An Opinion Column by State Treasurer John Kennedy

    Louisiana will shortly be electing a governor, other statewide officials and a new legislature.  Here are five goals these new leaders should set for themselves, and for the state, for the next four years:

    Create 250,000 new, good jobs.  Do it by lowering taxes, eliminating needless regulations and especially by concentrating on existing Louisiana businesses, particularly small businesses of 100 or fewer employees.  Every state wants to land the big fish – the car plant or the software manufacturer – but we don't spend enough time or money helping the businesses already here.

    Finish I-49 North and begin I-49 South.  The funding is in place for I-49 North; we just need to finish it.  Now Louisiana needs to get serious about completing I-49 South.  I-49 is the single most important infrastructure project in our state.  It will create a seamless north-south trade corridor from Canada to the Gulf.  It will generate over 100,000 new jobs.  Tolls, TIFIA funds, the Unclaimed Property Leverage Fund, a public-private partnership between the state and private investment funds, a joint venture between the state and sovereign wealth funds, and a greater percentage of Louisiana's capital outlay budget are possible funding sources.

    Reduce state government spending.  Since 2005, Louisiana state government spending has increased 32%.  We have too many state employees, adjusted for population, compared to other southern states.  22% of our managers manage one employee.  Last year taxpayers paid for 900,000 visits to expensive emergency rooms for routine care.  We have too many colleges offering the same programs and way more consulting contracts than we need.  It's true our state budget is balanced, but balancing the budget is not the same as reforming state spending in a way that solves our long-term structural fiscal problems.  Remove the inefficiencies in state spending and invest the money saved in roads, universities and reduced taxes.

    Reform teacher tenure and raise teacher pay.   Other than home environment, the single biggest factor in whether a child learns (and all children can learn) is teacher quality.  Over the next four years we need to lead the nation in finding out which our teachers can teach – and pay them – and which of our teachers can't teach, and either teach them how or remove them.  Couple the reform of teacher tenure with a starting salary of $60,000 a year to attract the best teachers to our classrooms.  Yes, it will be expensive.  What we're doing now costs even more.

    Reduce poverty by reducing out of wedlock births.  This year 49% of all Louisiana babies will be born out of wedlock.  1 out of 2 newborns will probably never know the firm hand of a father or the loving hand of a mother.  Statistically, these kids are more likely to grow up to be undereducated, underemployed and less healthy.  They will likely commit more crimes and access more social programs that cost taxpayers more money.  Louisiana's political leaders need to acknowledge this problem.  They need to end their embarrassed silence and speak up and out, with one voice, about this socio-economic challenge in our state.

    Opportunities always look bigger going than coming.  Shakespeare was correct when he wrote that "in delay there lies no plenty."

By Dave Freneaux

The Louisiana Ethics Administration oversees all financial disclosure and reporting by candidates for public office across our state. As a result of a matter brought to our attention, Central Speaks has reviewed over 200 pages of documents required to be submitted by the six candidates for House and Senate races affecting the citizens of Central.

Valarie Hodges Campaign Amends Candidate’s Report

Candidates for Louisiana House and Senate are required to file a Candidate’s Report, detailing all campaign contributions and expenditures. Valarie Hodges, a candidate in House District 64, did fi le the report on time on September 22nd, but the report contained a $1,200 payment to her daughter, who lives with Ms. Hodges, for “Contract labor”. Such payments to family members are prohibited by the Louisiana Campaign Finance Disclosure Act. This issue was brought to the attention of Central Speaks by the Barry Elkins campaign, and Central Speaks immediately contacted Ms. Hodges for a response. A Hodges campaign official stated that they were unaware that the transaction was prohibited.

In bringing this issue to light, candidate Barry Elkins stated, “Whether Ms. Hodges knew about this law or not isn’t the point.” After being made aware of the issue, the Hodges campaign filed an amended Candidate’s Report, reclassifying the payment as a $1,200 “In-Kind Contribution” from Valerie Hodges to her campaign, and reducing the amount of her personal loans to the campaign by $1,200.

