Forum Held to Inform of School Board Ethics

By Jessica Ferguson
The Times of SWLA


School boards have been accused of micromanaging and have become the focus for new rules and guidelines. When Louisiana Superintendent of Education Paul G. Pastorek was asked to provide BESE with some recommendations on school board reform, the public in general focused on exactly what school board members do and what the problems might be. On April 14th, the League of Women Voters held a forum to educate the public on some of the controversial issues facing the school board; only a handful of people attended. Here are some of the issues discussed
:
• Limiting the ability of school boards and school board members to involve themselves in district hiring and firing decisions
• Requiring the approval of a super-majority of school board members before a superintendent can be fired
• Setting term limits for school board members
• Changing the compensation for school board members to a limited per diem system
• Strengthening state nepotism laws that govern school boards and superintendents
• Prohibiting school board members from taking part in district health insurance plans


Louisiana’s nationally recognized public education accountability program is number two in the nation. The state leads the country in accountability and testing programs, as well as data gathering and initiatives to improve teacher quality. In spite of that, student achievement is ranked one of the lowest in the country at number 47. According to Barry Erwin, President of the Council for Better Louisiana, there is a disconnect “between a decade of state efforts to improve public schools and what has happened at the local level.” CABL presents that education reform has been addressed at the state level and now it’s time to focus on local school boards.

On April 27th, Representative Steve Carter, R-Baton Rouge, will introduce the following bills to the legislature. These bills could change how local education functions. According to Erwin, they are focusing on things that are already in existing law or for which they have precedent.

• HB371 Ethics/Nepotism: Amends nepotism provisions relative to employees of school board.
• HB664 Schools/Boards: Provides term limits for members of city, parish & other public school boards.
• HB808 Schools/Boards: Provides relative to compensation of & benefits for members of local school boards.
• HB821 Schools/Boards-MFP: Provides relative to the allocation & reporting of certain
education funding.
• HB851 School/Boards: Provides relative to the powers, duties, functions, & city, parish & other local public school boards.

While many parents and educators across the state are vague when it comes to the school board reform battle, or have no opinion, or just don’t care, others have strong opinions. Most favor limiting the number of terms a member can serve.

One local teacher who wishes to remain anonymous said, “Board members often stay too long and want things to stay the same with little or no change.” Others fear that limiting terms will rid many knowledgeable and qualified board members. Some other local teachers, who prefer anonymity, feel the board should set policy and the school’s central office and the principals should see that policy is followed. They believe the principal should be allowed to run his school and hire who he wants, not who board members want and do not agree with the 2/3 majority.

One parent said, “Those who make the rules should know what they’re doing by actually being in the classroom for several days or weeks. That what they’ll know what really needs to be reformed.”

The main fear—the reason for battle between those for school board reform and those opposing it, is the loss of control, the balance of power, a turf war. Who will have the power? The state is responsible for how each school board does its job.

The Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI) says that “most reform that can be accomplished at the state level has been enacted, that the issue we face now is implementation which falls directly into the hands of those ultimately responsible for student achievement—the local school boards.”

The reforms are logical, straightforward, and have much Chamber of Commerce support across the State of Louisiana; Now, the decisions are for the future of all Louisiana children.
To learn more about school board reform, go to the following websites:
www.la-par.org
www.cabl.org
www.louisianaschools.net

Local Election Wrap-Up

by Jessica Ferguson


On Saturday, April 4th, only 29 percent of Lake Charles’
registered voters showed up at the polls to vote in the highly
contested mayoral race. “And that was just the city of Lake

Charles, the parish-wide numbers were even lower,” said H.
Lynn Jones, Clerk of Court. Jones says it was actually better
than expected. “We’ve become a busy society. We used to go to
work, church, then home to spend time with family. There
weren’t a lot of distractions out there. “Jones is passionate
about the importance of voting. “A lot of people gave their
lives for us to have the privilege,” he said. 

