This is an interesting idea.

Susan Armand of Alexandria wants to hear from you if you have been the victim of theft. She wants you to email her at stoptheftcenla@aol.com. Ms. Armand says she will compile a list and then publish a newsletter so "we can compare notes to see if anything is being done about the crime in our community."

This sounds like one person could make a difference. Imagine if the people who are the victims of crime start organizing the information and finding the items taken in local pawn shops? Could it become the peoples "crimestoppers." Does anyone see problems with the idea?

Breaux's out...who's next?

"I said I would be guided by the Attorney General’s opinion and therefore will not be a candidate for Governor. For me to run now means that we would face a campaign based on an eligibility to run, with the prospects of being in a courtroom only weeks before the election. That is not in the best interest of our state or what this election should be about."

Who will run?

The official word, bloggers still bored.

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — Louisiana Attorney General Charles Foti has decided against issuing a ruling on whether former U.S. Sen. John Breaux can run for governor.Two state lawmakers asked Foti to weigh in on whether Breaux, a resident of Maryland, can legally run. Foti issued a statement Friday saying the issue should be decided in the courts."I must refrain from rendering an opinion on the ultimate issue of whether Mr. Breaux meets the qualifications to become a candidate in the governor's race," Foti said.

Since there are no comments I am going to assume the bloggers are bored...still think this is one heck of political story.

Friday the 13th...Breaux day.

Some say bring it on. Others say stay on the East Coast. What do you say?

Breaux decision expected Friday...bloggers bored.

The blogs went nuts with the thought of a decision today on Senator Breaux. A quick call to the Attorney Generals office confirms a decision is expected, Friday.
The AG's office says the decision will be doled out via news release, we expect, to assure everyone has a crack at it at once.
So what will it be? Can he run through the eyes of the AG's office or not? Does it matter? Does the Jindal 5 mil raised change the equation? Thoughts?

One dead, two injured - 2 construction accidents...

First today two men were taken to Rapides Regional following a construction site accident south of Woodworth this morning.

RPSO says the men were part of a crew working on the widening of Highway 165 at Fish Hatchery Road. The men were apparently working in a hole when it collapsed. A Diamond B Construction spokesperson says the men were subcontractors.

This accident comes one week after another construction accident. That accident on Highway 28 east took the life of 20 year old Mack Doyle of Pineville.

In that accident Pineville Police say the worker was in some type of ditch when it apparently collapsed. Doyle was taken to Rapides Regional and later died.

Do you have a comment on these accidents? If you were the reporter who would you hold accountable?

Breaux decision expected soon?

It does not matter what side of the fence you are on this is one heck of a good story. What happens if candidate Breaux is tied up in court?

Here is the Bayou Buzz Exclusve:
http://www.bayoubuzz.com/News/Louisiana/Politics/Governor_race/Exclusve_Louisiana_Breaux_Considers_Legal_Options_For_Governor’s_Race__3408.asp
Louisiana Breaux Considers Legal Options For Governor's Race

Breaux said his first option is to receive Attorney General Foti’s opinion which he believes could come out later this week. Breaux said that he would be “guided” by the attorney general’s opinion. “If it is a strong ‘no’ then the decision would be easier. If it is in the middle, then, I would, with advice of counsel, consider my options. If it is a yes, I would certainly proceed as I plan to be in Louisiana this weekend and will plan to campaign every moment of the day if and when I decide to be a candidate”, said Breaux. From a legal standpoint, Breaux said that he is also looking at a “declaratory judgment procedure” which is a legal mechanism that parties take to have a court decide an issue. The former Senator said that it would be best to get the issue of his candidacy clear as-soon-as-possible since parties would want to know what to do about contributions to the campaign so he could deal with other related matters, timely and efficiently and because the much of the Louisiana public wants to know what to do. However, upon further questioning, Senator Breaux said that he concedes that a Court might prefer to wait upon making a legal declaration until after qualifying occurs.
Breaux has been considered to be a moderate Democratic U.S. Senator who has had a history of being a pivot person to bring parties together.
“Political nastiness is not what Louisiana needs”, said Breaux. “At a time when the state is desperately trying to rebuild itself and bring people back, we do not need political name calling and efforts to try to keep people away”.
Breaux said, “Discussing the issues are one thing. I don’t need at this point in my life the nastiness I am seeing and just hope I can contribute in the best inclusive way possible and let the legal system decide my fate and perhaps the immediate future of Louisiana”.

Update: Statement from CLECO

"Cleco remains committed to working through the mediation process. We're also committed to strictly adhering to the federal court order prohibiting any public comment on the discussions. Therefore, Cleco will not comment further on this matter."

Mayor Roy "The 11th Hour is Here...We need to do something about it right now."

COA Utility Committee meeting discussion has focused on the Cleco mediation. After a presentation by mayoral staff member Jacqueline Whittle the mayor spoke up about the Cleco mediation and says the 11th hour is here.

