Saturday, June 22, 2019

Finally, Some Good Political News (And Hope) for JP Council District 3

I’ve lived in Jefferson Parish for the past 18 years.

For the entirety of my time in JP, and for years before, Jefferson Parish Council District 3, which includes a chunk of the WestBank and South Kenner, has been a political cesspool.

From 1992 to 2004, Donald Jones was Councilman. He was term-limited out and defeated in his attempt to become an At-Large Councilman in 2003. In fact, he didn't even make the runoff. Seeking a comeback in District 3 in 2011, Jones finished 4th in a 4 person field, also failing to make the runoff.

From 2004 to 2012, Byron Lee was Councilman for District 3. With the possible exception of Aaron Broussard, in my opinion, Lee was one of the most corrupt parish officials of our era and he has continued to stuff his face at the public trough and help his friends and family squander JP tax dollars with his influence as mentor to current District 3 Councilman Mark Spears, who, thankfully, is term-limited.

Just last year Lee surfaced in the news again with video of him yucking it up with Spears at a suite at the Zurich Open golf tournament.

Who paid for the suite? Spears,diverting money from his council district slush fund so he could act like a big shot.

For more on the Lee/Spears connection, click here. 

With Spears almost out the door, many JP residents (myself included) were hoping for a candidate with integrity to step up to actually represent the people of District 3, and not the Jones-Lee-Spears political cabal that has raped and pillaged JP for decades.

Unfortunately, that hasn’t appeared to be the case with Jones and Lee seeking to return to their former seat to pillage some more. Also mentioned as a possible candidate in District 3, former JP School Board member Cedric Floyd, who recently cost JP taxpayers tens of thousands in legal fees and settlements regarding sexual harassment allegations.

So, Jones, Lee, Floyd and...Derrick Shepherd?

Several people contacted me before and after the story by WDSU’s Travers Mackel regarding former State Rep, State Senator and convicted felon Shepherd’s campaign for the seat.

Shepherd, fresh from getting the numbers off the back of his shirt as an ex-con and suing the state to overturn a Constitutional Amendment banning felons from seeking public office for 15 years (now dropped to 5 years), is promoting himself as a “Military Man” and seeking a “second chance”.

A second chance at what exactly?

Shepherd, who resigned from the State Senate after he was charged with money laundering, tried a similar approach and “second chance” appeal in 2015, when he sought to return to the state house before he was denied in court.

In a 2015 press release announcing his state house bid, Shepherd said, "My campaign will offer hope to many citizens who have made a mistake that they too can receive a second chance at life.''

To WDSU’s Mackel, Shepherd said last week, "I think people can make their own decisions -- they can say, this guy has paid his dues, or they can say, get away from my door."

Has Shepherd paid his dues? Technically, yes, he served his time.

Should he have an opportunity at public office again? Absolutely not.  

Everyone deserves a second chance at life. But, serving in elected or appointed office should be held to a different standard.

We deserve to know and feel confident that our elected and appointed officials have integrity and will put the needs of us, their constituents and taxpayers, first, above their own greed and need to funnel money to their friends and family.

Unfortunately, “Integrity” and “Representing the Public” are foreign concepts to Jones, Lee, Floyd and Shepherd.

But, there is some good news (finally) for Jefferson Parish District 3 residents.

A very reliable source has told me that Kenner District 1 City Councilman Gregory Carroll is strongly considering entering the race and may issue an official announcement in the next few weeks. Qualifying is in August for the October election.

Councilman Carroll has 1,000 times more integrity than all of the other candidates combined and has represented District 1 (South Kenner and a chunk of Central Kenner) since 2009.

Carroll was a frequent thorn in the then-Kenner Mayor Mike Yenni’s side and repeatedly fought for the best interests of his district and the City of Kenner, despite the political costs.

Despite being the lone Democrat on the Kenner City Council, Councilman Carroll has pushed for fiscal responsibility and transparency in government.

Councilman Carroll rose in stature after standing up to Yenni in his attempt to close Lincoln Manor playground.

Carroll again showed his independence and bucked Yenni’s attempt at political retribution as Yenni tried to close streets and limit access to historical cemeteries in South Kenner.

Councilman Carroll has been a leader in the revitalization of Kenner’s Rivertown which has long been neglected by Kenner Mayors including Yenni. When Yenni borrowed millions for his poorly conceived 2030 Plan that all but ignored District 1 and Rivertown, Carroll fought diligently to get additional funding for the District.

While Rivertown is still a work in progress, the area is home to several restaurants including Gendusa’s, Porch & Patio and Fleur de Lilly. Rivertown is also home to Kenner’s Music in the Park and Movies in the Park which regularly draws crowds.

If Councilman Carroll does enter the JP Council D3 race and wins, I will be disappointed that he would be leaving the Kenner City Council but ecstatic at the prospect of him moving to the JP Council where God knows we need integrity and leadership.

But with Councilman Carroll potentially entering the race, there may finally be some hope for Jefferson Parish  District 3 yet.