Mayor Randy Roach, who won another four year term against
challenger Billy Pharr said, “It’s always a little bit
disappointing when you don’t have a big voter turnout, but
realistically, it’s what they predicted state-wide.” Roach
says he’s grateful for another term and had the opportunity to
reconnect with people during his campaign.

“Any time you campaign and have a chance to go door to door and talk with
people, you get a renewed sense of what people are concerned
about, and what your long term infrastructure needs are, and
yes we go into a campaign with an agenda, but the process
reminds us of the needs of the citizens,” Roach said.

Mark Eckard who ran for the District G City Council seat faced
a run-off against John Fontenot until Fontenot called KPLC on
April 7th to concede and give the win to Eckard. The race for
City Council, District G, proves that every vote counts.
Eckard needed only one more vote to claim the council seat
without a run-off.

Former U.S. Representative Clyde Holloway is the new PSC Representative for District 4 as State Senator
Joe McPherson bowed out of the race, citing a low turnout favoring Holloway.

“I don’t understand why people didn’t turn out to vote in this
race,” Lynn Jones said. “It’s important. This is the office
that regulates our utilities in southwest and central
Louisiana.”

More election results from around the area
Lake Charles City Council

• Council Member, District A  - Marshall Simien    
• Council Member, District B  - Luvertha August          
• Councill Member, District C  - Rodney Geyen           
• Council Member, District F- Dana Carl Jackson         
• Council Member, District G – Mark Eckard              

             
Chief of Police – Town of Vinton   Ricky Fox                  
                       
Council Members for Town of Vinton

• Council Member “B.B.” LoydCouncil Member Kevin Merchant
• Council Member Bliss Bujard
• Council Member Harold Douga
• Council Member Paul Patin

Jennings Results

• Jennings Mayor - Terry Duhon
• City Council District B - Johnny Armentor
• City Council District C - Trey Myers 
• City Council District D - Anthony P. LeBlanc 
• City Council District E – Stevie VanHook              

DeRidder Results 
                                                                                     
District 4 Council  - DeRidder: - Elizabeth S. Granger

No Solid Leads in the Jeff Davis Serial Murders

Chaney Ferguson



In May of 2005 a young woman’s body was found dumped in a rural area in Jeff Davis Parish. More than three years later in November of 2008 a seventh body was found. Although only three are considered homicides, Jeff Davis Sheriff Ricky Edwards believes that even though they lack factual evidence all are somehow connected.

“I started believing after the second death that behaviorally there is some connection somewhere. We are working forensically to bring that to light and that might be coming shortly,” Edwards said.

The Victims
All seven bodies were found floating in canals or dumped on rural roadways in the parish. Their ages ranged from 29-17 years old. The names of the women are:
• Loretta Lynn Chaisson, 28, found May 20, 2005, in a canal.
• Ernestine Daniels Patterson, 29, found on June 17, 2005, in a canal six miles away.
• Kristen Gary Lopez, 21, found March 18, 2007, in a rural canal south of Welsh. Lopez was the seventh victim’s cousin.
• Whitnei Charlene Dubois, 26, found May 12, 2007, on a rural road just south of Jennings.
• Laconia Shontel “Muggy” Brown, 23, found May 12, 2008, on a rural road in Jennings.
• Crystal Shay Benoit Zeno, 23, found decomposed Sept. 11, 2008, off LaCour Road in rural Jeff Davis Parish.
• Brittney Ann Gary, 17, found decomposed Nov.15, 2008, half-mile south of La. 1126 on Keystone Road, about 3 miles from where the first remains were discovered in 2005.

Connection
According to Sheriff Edwards, the strongest connection in the deaths can be found in the relationship between the young women. They shared the same social circle, and were all in a “substance abuse lifestyle.”
Every victim’s autopsy revealed cocaine in her system. Each of the bodies were found either naked or missing certain items of clothing. Most, if not all, were not wearing shoes.
“We don’t have any factual evidence other than behavioral things that shows they are probably connected,” Edwards said.