The Valarie Hodges campaign has issued the following statement on the matter: “There was an error made when my campaign report was filed by my accountant.  We have since filed an amended report with the State correcting the mistake. There was absolutely NO check written or cash given to any family member from my campaign funds. An in-kind donation that we made personally to my campaign was mistakenly reported as a campaign loan. It is a simple clerical error that has been corrected with the State. This is much-a-do about nothing.”

Mike Mannino Failed to File Financial Disclosure

Candidates are also required to file a Personal Financial Disclosure Statement within 10 days after qualifying for the election. Mike Mannino qualified for the Senate District 6 race on September 6th but, according to the Louisiana Ethics Administration Mr. Mannino has not yet fi led a Financial Disclosure.  The Louisiana Ethics Administration sent a Notice of Delinquency via certified mail to Mr. Mannino on September 29th, giving him 14 business days to file the report before being subjected to fines. 

Reached for comment, Mr. Mannino was unaware that he needed to file the report. He stated “They should have one on file there for me from the last race. I thought I was in compliance.  I have nothing to hide.”  Mr. Mannino immediately filed his Personal Financial Disclosure via fax.

Mayor Mac Watts issued a letter Thursday formally vetoing the City Council’s 3-2 vote to increase the size of Central’s City Council.  Reached for a statement, the Mayor shared, “I can support a decision of the Council to change to Districts or Divisions, but I cannot approve an ordinance increasing the size and cost of government on such a split vote of the Council.  If the Council will reach a compromise or put this to a vote of the people, I will support that decision.” The entire text of the Mayor’s letter follows:

Since the incorporation of the City of Central in July of 2005, the appointed and elected Council members have worked tirelessly to establish an efficient government for the City of Central. Together, we have created a streamlined government through the utilization of public private partnerships and partnerships with other governmental entities for services such as animal control, fire protection, garbage collection, public safety and public sewer. 

Through public private partnerships and partnerships with other governmental entities, Central has been able to increase services to its residents without many of the revenue sources available to other municipalities. Unlike many other municipalities, Central does not levy ad valorem taxes, receive franchise fees from the gas or water utility companies operating within the city limits or any revenue producing utility. 

During a period when many other municipalities have experienced decreasing fund balances and reductions in services, we have grown our fund balance and increased services. Through the collaborative efforts of the Council, my administration, the City-Parish, state officials and citizens who have volunteered their time and expertise, additional funds have been made available for road improvements, drainage improvements and acquisition of equipment to enhance public safety. I believe these collaborative efforts to improve and to maintain our infrastructure are vital to the future economic growth necessary to sustain the operations of the City of Central and the Central Community School System. 

While other municipalities are often cited as comparisons, there is no true comparison in the state of Louisiana to the City of Central. Central is the only municipality which provides the majority of its services through a public private partnership thereby, simplifying government.  Our simplified budget, insulated from the impact of fluctuations in costs of retirement, health care, labor, fuel and other goods, has enabled Central to continue to operate with a very small administrative staff and a council of five members. 

The members of the Central Council have been hard-working, ambitious and set a record which we can all be proud of; however, I fear that the decision to fundamentally change the organization of our city government by increasing the size of the Council would erode the trust which our citizens have placed in us. 

I want to personally thank all of the citizens who participated in the hearings concerning the council districts and Councilman Messina who chaired the committee; however, the process has made it clear to me that there are varying opinions on the appropriate composition and election system for the Council. I believe that a decision as important as increasing the size of the Council should be decided by the citizens or a super majority of the Council. 

For these reasons, I have vetoed the Proposed Ordinance increasing the Council from five to seven members and hereby return it to you. It is my hope that we can all move forward together on other matters which will enable the Central to grow and prosper.

Sincerely,
Mayor Shelton “Mac” Watts

II.  Unfinished Business: None

III.  New Business

1)  Mayor’s report and presentations.

