:
1. The city is trying to use them to do the job of our police force.
2. In the event of an emergency, first response vehicles will be slowed by these ridiculous speed bumps. At a time when minutes can mean the difference between life and death, I don't think that's a good gamble.
3. Speed bumps/humps, etc. do damage to our cars! Our suspension systems take an increased beating because of them.
Some will say that safety outweighs all my complaints above, but to those people I ask: Do you honestly think that your street is more SAFE with speed bumps or is there just less of a NUISANCE?
I've also heard the excuse that "my children can't play in the front yard for fear of getting hit by a speeding car." I wouldn't let my children play out in my front yard unattended EVER. No matter where I live, or what time of the day it is, or how old they are. That's unsafe for many reasons other than speeders.
SAY NO TO SPEED BUMPS!!!!!
Carolyn, make the call. If he can not discuss the subject with you, he will say so and why, so you must be able to respect that and find your answers in another direction if he can not. Regardless of what most folks think, attorneys are held to a high standard of ethics that they must enforce upon themselves.
If some investigative reporter would follow the money in the speed bump fiasco, then it would become apparent what really went down, which I guarantee you had nothing to do with safety. Since there are no investigative reporter in 200 miles I guess we will not know unless some insider spills his guts.
What is curious is that the Coty Council apporived the hire of 5 new policemen (5 black council members - coincendental.) Five Black females were hired. White applicants, no matter their qualifications, received a letter stating they did not meet the city's qualifications. No the white fiolks didn't - they were white and, for the most part, male. Numerous well qualified people were not hired in order that the Black council members could reward their folks. As Brigette said: "it is now their time."
The police officers should remember this when needing/calling for backup and a skinny ass, whinny, incompetent negress shows up. There is hope though common rumour says they will have an office job within a year.
It is sad that equality as to employment opportunity isn't available to all citizens. Our ebonics speakers on the City Council will not be happy until we have a Black Mayor and all Departments head are Black.
Coutee you and Fuller return political favors in an outstanding manner. One of these days you gonna need white politicians and they are not going to be there.
Anyone else notice that when someone asked Scarlett to comment on the Brewer effort to lie about a poll that rather than answer she just QUIT?
Spanky,
I trust you for some reason. I am unsure about making that call, though. Maybe, just let that issue go..
As far as being dramatic, yeh.
After years of bending over and grabbing your ankles, the way Tommy and I have from our fine newspaper, city council, black ministers, NAACP and citizens sitting back unconcerned about what was happening under their apathetic noses. Yehhh... I just might be a tad bit dramatic...
No one cared what was growing in their fine government...
And now, what you have is a big mess to clean up....
Carolyn Cicardo
I am hearing that a lot of brewers supporters are doing the same.......notice the Town Talk comment about Roy getting stronger and Brewer stagnet?.......And thats coming from Brewers supporter at the Town Talk......
I am beginning to think that there may be a Brewer Roy runoff.
The TT should have just proceeded
and painted a big red bulls eye on the backs of the APD officers during those 6 long years.
Yes, I am bitter and sad that no one cared.
Thank you for this blog site. It
is great to now be able to express
all of the feelings I was unable to say years ago. C.C.
Carolyn, a lot of the criminal activity that occurs in plain sight could be prevented by establishing strong enforcement routines. Everytime a citizen witnesses another breaking the law and nothing happens, it is another step closer to less effective law enforcement. I do not want to live in a police state, but I want traffic, pedestrian, litter, obscenity, noise, and the various ohter ordinances that are on the books to provide for a decent, healthful, and safe environment to be enforced. It takes a professional police force that does not have the added pressures of being poorly paid and sold out at a moments notice to accomplish an orderly city. Public safety is a primary concern for anyone looking at a new community in which to locate and I am afraid we don't show well in that category. It is a daunting task to be police chief in Alexandria and I don't know if Jesus Christ could could walk the line to everyones satisfaction in that position. That is why I refrain from criticism of any police chief because they each are trying to walk the line the best they can. If we were perfect citizens, there would be no need for law enforcement.