Obstacles for Law Enforcement
The law enforcement officers face a huge hurdle with the lack of evidence left at the dump sites. “I have the body locations but not the actual locations of where they were picked up, seduced, or the actual kill site. We only have one third of that case at this point,” Edwards said.
A team is working daily on what the media calls the Jeff Davis Seven, he said. Officers are looking at each victim’s case individually and collectively. The FBI, state police, Calcasieu, Acadia Sheriff Departments, and the Attorney General’s office are all providing assistance.
Recently, America’s Most Wanted, the crime television show aired on Fox Saturday nights, took an interest in the case. Information on the victims and the individual cases can be found on the America’s Most Wanted website www.amw.com.

Edwards promises the public that he and his team will not stop until the person or persons responsible have been caught and brought to justice.
“Myself and the deputies take this personal,” Edwards said. “These ladies did not deserve that treatment. But we have a lot of unknowns out there. We have to go out and try to develop this information.”

Obstacles for the Families
While law enforcement faces one battle, the victim’s families face another. “We have a hard time getting people to be compassionate because of the situation,” shares Brittany Jones. “We want them to be labeled as women and not prostitutes or drug addicts.”
Jones’ sister Whitnei Dubois was the fourth victim. Since Dubois’ death Jones has been a dedicated advocate for all the victims. “I constantly interview people on my own. That’s my way of helping.”

In addition to asking her own questions, Jones is working with the other families to design t-shirts to promote awareness and help raise the reward money which is currently $35,000.

Jones says that designing the shirts is a way for the families to stay involved. “It’s difficult for the families since they’re in the middle of everything. Whenever another body is found or someone turns up missing, the families live it all over again. We’re trying, but it’s hard.”

“The last year of my sister’s life before she died was not who she was her entire life. That I believe is where we have had our biggest obstacle—for people to have the feelings for these girls they would have for anybody else,” Jones said.

Communication
Before the task force was created, law enforcement was criticized for not keeping the families informed. “There was about a year and a half where we didn’t have any information if we didn’t contact them. Since the task force, the particular detective assigned to my sister’s case has been working night and day on it” Jones said.
Sheriff Edwards implemented a new way to keep the families informed. “I have engaged a local pastor as a liaison and he has spoken with 4 of the 7 families so far. He will be the one to meet with them and bring their concerns to us.”

New Information
Before Gary’s body was found, two of the victim’s families hired a private investigator to help with the cases.
Recently, on the jdpkiller.wordpress.com blog, which is operated by a third party, the investigator posted a promise of protection. According to Jones, the private investigator posted on-line that if anybody had any information and was willing to come forward, his agency would provide 24 hour protection until the person is caught.

The Sheriff and Jones agree that people are out there who know what happened to the seven victims, but something is keeping them from coming forward. The private investigator and Jones are hoping the offer of protection will be incentive for new information.

The number of years and the number of bodies led to criticism of the law enforcement officers. “I understand that when there is an unknown, someone gets the blame and I am that someone,” said Sheriff Edwards, “I accept that responsibility because the case has not been solved.”

You Can Help
If you want to help raise awareness and money visit this blog at jdpkiller.wordpress.com for updates on the t-shirts for sale and other information. If you have any information about the victims call the Jeff Davis Sheriff’s department.

Moody Gardens, Just A Chip Shot Away!

by Nancy Correro
The Times of SWLA


     In this fourth installment of “Just a Chip Shot Away,” we travel to beautiful Moody Gardens Golf Course on Galveston Island, Texas. The renowned golf course architects of Jacobson Hardy created a new design for the 6,900 yard, 18 hole, par 72 course in late 2006. Their focus was to keep the historical features while improving certain holes and overall course flow. The course is designed to be player friendly and has 5 sets of tees for all playing levels. The redesigned course features new turf grass, green complexes, elevation, irrigation, drainage, and cart paths. Other improvements include a larger driving range, new golf cart fleet, Pro Shop, and remodeled clubhouse.