He is now back tracking from his initial assessment when he took office that the probability of success in the Cleco mediation was good. Mayor Roy says there is only a 50 - 50 shot that this issue will be resolved and is now looking for substantial progress or the mediation will turn the other way.

Mayor Roy is saying his staff is preparing to start a request for other proposals from utility providers outside of LEPA, SWPA and CLECO. He says "if we can't resolve this we can't continue the relationship."

Do you have suggestions on where the city should get it's power?
Here is the entire 8 minute statement by Mr. Roy.
http://www.kalb.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=KALB/Page/ALB_ContentPage&c=Page&cid=1149191480599

COA Public Works Committee Reviews "Fast Track"

Regarding "Fast Track" the City of Alexandria Mayor Jacques Roy says "our problem in the past is...getting together and getting these things completed."

Do you live near a "Fast Track" project? What are your thoughts about the projects progress?

Here's what's on the agenda...

ALEXANDRIA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR COUNCIL AGENDA
TUESDAY, APRIL 10, 2007
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS – 5:00 P.M.

PERSONS DESIRING TO ADDRESS THE COUNCIL SHALL INFORM THE PRESIDENT AT THE APPROPRIATE AGENDA ITEM.A. CALL TO ORDERB. INVOCATIONC. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCED. ROLL CALLE. AGENDA REQUESTF. CONSENT CALENDAR
1) Approval of minutes taken from meeting held 3/27.
2) Introduction of an ordinance for annual vehicle bid for use by various departments. Bids to be opened 4/10.
3) Introduction of an ordinance for repairs to cooling tower, Unit #3 at D.G. Hunter Generating Station. Bids to be opened 4/10.
4) Introduction of an ordinance for 4” eccentric plug valves with electric actuators for the Wastewater department. Bids to be opened 4/10.
5) Introduction of an ordinance adopting the Operating Budget for the City of Alexandria for fiscal year 2007/2008, Adopting the Capital Budget for the City of Alexandria for fiscal year 2007/2008; appropriating funds for the Capital Budget for the City of Alexandria for fiscal year 2007/2008 and providing for capital expenditures; and other matters with respect thereto. (FINANCE 4/3)
6) Introduction of an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into a two year contract with Cenla Civitan Club for their baseball program.
7) Introduction of an ordinance authorizing the donation and acceptance of a utility servitude for existing and proposed electric utility lines on property owned by Gene and Ruby Ann Bordelon located adjacent to Meredith Heights Subdivision for the Electric Distribution department.
8) Introduction of an ordinance authorizing the acceptance of a 10’ wide utility servitude located in Lot 9 of Block 4 of Clermont Subdivision from Herbert Heller for the Electric Distribution department.
9) Introduction of an ordinance extending contract for I-49 Greenbelt Maintenance Service with Yankee Clipper for the third and final year from May 1, 2006 until April 30, 2007.
10) Introduction of an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to accept the lowest quote received for supplying linen services for the Fire Department.
11) Introduction of an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to accept the lowest quote received for ready-mix concrete for use by various City departments.
12) Introduction of an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to accept the low bid submitted for construction of first base seating renovation at Bringhurst Ballpark.
13) RESOLUTION endorsing Recycling Services, Inc. d/b/a RSI Mills to participate in the benefits of the Louisiana Enterprise Zone Program.
14) RESOLUTION authorizing advertisement for bids for janitorial supplies for a six month period.
15) RESOLUTION authorizing advertisement for bids for single phase polemount transformers.
16) RESOLUTION authorizing advertisement for bids for single phase padmount transformers.
G. FINANCE
17) To hear a financial report from the Director of Finance concerning the fiscal status of the City of Alexandria. (FINANCE 4/10)
H. ORDINANCES FOR FINAL ADOPTIONSUBJECT TO PUBLIC HEARING
18) To consider final adoption of an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to accept the low bid submitted for Acadian Park drainage improvements.
19) To consider final adoption of an ordinance authorizing acceptance of a 15’ wide utility servitude located on property owned by Alexandria Lodging Partners, LLC, the future location of the new Holiday Inn Express on MacArthur Drive.
20) To consider final adoption of an ordinance authorizing acceptance of a 15’ wide utility servitude located on property owned by Bordelon and Maxwell Development Company at the southwest corner of the old MacArthur Drive North traffic circle.
21) To consider final adoption of an ordinance authorizing acceptance of a subdivision plat for Steve Williams property subdivision on Jeff Davis Drive.
22) To consider final adoption of an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 2 to the agreement for professional engineering services for the Highway 28 West and Jones Street wastewater improvements.
23) To consider final adoption of an ordinance amending 2006/2007 capital budget for Operation Fast Track projects.24) To consider final adoption of an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to accept the lowest quote received for electric transmission & distribution emergency services for the Electric Distribution department.
25) To consider final adoption of an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to accept the lowest quote received for caustic soda for the Electric Production department.
26) To consider final adoption of an ordinance authorizing the mayor to accept a donation of materials, valued at $10,000 from Alexandria Aces Baseball to construct a first base deck at Bringhurst Park.
27) To consider final adoption of an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into a written Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Community Senior Citizens Multi-Purpose Center, Inc. for services to be rendered at the Broadway Resource Center to support the S.A.G.E. Program.
LEGAL COMMITTEE
28) To consider final adoption of an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to accept the lowest quote received from Caplan’s Inc. for the uniform contract for a twelve month period.(LEGAL 4/10)
29) To consider final adoption of an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to execute a General Services Agreement and related delivery orders for professional architectural and engineering services relating to various public works building and renovation projects with Alliance Design Group. (LEGAL 4/10)
30) To consider final adoption of an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to execute a General Services Agreement and related delivery orders for professional architectural and engineering services relating to various public works building and renovation projects with Barron, Heinberg and Brocato. (LEGAL 4/10)
31) To consider final adoption of an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to execute a General Services Agreement and related delivery orders for professional architectural and engineering services relating to various public works building and renovation projects with Lyle Bergeron AIA. (LEGAL 4/10)
32) To consider final adoption of an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to execute a General Services Agreement and related delivery orders for professional architectural and engineering services relating to various public works building and renovation projects with Luther Hunter Architect. (LEGAL 4/10)
33) To consider final adoption of an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to execute a General Services Agreement and related delivery orders for professional architectural and engineering services relating to various public works building and renovation projects with Pan American Engineers. (LEGAL 4/10)
34) To consider final adoption of an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to execute a General Services Agreement and related delivery orders for professional architectural and engineering services relating to various public works building and renovation projects with Watson, Yeager and Associates. (LEGAL 4/10)
UTILITY COMMITTEE
35) To consider final adoption of an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to execute Change Order No. 2 with Dual Construction, Inc. in connection with the Highway 28 West sewer trunk mains project. (UTILITY 4/10)
PERSONNEL/INSURANCE COMMITTEE
36) To consider final adoption of an ordinance authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement for professional services with Towers Perrin-Tillinghast to perform an actuarial valuation of the City’s estimated losses. (PERSONNEL/INSURANCE 4/10)
H. PUBLIC HEARING – FINANCE
37) To hold a public hearing on the Mayor’s Proposed 2007/2008 Operating and Capital Budgets.
I. PUBLIC HEARINGS – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
38) To continue public hearing on structure located at 2619 Overton, Patricia Christmon.
39) To hold a public hearing on the cost of demolition of 28 structures.
J. COMMITTEES
40) To hear from Finance Committee: Mr. Lawson.
41) To hear from Public Works Committee: Mr. Silver.
42) To hear from Legal Committee: Mr. Smith.
43) To hear from Utility Committee: Mr. Fowler.
44) To hear from Community Development: Mr. Marshall.
45) To hear from Personnel/Insurance: Mr. Johnson.
46) To hear from Public Safety/Transportation: Mr. Marshall.
47) To hear from A & E Review: Mr. Fowler.
48) To hear from Economic Development: Mr. Lawson.
49) ANY OTHER BUSINESS WHICH BY UNANIMOUS CONSENT MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE COUNCIL.
50) ADJOURNMENT.

