Lafourche Parish Facts And Opinions

FACTS:

It appears that one could pick any major historical event (natural or man made) and a scholar will find a way to say that the event was prophetized 500 years ago.  Some scholars claim that the rise of Adolph Hitler was prophetized.  The prophecy mentioned Histler.  Some scholars and Captain Kirk(of KLRZ fame) mentioned that the prophet missed spelling Hitler by one letter, “S”.
Let us look at a man-maid disastrous event, Lafourche Parish President Charlotte RANDOLPH.  Could it be that someone prophetized that someone would run for public office and fool her fellow leaders the same way Adolph fooled his fellow leaders?  Charlotte RAN (for public office), is she keeping secrets from the public similar to the way ADOLPH did?  If you drop one letter, “A”, in Adolph, will the name be RANDOLPH? 

OPINIONS:

In my opinion, the above is ridiculous.  Today’s lafourche Parish Media, is also ridiculous.  In the Navy, people who wish to be a member of the US Seal team must successfully undergo a rigours training program.  During the training activities there is a time known as HELL WEEK, which separates the truly dedicated from the not so dedicated(the men from the boys, sort of speak).  It appears that the Lafourche media have a so-called HELL WEEK event.  Reporters are allegedly asked to sit through a 5 or 6 hour lafourche Parish Council meeting and find something positive to report( a feel good story).
The media kept everything transparent during the Caillouet and Breaux administration(front page news).  The media reported on what the majority of the council were supposedly thinking, who they ate with, where they ate, details on travel, details on expenditures, misinformed the public on who was doing what, and “OH YES” even comments on Rybiski’s hair style.  There were no secrets.  It is alleged that today, the Randolph administration is riddled with public corruption, lies, secrets, etc.  Why is there such a hush-hush in the Lafourche media?  George Randolph, husband of Charlotte Randolph while driving a parish vehicle, was involved in an auto accident.  It is alleged that George and Charlotte hid the wrecked parish vehicle in a Raceland gas station garage in order to keep it a secret.  We haven’t heard anything on the radio (except a mild debate on weather it was OK) and there was a write up in the news paper only after it was exposed by a blogger.  Why don’t we have media out-rage with this administration?  It is alleged that the sheriff and DA will only react to an incident which create media out-rage.
On yesterday’s “Talk on the Bayou”, Capt. Kirk asked of the listening audience, “where were you on Sept. 11th five years ago and do you feel safer today than you did five years ago?  It is alleged that at least two callers stated that they did not feel safe today locally.  It is alleged that Capt. Kirk cut them off for getting away from the issue.  What is more important, what happened 5 years ago or safety today in Lafourche.  It appears that the media will not allow a comment which reflect negatively on Lafourche Parish Elected Officials.  Even a report of alleged child molestation, appeared not to spark an interest.
It is alleged by many, that there is a candidate for public office who allows a son and spouse to drive upon a public highway while drinking. Is it true?  It is also alleged that the DA and Sheriff are aware of the situation.  Is it true?  It is alleged that today’s media protect today’s elected officials and some candidates.

Keep in touch and we will examine the reason behind Councilman Matherne’s proposed ordinance, giving all department heads a pay raise.  We will also look at where the water weenies may be placed next.   Bye-Bye, Miss American Pie!!!!!!!!!    

FACTS:

The good people of Lafourche Parish and the surrounding area are very much aware of the arrival of the love-bugs.  They (love bugs) appear on the scene twice a year, late spring and late summer.  We are trying to figure out the reason for their existence.  We know that they can be classified as a nuisance.  We seem to be happier when they are no longer around.  We are extremely happy that they are seasonal, and not with us year round.  That is a sad commentary for one of God’s little creatures.

OPINIONS:

It is rumored that the political group known as “Lafourche First” may be gearing up to appear on the scene again.  It appears that they may appear just in time for next year’s Lafourche Parish Council and president elections.  I guess we can say that “Lafourche First” is seasonal. They appear on the scene once every four years.  We are trying to figure out the reason for their existence.  Could they be classified as a nuisance?  We seem to be happier when they are no longer around. We are extremely happy that they are seasonal, and only appear once every four years.  It is alleged that “Lafourche First” is not proud of its accomplishments of the Fall elections of 2003.   It is also alleged that they are not happy with Lafourche Parish President Charlotte Randolph, several of their endorsed council members, Sheriff and DA. 
In my opinion, “Lafourche First” afford the tax payers a choice, GOOD GOVERNMENT as we are experiencing today(alleged corruption, selective arrests and prosecutions, more taxes, more fees for culverts, less services, etc.) or a local government for all of the people.  If the tax payers of Lafourche want local government for all of the people, they may want to read between the lines when “Lafourche First” speak.  In my opinion, if any of you decide to join “Lafourche First”, you may get to have a steak with the sheriff at the shooting range, have a cocktail on the parish credit card with George and Charlotte Randolph or attend a fund raiser for Cam Morvant at the Country Club.