2)  Introduction of the following item(s) (with public hearing to be held at the October 25, 2011council meeting): None

3)  Public Hearing and action regarding the following instrument(s):

a)  To amend and re-enact Appendix J of Title 7, The Unified Development Code, and to provide for related matters. (Council Member Washington)

b)  Approval of the annual Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire for audit purposes (Councilman DeJohn)

4)  Other items for discussion by council: None

IV.  Zoning Cases

(1)  Introduction of the following item(s) (with Public Hearing to be held at the October 25, 2011 council meeting): None

(2)  Discussion and Action regarding the following case(s):

a)  RZ-10-08 Rev Site Plan Revision (Deferred from September 27, 2011 Meeting) – This property is located on the south side of Wax Road between Willowbrook Dr. and W. Brookside Dr. on Lot Y of the Brian Tract, being in Sections 8 & 9, T-6-S, R-2-E, GLD, EBR, LA.  The applicant is proposing to decrease the square footage of the shopping center from 21,360 sq. ft. to 19,200 sq. ft. (Applicant:  Kimble-Development of Central)
Commission Action (August 25, 2011):  A motion to defer RZ-10-08 Revision was made by Wade Giles, seconded by Mr. Paul Burns.  Vote:  6 yeas (Messrs: Bonvillain, Burns, Giles, Rauls, Reado, Walker), 0 nays and 1 absent (Mr. Johnson).
Commission Action (September 22, 2011):  The Zoning Commission will hear this case on September 22, 2011.
Commission Action (September 22, 2011):  A motion to approve RZ-10-08 Revision was made by Mr. Paul Burns, seconded by Mr. Wilson reado with the following stipulations:
1.  The applicant shall be required to provide inter-parcel access with the adjacent property to the east.
2.  The applicant shall be required to submit a site plan revision should additional square footage or buildings be required.
3.  The applicant shall meet or exceed the landscaping requirements for vehicle use areas, pursuant to UDC §18.3(B)(6), prior to the issuance of a commercial building permit.
4.  The applicant shall submit a drainage plan at the time of commercial building permit submittal.
Vote:  6 yeas (Messrs: Bonvillain, Burns, Giles, Johnson, Wilson, Reado), 0 nays, and 1 absent (Mr. Walker) and the motion carried.

b)  RZ-1-11 Rezoning of Portion of Tract Y of the Thomas H. Robertson Property. 
This property is located on the east side of Joor Road near the Hooper Road intersection north of Morgan Place Subdivision in Sections 7 and 70.  The applicant is proposing to rezone from R(Rural) to LC-1 (Light Commercial One District) for a contractor business.  (Applicant:  Paul J. Burns).
Commission Action (September 22, 2011):  A motion to approve RZ-1-11 was made by Mr. T.J. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Harry Rauls with the following stipulations:
1.  The applicant shall be required to submit a site plan revision should additional square footage or buildings be required.
2.  The applicant shall provide a permanent dust free paving for all parking spaces, aisles, and connecting driveways pursuant to UDC §17.4, prior to the issuance of a commercial occupancy permit.
3.  The applicant shall meet or exceed the landscaping requirements for vehicle use areas, pursuant to UDC §18.3(B)(6), prior to the issuance of a commercial occupancy permit.
4.  The applicant shall not provide any outside storage.
Vote: 5 yeas (Messrs: Bonvillian, Giles, Johnson, Wilson, Reado), 0 nays, and 2 absent (Messrs:  Burns, Walker) and the motion carried.

V.  Other Business

(1)  Public Comment

* Restricted to items not on the agenda.  A Public Comment Request to Speak Card must be turned in to the City Clerk prior to the start of the meeting in order to be considered. Public comment is limited to 10 speakers with three minutes each.

Submitted by Betsy Barnes

Absentee ballot request forms will be available in Central to make it easier for many who may not otherwise cast their vote in the October 22^nd elections.

Attorney Walton J. “Ti” Barnes, II, is supporting the Republican Women of Central’s efforts to remind voters to vote early October 8-15 or by absentee ballot before the upcoming state, parish and municipal elections.

Absentee ballot request forms will be available at Barnes’s law firm at 12628 Hooper Road, Suite A, from 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m. weekdays.  The office faces Hooper Road in the newly completed Central Office Parc, located between Central Storage and Central Urgent Care.

Louisiana has the fourth highest percentage of registered voters nationally, but typically only 37% of voters actually go to the polls.

October 22 will be a busy day for LSU fans who will be watching the LSU vs. Auburn game at Tiger Stadium, for those who have to work or those unable to go to the voting precincts. Voting by absentee ballot is quick, convenient and requires little effort.