Snow, Breaux and your utility bill.

Our weekend in central Louisiana took an unexpected turn Saturday night with snow, yes real snow, falling in areas around the state. What made it even more interesting was how residents reached out through the Internet to confirm what they were seeing and were looking to share what they had sitting in their yards. Trent Hughes of KALB made a quick observation about it not accumulating and the residents looking at white yards took exception with that. Now what we really need to do is get our web presence up to par and let those same residents send pictures to post immediately. That would prove the white yard full of snow. It's not too late, if you have pictures send them to Nick or Tom at kalb.com.

Senator Breaux could get a decision at anytime from Attorney General Foti on his status. One democrat told us this puts Foti on the hook one way or the other. The real question is if he succeeds in running for governor what will the voters think? Does anyone else remember some residents looking for an Edwin Edwards type character during the post Katrina/Rita mess? Could Breaux be the answer?

Finally, the City of Alexandria wants you to listen and try to understand the important information presented Tuesday during the council meetings. Much of what was discussed in the media last week centered around residents paying more in Alexandria than other areas for their utilities. That led to charges that some local media were "reckless" with the facts and stirring up the population needlessly. There were clearly errors made, but the population became stirred up when they received the bill in the mail and very little of what the local media does has to do with that initial response. We'll follow the presentations closely this week and look for solutions our city managers are putting forth. Then we all need to hold the council accountable for the way they vote.
Suggestions? Anons are allowed but it would be silly to waste time insulting, focus on questions for us to contemplate and solutions.