Spanky,
Thank you for your words of wisdom.
Oh wise one. We missed out!
SPANKY FOR MAYOR
C.C.
Spanky, do we know one another?
New online poll:
How many people would actually be upset if the sign thieves would fall and impale themselves on the wire frames that the MF's leave in the yards?
Lamar, we have not met face to face, but I have been close to you at the Diamond Grill.
As for mayor, we have a great candidate in Jacques Roy. It was my great fear that no other candidates would appear until he did. By the way, I think he is at a great age (35 is by no means a child - what a foolish statement) and the gravity of the matters he has handled in his practice rival what he will be asked to deal with in the mayor's office. He, or whoever prevails, is going to need help from the citizens to make progress and he is wise enough to know that he is not a saviour and it is going to take good old fashioned work and sacrifice from all of us to claim success. We all for months discussed how we wanted a real choice, now we have it. Is Jaques perfect? I think he would say no, but I feel he is going to be 110% or he would not take on the challenge if he was going to give a half effort. I know it is usually crass to discuss income, but I would say his will be half when he takes the mayors job, so it is very much a sacrifice for him to run for office as well as lost revenue during the race. How many among us would do the same? I also have to tip my hat to all of the mayoral candidates because it is not an easy path to walk when you run for office. If nothing else, this race has strirred enough interest to have seven candidates representing a wide spectrum of our community come forward. Hopefully that enthusiasm will carry on after the election and be channeled to promote the common good of Alexandria as it is going to take everybody to unite under whoever is elected to move forward.
Anonymous, put me in the "no tears" column.
Spanky, your comments about a police chief are kind of naive. Either the police chief will have his department enforce laws or selectively ignore laws. The kind of Alexandria the majority wants is a city which has justice and the laws enforced without prejudice. Also, the sales tax passed by the voters was promised to the APD and others. The increase definitely put them where they need to be compared to other cities of like size. No, they want ever be paid like the employees at Proter & Gamble. The amount of money coming into the parish sales tax office has greatly increased according to the TT and Eldon Pody. The money's there, the city needs to pass it on to the APD. Of course, Sams has stated that the police officers make too much and should see a reduction when he's elected.
I think selective enforcement is exactly the problem that we have. How can you be clear with the public when that happens. As far as pay, the part that was not fully discussed was the fact that any pay raise the officers recieve is muted by the large deduction to fund the drop in value of the retirement program that was experienced by the city. It is state mandated that whenever the retirement fund drops below preset levels, a large portion of any raises must be used to replenish the fund. I am fuzzy on the numbers and specifics, but that was the battle Rick Ranson was fighting. His contention was that any tax hike for pay raises would not accomplish that goal because of the replenishment requirement.
Ask any line officer how much their check went up - it is not a happy subject and we are almost back where we started with police pay.
I feel selective enforcement messages come directly from the council and that is where the separation line needs to be drawn and reinforced as the police chief is directly responsible to the mayor, not the council.
I would also say that there is a community police academy that is held on a regular basis by APD that is quite informative and upon completion will allow a citizen to ride patrol with any officer. It will give you a different perspective on what really happens in this town and I recommend it.
It is possible that the deficit in the Police retirement fund is mandated to be made up by the City not the Officers - if memory serves. George Bowden and his cohorts were stealing the pension plan dry so the Policeman (off that era) got legislation introduced that requires the City to make up the difference from the General fund. That way the city thieves can steal all they want.
Would be interesting to see a source quoted whereby the difference is made up feom pay raises.
Hey Rick, If you are still tuned in, someone wants an explanation of the police pay raise and how the retirement fund deficit is replenished.
The Town Talk is great. Front page news: Baby boy whines about his wittle signs being taken. Try and put them in yards where people want them and quit using the Sams method. And next step: Grow up you little whiner, its politics, signs will get grabbed, run over, stolen, and of course it is the everyone elses camp that is doing it. Sad. Just damn sad. If this bothers you that much I would be terrified, not scared, to have you as mayor.