     Although Hurricane Ike hit Galveston on September 12, 2008 and Moody Gardens had just re-opened June of 2008 with fresh renovations, you’ll be pleased to know that they are back up and running according to Bill Pushak, Moody Gardens Golf Course General Manager. Their greatest nightmare having been faced, and not to minimize the impact of Ike, it seems as if it was a mere bump in the road for them.

    Their recent renovations to the course aided in the quick recovery. Superintendent Steve Yarotsky had overseen the seeding and maturation of the salt-resistant paspalum grass that covered the 135,000 square feet of the course. The grass did better than expected. It was a green beacon to many of the locals who went out and played the links about a month after Ike. Pushak said that “the grass was very resilient. It was completely underwater and they had no irrigation for two weeks, but the grass stayed green. When viewing the Island from a plane after the hurricane, the golf course was the only green in sight.”

    Pushak said that “there are 64 bunkers in all and they only need to repair 15” to be completely past the damage from Ike.  He said that the new golf cart fleet was saved because they relocated them before the storm. Since the buildings had to be built high, they weathered the storm.

     Upcoming events include “Moody Madness 3” a Golf Tournament and Salsa Competition where you can golf and bring your own salsa for judging—Golf and salsa, now that sounds like fun. This will be held Saturday, May 9, 2009. You must register by April 29.  Registration begins at 7:30 AM. The cost is $65 per person with green/cart fee, range balls, fiesta lunch, and prizes per flight included.

    For those of you who are not into golfing, perhaps you would like to indulge in Moody Gardens other attractions.  There is a spa, IMAX 3D theater, 4D Special FX theater, tropical rainforest, aquarium, and interactive futuristic movie ride. They also have Spring Break and Easter events coming up. For more details see the Moody Gardens website since event dates and movie times change.

    You’re “Just a Chip Shot Away” from Moody Gardens, Spring is here, and the freshly mowed grass is waiting for you to tee off.

Contraband Bayou Recovery

by Chaney Ferguson
The Times of SWLA


  Contraband Bayou Golf Club at L’Auberge, suffered major
damage during Hurricane Ike.  The turf sat under saltwater for
three days before the water receded leaving behind a layer of
salt, dead fish, and ruined plant life.

  Recovery is ongoing and multi-layered.  After the green was
cleared of all debris, a neutralization process was carried
out in order to extract the salinity from the turf.  The eight
lakes on the course, which facilitate drainage and serve as an
irrigation reservoir had to be drained of saltwater which took
three days and then had to be refilled.

  The course was closed for only seven days thanks to all the
L’Auberge du lac employees who helped with the clean-up.
"Everybody got involved. It didn’t matter what their title was
they got out and helped,” said Billy Rase, Golf Superintendent
at Contraband Bayou Golf Club at L’Auberge.

  Since the golf course opened in 2005 it has survived two
major hurricanes.  The difference between Hurricane Rita and
Hurricane Ike is the type of damage each hurricane caused.
Rita involved more wind damage resulting in fallen trees, and
overall the recovery was quicker.

  Ike covered the golf course with 10 feet of saltwater
providing lengthy and more complicated challenges.  The three
months following the storm involved changing the tires on all
the equipment because of punctures caused by fish bones.  This
unique problem is just one of many the workers had to overcome
in order to restore the golf course back to its natural
design.

  One problem plaguing the recovery efforts is timing.  “This
course is affected differently because our root zone is not as
deep into the soil as surrounding courses,” said Billy Rase.
Hurricane Ike hit in September leaving the grass to face
cooler days after the initial shock of the saltwater.

“Cold weather does not kill the grass, but causes it to go
into a dormant state,” said Bill Belcher, Head Golf

Professional, PGA, at Contraband Bayou Golf Club at L’Auberge.
The next several months of warm weather will allow the grass
to grow, helping it to become healthier in case of future
storms. 