Keep in touch, the love bugs are ready to leave and Lafourche First may soon be ready to appear.

FACTS:

Yesterday is history, hopefully we increased our knowledge for future reference.  Today is an opportunity to constructively use our knowledge.  Tomorrow remains a mystery.

OPINIONS:

In my opinion, the actions of some of Lafourche Parish elected officials today indicate that they did not increase their knowledge from yesterday.  The Lafourche Parish elected officials actions tomorrow is not a mystery to the tax payers of Lafourche.  Same–o, Same–o.  More taxes, more fees and less service. (we must now pay a fee for what was once free, culverts.  Compliments of the “Lafourche First” Council.)

There is an aspect of Lafourche that remains a mystery.  Why does there appear to be a lack of interest in the up coming elections?  Do we dare place the blame on the lack of productivity of our present day elected officials?  Is it the alleged public corruption in Lafourche?  Are we waiting for “Lafourche First” to regroup and endorse candidates with “Lafourche First” core values?  Are we weary of Charlotte Randolph”s administration allegedly violating laws without consequences?  Are we weary of alleged selective arrest and prosecution in Lafourche Parish?  Be strong my fellow weary citizens, for next year we will have an opportunity to speak out on all of our non productive elected officials.  We, the tax payers, will have the opportunity to re-examine the position of DA in the fall of 2008.

Keep in touch, be informed and remember that we, the tax payers, have the final say-so.  Elected officials must earn our respect, it is not a gimme with most of us. 

FACTS:

According to an article in the Daily Comet (Sept.9, 2006), the Director of the Lafourche Parish Department of Public Works will not have to go to trial to prove his guilt or innocence.  In the same article, the Sheriff decided not to accept charges filed by George Randolph against Councilman Daniel Lorraine. 

In another article written in the Daily Comet (Sept. 9,2006) , the Lafourche Parish Sheriff arrested two people on drug charges.

OPINIONS:

I don’t know if Ray Cheramie was guilty or not.  I don’t know whether the Lafourche Parish District Attorney did the right thing with the pre-trial intervention in this matter, but it appears that he might have taken his head out of the sand on this one.  Be proud of your District Attorney, Lafourche.
I don’t know whether George Randolph was telling the truth or not, but the Sheriff finally took a stand.  If you don’t take a stand, you stand for nothing.

“Two Arrested on Drug Charges” is another example of the Sheriff doing his job.  I wonder how hard the Sheriff had to work to make these arrests.  Were they first time offenders?  The first person arrested was arrested 26 times and the second person was arrested 15 times.  The public has a question.  Did you ever arrest the people who allegedly threatened Brent Callais during the 2003 political campaign?  It is alleged, at tax payers expense, you (Sheriff) provided a bullet proof vest and body guards to Brent Callais.  Why didn’t the Sheriff believe George Randolph, but believed Brent Callais?  Why aren’t the people involved in the alleged campaign HOAX arrested? 

In my opinion, both articles are nothing but attempted damage control.  With all of the alleged corruption in Lafourche Parish, it has the appearance that the Sheriff and DA have their heads in the sand.  At the rate our coast is eroding, they better get their heads out of the sand before they drown.  The public really don’t want to loose their best and brightest.

We are fortunate in Lafourche Parish, looking at the arrests made, it appears that connected people and the wealthy or affluent do not violate any laws. (DWI, drugs, theft, etc.)  It appears that only your everyday working people are arrested (The choosing ones? Sacrificial lambs?).

Stay in touch, read the news papers and listen to KLRZ, then decide where the truth is.

FACTS:

I was afforded the opportunity to view a slide show yesterday.  The photos were taken by a FEMA employee.  I viewed some 250 photos taken between 9:00AM and 2:00PM on September 25, 2005, along the Lafourche Parish Levee from Lockport to Larose and beyond.

OPINIONS:

Keep in mind that the “Water Weenie Queenie” (Charlotte Randolph) allegedly expressed that she ordered the water weenies on September 25, 2005.  Ms. Randolph’s authority granted to her during a declared emergency expired at 6:ooAM on September 26, 2005.
What did I see as I viewed the slide show? I saw:
1. I saw sand bags placed along the levee.
2. I saw Ray Cheramie with a clean white bandage wrapped around his left hand.
3. I saw Mr. Ronald Adams, President of the North Lafourche Levee District, living up to his responsibility.
4. I saw Leonard Chauvin, North Lafourche Levee District Engineer.
5. I saw FEMA representatives.
6. I saw a boat, detention center trustees, 2 or 3 Parish employees, and sand bags.
7. I saw a water line on the sand bags and other structures, which indicate that the water was receding.
8. I saw dry pasture lands.
9. I saw a secured area from Lockport to Larose.
I did not see:
1. I did not see a threat.
2. I did not see “Water Weenies”.
3. I did not see Parish President Charlotte Randolph.
4. I did not see Phillip Gouaux.
5. I did not see parish engineer Joe Picciola.
6. I did not see water lilies on the levees, which indicate the water did not top the levee.
Keeping all of the dates in mind, you should enjoy this.  An alleged invoice was sent to Ray Cheramie,s secretary from US Flood (Water Weenie People) on Sept.27TH.  One charge was for 15days and the other for 20 days.  The charges were from Sept. 23RD (two days before Charlotte Randolph said she ordered them) through mid October (is October still after September?).  It is my opinion, that the only people who charge ten times more for a product are those who are alleged to pay graft to an authority.  The photos are public. They are extremely revealing.  Have you read anything in the local news papers, concerning the photos?  Have you heard anything on “Talk on the Bayou”(KLRZ)?  Why not?  Could it be that too many of the powers at be may be involved in this alleged tax payers scam?