Many registered voters, especially senior adults, may find it difficult to vote because of limited mobility, illness or lack of transportation. Churches are encouraged to pick up the request forms for senior adults and others in their congregation who may not be able to go vote. Copies of the request forms can be made and shared.

Completed request forms can be faxed or mailed to Elaine Lamb, Registrar of voters. The full ballot will be mailed to the voter’s residence. Complete the ballot, mail it in and the vote is counted.  

From the City of Central

            Building permits continued at a slow pace during the month of September 2011 within the city of Central. A total of 6 new residential permits were issued.  The total valuation of these permits was $912,956. 

            Within these permits, one was issued in Village Lakes with a building valuation of $177,268; one in Morgan Springs with an average valuation of $140,342; two in Burlington Lakes with an average valuation of $156,008; and two on private parcels of land (one with a valuation of $78,048 and another with a valuation of $205,282.)  So far this year, a total of 101 new residential building permits have been issued.  This is the second month in a row with below average building permits for new residential construction.

            On the commercial side, Mike Anderson has submitted his plans for review for his new restaurant to be located on Greenwell Springs Rd between Frenchtown Rd and Sullivan Rd.  Plan review should be completed by the end of the month.  Also, the McDonald’s on Hooper Rd has submitted plans for renovations and remodeling.

Submitted by Sharon Phillips

Tonight, Tuesday, October 4 at 6:30 p.m., there will be a Metro 1 district meeting at  Zachary Library (1900 Church St.) in the conference room.  Everyone is welcome to attend.

EBRP Metropolitan Councilman Trae Welch would like to invite any citizen residing in District 1 to attend the monthly meetings for an opportunity to voice their opinions, share ideas or suggestions, and have Metro 1 serve as a clearinghouse for information.   Local candidates running in the upcoming election have been invited to attend this month’s meeting: State Senate Seat 15 (Sharon Weston Broome) and State Senate 17 (Rick Ward, Larry Thomas), State Representative 62 (Rob Farmer, Bob Arnold, Kenny Havard, Ken Dawson, Ronnie Jet), State Representative 63 (Barbara Thomas, Hillery Godfred Johnson, Dalton Honore, Ronald Rogers Jr.), State Representative 64 (Valarie Hodges, Barry Elkins) and Zachary Chief of Police, (David McDavid, David Courtney, David Brown).

By Dave Freneaux

On Tuesday night, in a record four hour meeting of Central’s City Council, Council Members LoBue, Washington and Messina, voted “no” on an amendment which would have divided Central into five Districts, a concept they each campaigned on last year.  Council Member DeJohn, who offered the compromise, and Council Member Moak, both voted in favor of the five District amendment .

In another attempt to reach a compromise Council Members DeJohn and Moak supported an amendment to create five Divisions, in which each area of the city is represented by one Council Member, all of whom are elected At-Large.  Council Members LoBue, Messina and Washington voted down this amendment as well.

In a final attempt to resolve the issue and unify the Council, Council Member Moak offered an amendment which would allow the citizens of Central to go to the polls and decide for themselves whether to increase the size of Central’s City Council and what type of representation the people want.  Council Member DeJohn supported the amendment, but Council Members Messina, LoBue and Washington voted against allowing the people to decide.  Mr. Washington explained that “This is not a big decision” and he felt the Council could decide this matter for the people.  Mr. Moak felt quite differently, stating “You are fundamentally changing the form of government for the City of Central.”

    In each of the first three Districts committee meetings Council Member Messina explained why he felt it was important to increase the size of the Council by adding two seats elected At-Large. Messina explained, “…right now all five Council Members live in School Board District #1.   Here is the only thing that bothers me about the districts, I think that it would be harmful and a loss to the City of Central, brainpower wise, effort wise, if of the five Councilmen that are in District 1 when we go to 2014 when the next election is, that automatically four of them could not, would not be elected”… "I am going to be in favor of the five districts and the two at large.  That way it would give those folks an opportunity to run at large.”

    The ordinance changing the City Council structure to Five Districts plus two At-Large was approved by a 3-2 vote.  In favor were LoBue, Washington and Messina, opposed were Moak and DeJohn.  The ordinance is now on the Mayor’s desk awaiting his signature or veto.