  Hurricanes are a fact of life in this area and preventative
measures are being taken.  Before Ike hit, the staff reserved
a chemical from Georgia so they would be first on the list for
help once everything cleared enough for recovery to begin.

Belcher and Rase both acknowledge that the best preparation is
planning and using experience from previous hurricanes and, as
a result, flood control valves and reverse irrigation pumps
are being put in place.

  The natural design of the golf course created by world-
renowned golf architect Tom Fazio, actually helped control the
damage.  According to Rase, the water would have flooded
everything anyway, and the lakes and plants helped absorb and
contain some of the saltwater.

  There is still some turf damage in a few areas but they are
expecting a full recovery by July.  In the meantime, all 18
holes are open so go out and enjoy the warm weather while
developing your game at Contraband Bayou Golf Club at L’
Auberge, where even this non-golfer found herself drawn in by
the beautiful environment.

Louisiana Legislators Prepare to Face Budget Deficit

By Lisa Yates
Editor, The Times







The Louisiana Legislature returns for its 2009 Regular Legislative Session on Monday, April 27. With an anticipated budget deficit and a struggling economy, state lawmakers voice their views on the upcoming legislative session and the work ahead of them.

Each of the state legislators representing Southwest Louisiana was asked to respond to several questions. For example, they were asked what their priorities were as they work to draft a final version of the budget; and, they were asked what they saw as their most difficult challenge this legislative session.

In addition, the lawmakers were asked to discuss specific bills they will be authoring/co-authoring and what they hoped to accomplish with the legislation. Also, they discussed whether or not they anticipated taking advantage of federal funds offered by the recent economic stimulus legislation.

Finally, the legislators were given the opportunity to discuss anything else they felt was important to note about the 2009 Regular Legislative Session in April.

What follows are the responses received from state Senators Dan “Blade” Morrish and Willie L. Mount; and, state Representatives Dorothy Sue (Tramel) Hill; Mike Danahay, and John E. “Johnny” Guinn.

Senators

Sen. Dan “Blade” Morrish

    District: 25

Residence: Jennings/Lake Charles

Terms served: Three in La. House of Representatives; One in La. Senate

    Contact: dmorrish@legis.state.la.us
    (337) 274-4759, Cell
    (337) 824-3979, Office

Budget priorities: To make sure that within this new budget, the legislature does as little harm to those individuals, who through no fault of their own, cannot help themselves. I speak specifically of the sight and hearing impaired, the mentally challenged and the elderly.

Most difficult challenge this legislative session: The dramatic number of major issues that will be addressed in an odd-numbered year session (Fiscal Session of only 60 days). The legislature will have last year's $800 million surplus, this year's $350+ deficit, next year's $1 to $2 BILLION deficit, and the Stimulus Package just for starters!

Specific bills you will be authoring/co-authoring: The creation of the Cheniere Plain Coastal Restoration and Protection Authority which will include all of Calcasieu, Cameron and Vermillion Parishes. The purpose being, to provide Southwest Louisiana with one voice when bringing coastal projects to Baton Rouge and Washington D.C.

Do you anticipate taking advantage of federal funds offered by the recent economic stimulus bill: Yes, but only when those funds are not tied to future expenditures that the State of Louisiana will not be able to afford. I would support one-time spending for highway and bridge projects, coastal protection and restoration projects and support for the agriculture industry.

     Other: This session will involve a long list of controversial issues. It is important     that I stay informed of all citizens' concerns and opinions on these issues. Please     contact my office with your concerns and suggestions as my duty is to represent     you to the best of my ability.


Sen. Willie L. Mount

    District: 27

Residence: Lake Charles

Terms served: Third term

    Contact: lasen27@legis.state.la.us, or (337) 491-2016

Budget priorities: Since the state MUST operate a balanced budget, the governor and the legislature approved state spending reductions to address this year's shortfall. State budget officials now estimate, even with the budget cuts adopted this year, that we face a $1.6 billion budget shortfall for next fiscal year to keep current state services and programs adequately funded and to meet increased costs associated with certain operations. We must balance the budget!

