Lafourche Parish, Kiss The Ring
FACTS:
Council once again delays FEMA map acceptance, is the title of an article by Alces P. Adams, in the July 12, 2006 edition of the Lafourche Gazette. The article is a report on the special Lafourche Parish council meeting held on Thursday, July 6, 2006.
OPINIONS:
It is supposed that the Louisiana State Attorney General (AG) issues opinions based on law. A recent opinion by the AG prohibits the placement of culverts in drainage ditches without receiving compensation from the individual property owner. According to the above mentioned article, it appears that the State of Louisiana will withhold money ($3.5 million) from Lafourche parish if the Parish Council do not adopt the ABFE maps. The money that will be withheld is tax payers money intended to mitigate or repair privately owned structures. At what point does the law change Mr. AG? If the parish cannot use tax payers money to install culverts in a public drainage ditch, how can the state use tax payers money on private property?
According to the news article, Councilman Mark Atzenhoffer objected to the state blackmailing the Parishes. He (Atzenhoffer) said he will not “kiss their ring”. Is Mr. Atzenhoffer going to be the first jellyfish to generate a spine? Are his lips still sore from kissing the DA’s ring, or whatever councilman kiss when the DA delivers his sermon?
Speaking of kissing the ring, it appears that the South Lafourche Levee District is considered as being a sacred cow (no pun intended). It is my opinion, that the money not being received by the District is a direct reflection of a few of its arrogant leadership. It is alleged that the citizens of South Lafourche will have to pay additional taxes because of one or two people affiliated with the South Lafourche levee district. The citizens of South Lafourche do not have a choice on who sits on the levee district board, or its employees. Could this be taxation without representation? If one is on television, perhaps one ought to not brag on how South Lafourche took it upon itself to build a levee, the nation is watching. South Lafourche needs federal funds. Decisions made on behalf of the South Lafourche Levee District should be made by its entire appointed board and not by a couple of moronic advisers.
Will Vision air the last Council meeting tomorrow night? The odds are that they will not, because it may have a negative impact on this Saturday’s election. Visit with us tomorrow as we examine the actions and inaction’s of the Lafourche Parish Council.