Stay in touch, this issue will not go away.  The alleged cover-up will be un-covered.  The sheriff and DA might be walking a tight rope on this issue, but the public is not.  Sheriff of Jefferson parish, Harry Lee, is not bashful when it comes to arresting celebrities.  He does his job.  I wonder if Lafourche can borrow Sheriff Lee on the “Water Weenie” issue?

FACTS:

What is a billion?
1. A billion seconds ago it was 1959.
2. A billion minutes ago Jesus was alive.
3. A billion hours ago our ancestors were living in the stone age.

OPINIONS:

Local Government, $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$:  WE need people with money management skills to serve on the appointed boards and as elected officials.  Most of all, we need honest public servants.  Tax payers in Lafourche parish are paying millions of dollars in taxes to the local government.  If the local government and boards continue on its present trend, the tax payers of Lafourche will be soon paying billions.
EXAMPLES:
1. Once a free service to the tax payers, installation of culverts by the parish will now cost the property owner.
2. The Water District wants to borrow millions of dollars, which will cost millions in interest.
3. The south Lafourche Levee District want to tax its citizens an additional 1% sales tax.
4. This council wasted health unit tax money on an old building for the DA, rather than construct a new one.
5. Most of the parish’s public buildings are falling apart and need replacing.
6. The Parish annex building was recently shut down by this administration.
7. The parish needs $30 million to replace the parish detention center (JAIL).
8. Lafourche Parish should be one of the richest parish in the state; Why are we going deeper in debt with this administration?  This tax and borrow mentality, has got to Goaux.

In my opinion, we will never have enough money to support the bad habits of this parish administration.  This Parish President, Charlotte Randolph, is alleged to have committed $5.3 million of tax payers money to an alleged FEMA scam.  Federal offense?

Keep in touch, keep a close eye on your money and the “Water Weenie Queen” (Charlotte Randolph).

FACTS:

Lafourche Parish DPW director, Ray Cheramie placed the blame for the creation of “Monster Ditches” on the use of a herbicide named Roundup.  Mr. Cheramie stated that Roundup kill the root systems of vegetation.  Dr. Bobby Fletcher, an expert in the field of agriculture, allegedly stated on KLRZ Talk on the Bayou that Roundup do not kill the roots.  Who do you believe?
Lafourche Parish President Charlotte Randolph stated that the use of $5.3 million of flood control devices was necessary at any cost.  Do you believe they were necessary?  Do you believe that Ms. Randolph could have taken a minute to seek expert advice?  Do you believe the devices were really used?  Could there be a commission paid to officials, if FEMA pick up the $5.3million tab?

OPINIONS:

In my opinion, had Ms. Randolph or her staff taken one minute to place a phone call, they could have received inflatable tubes in a timely manner at a much lower price.  What stopped them?  Was it “THE COST”?  I base my opinion on the following document:
Message from Shannon Chiasson to Cullen Curole, Charlotte Randolph, publicworksdir@lafourchegov.org, and Gretchen Caillouet sent Monday, November 21, 2005 at 10:59 AM. Subject: FW. Additional information on inflatable dam pricing (Water Weenies)  This message was originally from Jim Steele of FEMA.  The message was sent to Seth Holloway and Chris Boudreaux.
MESSAGE:  The following is an excerpt from the message.  A fellow project officer working in St. Charles is having similar difficulty with respect to the “reasonable cost” analysis of U.S. Flood Control’s pricing on inflatable dams.  This project officer contacted other firms to see what their costs might be for a similar scope of work.  One contact was Kathy Sullivan of Hydro-Solutions, Inc. in Houston, another manufacturer of inflatable dams.  In product comparison, he found that the Hydro-Solutions dam was similar in size, but was a superior product in both material and function.
Attached is a quote…………………………  note that Hydro-Solutions’ price for  renting inflatable tubes is $1,000 per month per tube, compared to $10,000 per month from US Flood.
QUESTION FROM THE PUBLIC:
Does graft come to mind?  Why was all of this information kept secret from the Lafourche Parish Governing Authority?  Were there two council members (Callais and Gouaux) involved in the negotiations?  Should everyone involved be charged with possible malfeasance in office or is the alleged corruption in Lafourche just a way of life?

Stay in touch, who knows, the judicial part of government in Lafourche Parish may step in and save the citizens, tax money and embarrassment.