Special interest, or us?
FACTS:
The Lafourche Parish Council voted against the adoption of FEMA’s advisory base flood elevations map. The action of the majority of the council is not surprising. What is surprising, is that the odd couple of Charlotte Randolph and Daniel Lorraine agreed that the map should be adopted. All though Mrs. Randolph and Mr. Lorraine agreed for different reasons, I agree with both of them. Mrs. Randolph stated that refusing the map could cost the parish millions (dollars) in flood mitigation money. Mr. Lorraine stated that the first concern should be the safety of the public. Could it be that some of these elected officials only respond to special interest, rather than the welfare of the general public?
OPINIONS:
In my opinion, special interest is what this council appears to be all about. The following information is based on earlier observations.
Mr. Callais attempted to remove two board members from an appointed board. The council chambers was filled to capacity with the two board members supporters (special interest), Mr. Callais deferred the issue. If the removal of the board members was in the best interest of the general public, why did Mr. Callais adhere to the special interest?
Councilman Daniel Lorraine introduced an ordinance on Barite disposal, it passed, it was for special interest. Why did Mr. Callais vote against the special interest resolution? Was it because Mr. Callais finally had the onions to stand up for the general public or was his employer against it?
Mr. Callais stated that he voted against the FEMA maps because the maps are wrong. How does Mr. Callais know the maps are wrong? Was it because a developer (special interest) said the map is wrong? This was another vote for a few (special interest) rather than the general public.
Councilman Mark Atzenhoffer publicly stated that this charter makes us one parish. When will this council stop voting for the wishes of the special interest groups and begin representing the parish as a whole? If only the members of this council would put forth a little effort toward research, they might realize that special interest groups only hurt the parish and help themselves.
Grab a cup of coffee and visit with us again.