    Most difficult challenge this legislative session: Legislators will face two different     kinds of money questions at the regular session - how to deal with the looming     budget deficit for the next fiscal year and how to best invest a sizeable budget     surplus from the last fiscal year. Both money questions are mostly the result of     changes in state mineral revenue collections, at first much higher than expected     and now much lower.

Specific bills you will be authoring/co-authoring: Bills under consideration for authoring or co-authoring include health care reform, crack down on child sex offenders, improving the state's education and workforce training programs, addressing the state's dropout rate, DWI law changes and creation of a lung cancer fund for research.

Do you anticipate taking advantage of federal funds offered by the recent economic stimulus bill: The stimulus package will afford the state to utilize the federal transportation funds in the bill to initiate shovel-ready projects. The terms of the federal legislation require that half of the funds must be committed within 120 days and the remaining funds within a year.

     Other: Beyond the fiscal issues, debate at the 2009 Regular Session is expected to     center around on-going key issues such as workforce training, health care reform,     education, highway safety and public safety.

Representatives

Rep. Dorothy Sue (Tramel) Hill

    District: 32

Residence: Dry Creek

Terms served: First term

    Contact:  hilld@legis.state.la.us/ 1-800-259-2118

    Budget priorities: My priorities in the budget session this year are my moral     obligations to my constituents and to the people of Louisiana. I believe the     vocational technical colleges will help in training and retraining our workforce. I     am concerned about our infrastructure – highway systems, health care, education,     elderly care. This is my moral obligation to you.

    Most difficult challenge this legislative session: The legislators face a most     difficult and challenging session beginning April 27, 2009, because of our present     day economy along with all the tax cuts we so graciously granted last year.     Balancing the budget without hurting our elderly (those on fixed income and     retirement), our working poor and our children will be a real challenge. I pray we     can do this with the citizens of Louisiana on our minds.

    Specific bills you will be authoring/co-authoring: At the present time, I am     working on several bills that I am interested in filing.

    Do you anticipate taking advantage of federal funds offered by the recent     economic stimulus bill: I will vote to take advantage of the federal stimulus funds.     They are jobs - jobs that will boost our economy to help our citizens and     constituents get back on their feet. Our citizens and I pay federal income taxes -     this is our money that is coming back to Louisiana for us to use in an accountable     way to improve our economy. If we use these stimulus funds in the correct way,     our companies, plants, small businesses, and timber industry will be revived and     our citizens will be back to work.
   
    Other: If the legislative and the executive branches work together in a Christian     way, we will have a very productive session.

Rep. Mike Danahay

    District: 33

Residence: Sulphur

Terms served: First term

    Contact: (337) 527-5581, or danahaym@legis.state.la.us

Budget priorities: Being that this a fiscal session and we are facing a $1.2 to $2 billion short fall in the 2009-10 budget, the goal will be to balance the budget without increasing taxes and with the least amount of interruption of essential services provided to the citizens of Louisiana.

    Most difficult challenge this legislative session: Of course balancing the 2009-10     budget will take center stage this session. With the downturn in the economy and     declining natural resource revenues, the challenge for Louisiana will be to be     financially prudent with current dollars. We must also address the budget with the     future in mind. There are future financial considerations, such as health care and     education, that if not addressed today may become the crisis of tomorrow.

    Specific bills you will be authoring/co-authoring: There are few bills I will be     filing concerning local matters. These bills will help to clean up some     discrepancies for some local entities. Other bills that will have statewide impact     are currently under consideration. 

    Do you anticipate taking advantage of federal funds offered by the recent     economic stimulus bill: Yes. I do anticipate that the state will take 
    advantage of most of the stimulus funds. It is important to note that these are     one-time monies and should not be applied to reoccurring expenses. The state     should not become dependent upon these funds.