No shit.
I heard a great line from an elected official the other day, "The only two candidates remotely, remotely, qualified are Charles and Delores. The other 5 are in kindergarden compared. I said I agree with Delores but what about Charles? He said most people discount him because of how he communicates, but he has the knowledge better than anyone of how this city runs and should run. He also said Delores is that plus 100. Her knowledge is unmatched by these people. She just needs to be where she can show it. And don;t give me this crap about "well, she was chief of staff". She was chief for barely six months.
Anyway, thought it was interesting coming form a black elected official about Delores.
Hey, how about this novel idea. Let's just do away with all of this government stuff, give everyone a fifty dollar pistol and let folks take care of their own business.
Carolyn:
I know your husband and our new chief fairly well. I like them both. To explain how well I know both would compromise my i.d. - which may jeapordize my livelihood. I know you wouldn't want that? Although, I do not know you, I think you to be very intelligent, well spoken, good hearted and genuinely concerned about the greater good.
Nonetheless, Tommy was a pretty damn good cop, a good guy and seems like a good husband and father. However, he was a not a very good Chief. I know it seems to you as if all of the cards were stacked against him - they were not. He was in control of his destiny and a few vital decisions or lack thereof cost him his credibility with the officers that worked for him, the press and the public. He is to blame not the press, public or fate.
He was not there - as the book explains - on Wise St. or at the station later on that tragic day - I was. He was not the leader or even there for his men the way they expected him to be after that date. He seemed much more self-absorbed and narcisistic - smothering himself in self-pity. Appearances are reality in situtations like that.
Please stop wasting your obvious talents, wit and wisdom trying to justify his misgivings. He was human and all will forgive such. Give Coutee a chance to create his own legacy and the truth will be known.
After reading the DB / CFS comaparison, I am nearly, note I said nearly, speechless. If the both are so brilliant and have so much experience, then how come they haven't led the city in their current positions to participate in federal and state revenue sharing and grants where they could to maximize the use of local taxpayer dollars. Do you think possibly that is why some of us want to throw the bums out because they are INNEFECTUAL? Delores admitted at the time she had the bout with Bridgette that she had an epiphany and actually read the thirty five pages that comprise the city charter. Amazing. I think I would have kept that to myself as she should have been well versed in its composition and fuction well before 16 years had elapsed in administrative employment. And Charles. You make him sound akin to DR. Sams except with the variation that he posesses so much knowledge, he just don't know how to use it all. As far as giving them the stage, they have been all over it and in return, given us a comedy show. I say throw the bums out, out, out....and kick 'em in the ass as they go.
I should offer my apologies as I may appear to be so intransigent in my mayoral views. As a matter of penance, I would ask any and all Delores Brewer / Charles Frederick Smith supporters to enumerate and offer possible solutions to issues that face us in Alexandria.
School Board Races:
Any news, predictions?
Sign snatching republican operatives? Who could they be? One little individual immediately comes to the forefront of my mind.
I was just telling you what someone said. Jeseus people. I never said I agreed with everything he said.
Sign snatching operatives are in every campaign people.
Holy shit--Alice Red Hammond actually said it best, its a campaign, I expect it to happen. It always happens.
Get with it people.
Spanky,
Next time you see me, let's talk. (And don't introduce yourself as Spanky. That'd ruin the mystery).
The school board will have little if any change. Very few have opposition. Rodessa Metoyer is the most vunerable of the incumbants. The two running against Dixon are hoping to build a base to run when Herbert wins the Bo Curtis state rep race next year and there's a special election to fill his school board seat then. The Board has done a pretty good job actually, so there will be little change. Pam Webb will be elected to the District I seat Sams is giving up to run for Mayor. Thank God we played Sams's ego fiddle and got him to vacate his school board seat to run for mayor.
Can Lamar White even vote in the Alexandria mayor's race? Or, is he like the Sams supporters at Evergreen Plantation on Horseshoe Drive who don't live in the city limits and can't vote?