    Public comment on the ordinance was overwhelmingly against increasing the size of Central’s City Council.  Thirty two persons spoke and only eight were in favor of the ordinance.  So that the entire community can be fully informed about this extremely important meeting, the entire four hours of video can be seen on CentralSpeaks.com by clicking on the CentralSpeaksTV icon at the top of any screen.  Due to the length of the meeting, it is presented in three parts.

An Interview by Dave Freneaux

    Knowing how closely you have been involved with the BREC projects in Central, when a question came up concerning BREC and Rep. Bodi White you were the first one I called.  Can you clear up for us whether there was anything suspect in BREC’s land purchase for the new Lovett Road Sports Park?

I looked back over my notes and paperwork from May of 2008 forward and we had a number of meetings with BREC.  We had expressed to them that we didn’t feel like we were getting our fair share, and we weren’t getting their attention.  They met with us to try to respond and bring Central the recreation facilities we deserved.  Now to cast a shadow of doubt on the integrity of all these meetings and all these people including myself, State Representatives Steve Carter, Regina Barrow and Bodi White, Metro Council Member Scott Wilson, our Mayor, several well known attorneys, and board members from BREC, well that’s just not right.  All of these people carry the credentials of high integrity, and to try to make people think anything less of them is truly a disappointment.

    How did Representative White’s interest in the property become known?

During these meetings Bodi disclosed that he had an interest in one of the properties BREC was considering, and the sign was even up there on the property stating that he was the listing agent.  To me it was never a secret so why does it become news now?  From the time that it was listed with the name on the sign saying who the listing agent was, to this day, it’s never been a secret.  It’s never been hidden.  There never was any question about whether Bodi would divest himself of this interest for this to move forward, and it is my understanding that he did.  Everything was open and above board.  If not, I don’t think BREC and their attorneys would have allowed anything to move forward.  I also don’t believe that Bodi would have wanted anything to get in the way of new parks for Central.  He’s been chairman of CAYL for 20 years or more and he always has the kids’ interests at heart.  So it is my belief that he would not have done anything to jeopardize making the recreation facilities in Central better.  I’m disappointed that it appears that the integrity of everyone at these meetings has been called into question.  I don’t think any type of collusion could possibly go on with that many people involved with the common goal of improving the recreation facilities in Central.  

    Can you comment on where you see yourself and Representative White on the issue of Integrity and Ethics as elected officials?

I got into politics with high integrity, and I will leave politics with that same level of integrity.  When my Grandkids ask about me I don’t want anyone to be able to tell them that I was less than fair and honest.  I’ve known Bodi and his family for as long as I’ve been in Central, which has been since 1965.  The integrity is there in the family and I haven’t seen anything that would lead me to believe that he would put self interest ahead of the people that he’s representing.

    What would you do if you suspected unethical activities from one of our elected officials?

If I saw something that raised any question of unethical or illegal activities, I’d report this to the proper authorities such as the DA, Ethics Administration, and the Inspector General and request an investigation.  

By Dave Freneaux

    Normally, election strategies and political jabs thrown in a campaign are not news. Such battles are usually fought out in well defined political ads and campaign speeches.  However, when the jabs become front page headlines and the subject matter is a much needed BREC Sports Park for Central, everyone wants to know what exactly happened, or, Just The Facts.

    How did Representative White come to be involved in the project if he invested no money?  In a telephone interview, Rep. White shared that he and his business partners put together a business plan to develop an industrial park on this property.  Funding was obtained to purchase the property.  Rep. White spent a year working to bring the project to a marketable state, going through wetlands determination, laying out the projected development, marketing the concept and, in general, investing his time as “sweat equity” in hopes of making a fair profit in the coming years.  In a telephone interview Mr. Rogillio stated, that when Representative White left the property venture it had a net profit of approximately zero, owning property equal to the funding that had been secured to purchase it.

    Did Representative White make any money as a result of his involvement in this property?  Mr. Rogillio clearly explained that Bodi White never invested any money in the project, and that when he withdrew from the project he received no money because the project had not made any profit.

