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Saturday, July 05, 2008

Government & Politics

The legislative aftermath

Lawmakers head home after three consecutive sessions and a massive workforce development plan that’s still to be implemented.

Ann Silverberg Williamson

Let’s face it. For too many, applying for food stamps, child care support or other government services means floundering in a complicated and uncaring system where the process trumps the person.

Pulling the pork

After being skewered by critics, one earmark proposal is withdrawn and others are under heightened scrutiny.

Louisiana’s border wars

From increased penalties for contractors to biometric tracking cards, it was only a matter of time until the state Legislature entered the battle over illegal immigration.

Double bonus

Baton Rouge-based Mattress Direct takes advantage of GO Zone and Economic Stimulus Act incentives to record unprecedented growth.

So far, so good

Central reports no problems in its first few weeks of outsourcing municipal services to CH2M HILL.

Total recall

District 12 residents, angered by Mickey Skyring’s support of Rouzan, want the Metro Councilman out of office sooner rather than later.

A gulf of opportunity

Even though it’s eating away at Louisiana, coastal erosion is also creating a new billion-dollar industry and reshaping a vital segment of state government.

The buffer zone

The capital city’s thriving public sector provides stability during difficult times.

The business behind ethics

Louisiana is finally getting a healthy dose of ethics, but some businesses—possibly exaggerating—don’t want to swallow, especially since the trade-off is proving more costly than originally thought.

Three for the no-show

Darrell Glasper has enough support to serve another term on the BREC commission despite a drama-filled first term and a recent history of missed meetings.

Crossover appeal

Positioned at the epicenter of a historic shift in Baton Rouge, Mayor Kip Holden finds himself in a similar period of transition as well.

The commish

Angèle Davis is determined to rein in spending and tie money to performance as Gov. Bobby Jindal’s top administrator.

The color purple

A seemingly blue parish that gives way to red on major elections, East Baton Rouge enjoys sporadic voting patterns that leave both Republicans and Democrats questioning dominance.

Sign language

A 43-page ordinance places restrictions on what is—or isn’t—allowed along Government Street through Mid City.

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