Can Lamar White even vote in the Alexandria mayor's race? Or, is he out of the city limits like the Sams supporters at Evergreen Plantation on Horseshoe Drive who can't vote for Sams?
Yes, I can and will be voting in this election. My apartment is well within the city limits.
Thanks for your concern.
Lamar, you are OLD ENOUGH to vote??
Is KALB doing video blogs for the school board candidates? that election will be here SOON.
Is KALB doing video blogs for the school board candidates? that election will be here SOON.
Anonymous,
I respect your candid view of Tommy's ineptitude as chief.
But, did you just spring from a cabbage patch....
Thank you C.C.
Lies to the council and calls it a "figure of speech"
Solicits on state right of ways
Steals yard signs
...all fine qualities for the next MAYOR!!!!
BREWER FOR MAYOR
Yes, in fact, next year, I'll be old enough to run for mayor.
I have seen a lot of facts come out about all candidates for all offices over the last six months. I just wonder if anyone out there has changed their opinion and would vote differently today than then. Might give us an idea of the effect of our previous comments.
I am undecided because I can't get excited about the field of candidates.
Looks like if the election were held today, Brewer and Roosevelt would be in a run-off. However, the election is on Sept. 30 so there is time for some significant movement.
Brewer is currently the frontrunner but definately must worry about Roy and Johnson. She would be foolish not to. She is NOT a shoe-in for the runoff. Many of her own supporters believe she would be the best mayor, but that she is not the best campaigner. She definately made some missteps in the beginning, but has done well at overcoming them. She must continue to work very hard and come up to speed on speaking and debating.
Roy is a better public speaker and will campaign hard. However, Brewer has been in the race longer and has more money. If people are looking for experience, she is more likely to appeal to them than the young Mr. Roy. It would take LOTS of money for Roy to catch up with Brewer and overtake her. He would need great TV and lots of it. But, it is not impossible. It COULD be done. Some people who think Roy won't win think this is a practice run for such a young candidate and that he has a political future after this race.
Meanwhile, Johnson has a comfortable lead among the black candidates. He is likely to be in a runoff with a white candidate. Hammond and Smith are in the tank and Fuller is not seeming to catch on. However, Af. Americans do not always poll accurately.
Sams is quickly becoming a non-factor in the race. His numbers have actually gone down since the spring. Surely, this is because people are recognizing him for the radical "fringe" candidate that he really is. Every time he speaks at a forum, he does himself more harm than good. His TV spots are the worst I have ever seen here. Who did those, the cable company?
Unscientific trial heats--if Johnson and Brewer get in a runoff, Brewer can win if she gets her vote out. If Johnson and Roy are in a runoff, Roy wins by merely getting the whites out and stealing some of the blacks who don't like Johnson. Not at all likely, but if the blacks somehow feed off one another and take Roosevelt down and Brewer and Roy get into a runoff, Roy would win because he would get the black vote and some white vote. I do not think Brewer could possibly take that race. But lucky for her, that scenario probably won't happen!
My feeling is that a police chief has no control over what an individual policeman "sees" or doesn't see while on patrol. He can and often does witness crimes being perpetrated and chooses to or not to enforce based on his/her personal choice. I've seen offenses being committed in plain sight of an officer and the officers either don't see it on purpose or are not observant enough to have seen it.
To blanketly blame the chief is a bit short-sighted.
Silence!!!!!!!!!!!Very scary....Maybe the calm before the storm. C.C.
Wellll anyone read a good book lately? Uhh..guess not
Tess Gerritsen has out some great medical thrillers. Yeah! Oh, and also Erika Spingler just finished her novel FORTUNE Yeah! SILENCE, and DEAD RUN UhhUhh.
Well ok C.C.
Erika Spingler is from New Orleans,
She had to relocate up north to her old home town. Sure Nuff...
I'm guess this means everyone is out campaining for his or her candidate....Thats great!!!!
I sure miss you all, later.
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