    When did Representative White bring this issue to the public?  In documents from a May 6, 2008 BREC meeting, four days after he became aware of BREC’s serious interest in the property, the minutes reflect that Representative White disclosed his ownership interest in the property.  Among those in attendance at this meeting were State Representative Clif Richardson, Metro Council Member Scott Wilson, State Representative Steve Carter, four BREC Board Members, two attorneys, State Representative Regina Barrow, Central Mayor Mac Watts, and BREC Superintendent Bill Palmer.  Once Bodi White knew of BREC’s serious intent to purchase the property, he stated publicly his desire to dissolve his interest so that he and BREC could avoid even the appearance of any conflict of interest.

    Did Representative White dissolve his interest in the property?  On September 24, 2008, nine months prior to BREC’s eventual purchase of the property, documents filed with the Secretary of State evidence that Representative White did withdraw from the corporation which owned the property. And those are, Just The Facts.

    In addition to his cooperation in assembling the facts above, Mr. Rogillio forwarded a copy of a letter to the editor written to another publication, and gave permission to publish it here.  It is a simple and well organized response to questions raised about the business dealings of a Central family and what role Representative White did, and in one case did not, play in these dealings:

E. Gordon Rogillio Jr.
17526 Hazeltine Drive
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70810
September 27, 2011

Woody Jenkins
Editor, Central City News
13567 Hooper Road
Central, Louisiana 70818

Dear Editor,

    While I choose not to engage in the sensationalism that was the Central City News,    September 22, 2011 edition, I am compelled to provide you with the rest of the story. Enumerated below are some facts which will be important to any reader interested in the whole truth.

1.         November 2006- Brandon Rogillio enters an agreement to purchase a 52 acre tract with a 60 day due diligence period and authorizes the design of an industrial park

2.         January 2007- Parcel 52, LLC purchases 52.104 acres at the fair market value of $300,000

3.         April 24, 2007- Parcel 52, LLC purchases an adjoining 7.128 acre tract for $95,744 and Rogillio Real Estate begins marketing the 59 acre site as potential location for industrial warehousing

4.         July 2007- BREC does parkland acquisition study of the tract, as Rogillio Real Estate continues to market it as a potential warehousing site

5.         October 2007- Parcel 52, LLC invests in the improvement of the property, including large scale drainage improvements

6.         May 6, 2008, Mack “Bodi” White publicly discloses his interest in the parcel after BREC puts it on their short list of potential sites 

7.         August 7, 2008- BREC presents their review appraisal to Brandon Rogillio, demonstrating a strong interest in the land

8.         September 24, 2008- Bodi White dissolves his interest in the potential warehouse project in favor of a BREC sports park. He received no money from the transaction

9.         June 19, 2009- BREC purchases 50.62 of the 59.23 acres owned by Parcel 52, LLC         

10.       As a condition of the sale, Parcel 52, LLC becomes responsible for improvements to the BREC property, including the construction of a multi-acre retention pond

11.       As a condition of the sale, BREC becomes responsible for a portion of the cost to construct a 750-foot-long street which will serve as the access road to their park

    I also wish to make it known that Rep. White was not involved in the creation of Central Auction House, LTD. The 2008 House Bill 610 was one of many pieces of progressive legislation pertaining to electronic bidding since 2001.  

•           2001 HB 888 allows transmission data for Louisiana procurement electronically

•           2003 Central Auction House began developing its proprietary software

•           2006 LA DOTD begins accepting electronic bids with bidx.com

•           2006 the Office of the Governor, Division of Administration, Office of Information Technology, promulgates the rules for Louisiana Political Subdivisions to accept electronic bids

•           2006 Central Auction House, LTD registers with the LA Secretary of State and begins providing e-bidding services

•           2008 HB 610 receives unanimous approval from LA House and Senate & Governor Jindal signs into law

•           2010 LADOTD requires that all bids must be submitted electronically

•           2011 HB 192 receives unanimous approval from LA House and Senate & Governor Jindal signs into law

•           2011 SB 83 by Senator Jack Donahue authorizing Reverse Auctions is signed by the Governor

    At this juncture, I can only stress how unnecessary these errors and omissions were. This fiasco could have been avoided by simply contacting us before running your story.  

Sincerely,
E. Gordon Rogillio Jr.