     Other: Constitutional mandates, protections, and dedications have hampered     efforts to make meaningful changes to reform Louisiana government. There is the     possibility to begin this discussion through legislation that could be brought forth     this session.

    Rep. John E. “Johnny” Guinn

    District: 37

Residence: Jennings

Terms served: First term

    Contact: guinnj@legis.state.la.us, or (337) 824-0376

Budget priorities: The legislature does not draft a budget. The governor submits the budget to the legislature. I understand the governor's staff is still working on the document and plans to submitted it to the legislature sometimes in March.

Most difficult challenge this legislative session: The most difficult challenge this session will be to balance the budget with the projected deficit the state is facing.

Specific bills you will be authoring/co-authoring: I am still in the process of receiving request from my constituents for legislation. My legislation is still a work in progress.

Do you anticipate taking advantage of federal funds offered by the recent economic stimulus bill: At this time the governor is still studying the rules the state would have to follow in order to accept these federal funds. I feel his decision to accept or reject federal funds will be based on what is best for the state. I will support his decision.

     Other: This session is a Fiscal Session. It is shorter session and legislators are limited to filing only five bills not pertaining to taxing matters. I feel this will serve to concentrate the legislature's efforts on finalizing a budget that attempts to serve the needs of our citizens in the best fashion possible. 

Mayor Roach Meets with President Obama; Announces Bid for Re-election

By Bill Krull






While Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana face major challenges in the coming years, Lake Charles Mayor Randy Roach said no doubt exists about the region’s ability to respond. Time and again, Roach said at a news conference announcing his bid for re-election, the people have risen to the occasion and turned crisis into opportunity.

“Hurricanes Ike and Gustav came through almost three years to the day after Hurricane Rita. In the wake of Hurricanes Ike and Gustav, we proved to the country that, yes, the people here did a great job after Rita but, guess what? It wasn’t a stroke of luck,” Roach told a crowd of about 200 people.

“It was because of who we were. Who we are. What we accomplished, what we’re doing to rebuild, reshape—that doesn’t just happen. Whatever the future holds, we, the people of Lake Charles and Southwest Louisiana, we’re going to be fine, we’re going to be okay. Our strength comes from our ability to work together. We have proven our ability to accomplish great things in the midst of extreme hardship.”

The next four years will be challenging, due in part to the global economic crisis, Roach said. A prolonged recession may very well affect various phases of the community development strategy currently being implemented—public and private.

“We’ve focused on a vision of not just recovery, but of making things better. We’ve focused on the improvements needed to sustain growth that includes things like roads and water and wastewater and services, better recreation facilities for our children—the infrastructure we must have for a sustainable high quality of life,” Roach said.

Lake Charles people took a major step forward when they approved a $90 million bond issue—a community wide, comprehensive capital improvement program. Planners took extra care to build in responsibility, accountability and sustainability to ensure no barriers are created today that might hinder future growth.

The importance of such care was graphically illustrated when President Barack Obama laid down strict guidelines for the use of stimulus funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) that he recently signed.

In a White House meeting with Roach and 84 other especially invited mayors from throughout the nation, the President cautioned mayors to use ARRA funds “with unprecedented responsibility and accountability.” The president’s warning was a pre-emptive strike meant to deal with a major concern about so much federal money being pumped into state and local governments in a relatively short time.

Such sustainable projects currently underway in Lake Charles include numerous construction projects for economic and community development and for roads, parks and recreation facilities for quality of life and for children. Many will be complete in 2009 and several others are in the design phase.

What it boils down, Roach concluded, is a simple matter of responsibility.
“It all translates into a very simple thing: When I was in Washington D.C. visiting with President Obama, he acknowledged that our nation is not a nation of government, it’s a nation of people. It’s a nation of people who live in communities, large and small, like Lake Charles. That’s where the real work gets done,” Roach said. “That’s where dreams are fulfilled. That is what this race is about. It’s about our dreams for our community for our children for their future.”