Monday, May 27, 2019

Kenner's New Economic Development Director Doesn't Live In Kenner

Question: What city, despite having a residency rule approved by voters, will soon have 3 current and former Mayors, a Deputy CAO, a Deputy CAO of Public Works, and several department directors and assistant directors employed in city government earning well over $1 Million in salary and benefits courtesy of tax payers and only 1 of them actually lives in the city they govern?

Answer: If you guessed Kenner, thanks. You are paying attention.

Oh, and sorry if you are a resident of Kenner that actually believes that government respects you and your wishes.

The newest ex-mayor joining the Ben Zahn Administration is former Covington Mayor Candace Watkins.

Watkins was defeated in her bid to return as Covington Mayor in April finishing 3rd in a 3 person race.

Prior to that, Watkins was employed for 3 1/2 years in the Louisiana Office of Community Development/Disaster Recovery Unit as a "Disaster Recovery Specialist". Before joining the state, she was the Director of Community Development for St. Bernard Parish (where she also did not live) and spent 8 years as Covington Mayor.

Watkins signed a contract with Mayor Zahn as a "Consultant" (a semantic way to get around the will of the people of Kenner and the residency rule) to become the first Kenner Economic Development Director (although she can't really become a "Director" without the City Council granting a waiver to the residency rule).

Regardless of where Watkins lives (40 miles from Kenner) or what her title is, Zahn told The Advocate that she will work under her contract as a "Consultant".

Let's take a step back.

In 2014, when I ran for Mayor, I discussed the need for Kenner to have its own Visitor's Bureau and Economic Development entity. At the time, Kenner utilized the Jefferson Convention and Visitor's Bureau and JEDCO, both groups are heavily involved with then-Mayor Mike Yenni's political consultant Greg Buisson. Buisson is also the political consultant for Zahn, and several members of the Kenner City Council including Mike Sigur, Brian Brennan and Kristi McKinney.

While I believe strongly that the city needs an Economic Development entity, I don't agree with Mayor Zahn creating a city department staffed with political appointees, at least one of whom doesn't even reside in the city. 

An Economic Development entity should represent the city and should transcend politics, not serve at the pleasure of the Mayor or work for his agenda.

An Economic Development entity should promote Kenner and lay the groundwork to attract and retain businesses and jobs.

But, the ultimate "Economic Development Director" should be the Mayor.

The Economic Development entity can lay the foundation for businesses and provide a central point of contact to assist with real estate, permits, licenses, grants, funding and other issues, but the Mayor of a city needs to be the leader.

In Kenner, that won't be the case.

Ben Zahn is a florist and a decorator. He may be very good at what he does but no one would ever confuse Ben Zahn with a being a salesman. And, that's not a knock on the Mayor. Beyond color, I couldn't describe different varieties of roses and forget about me ever putting together a nice looking bouquet of flowers. Not going to happen.

Ben Zahn is not a "closer". It's just not in his skill set.

Unfortunately for Economic Development in Kenner, Candace Watkins isn't a "closer" either.

Covington is a nice small town. It's population is about 10,000 folks, less than 1/7th the size of Kenner. It has a Downtown (something Kenner doesn't), some nice shops and restaurants.

Covington has Cracker Barrel restaurant.

Covington is "Small Town Louisiana" at it's best.

But, during her 8 years as Mayor, what large businesses did Watkins recruit for Covington? What large retailers did Watkins bring to Covington? How many jobs was she responsible for attracting and retaining?

And, yes, the Covington area is growing now but during Watkins 8 years as Mayor, Covington grew by an average of less than 40 people per year.

So, if Covington wasn't booming during her time as Mayor; if she didn't attract, retain or help create thousands of jobs; and if she doesn't even live in Kenner, how can she be "Kenner's Economic Development Consultant/Director/Top Salesman"?

The short answer is - she can't. 

I mean, would you buy a car from someone who's never driven?

Now, let's look at another false narrative (see, I'm trying hard to not use the word "lie") from Mayor Zahn: The City will be saving money bringing Economic Development in-house (btw, this "false narrative" was also trumpeted by Kenner D4 Councilman George Branigan. In less than a year, Branigan has proven to be one of the leaders in the "false narrative" competition).

For years, Kenner paid JEDCO $75,000 per year to represent Kenner. As I stated previously, I believed that JEDCO should have represented Kenner for nothing since their funding comes from the JP General Fund, which Kenner contributes to indirectly through property taxes.

Watkins salary as a "Consultant" will be $90,000 per year.

Even Common Core Math proves that $90,000 is more than $75,000.

And that's just Watkins' salary.

When you add benefits, staffing, marketing materials, travel, and other expenses, this new city department will cost well over double, possibly triple, what we paid JEDCO. 

And, to be honest, I would be fine with double or triple if it yields results and was led by someone with experience and a proven track record.

Yes, I would prefer that it be a separate, non-political entity, but, I'd take it.

But, when the City of Kenner under Mayor Zahn feels the need to impose a recreation participation fee on its residents, when the city is already under a crushing debt load and the city is borrowing millions more to pay off a lawsuit from KFD that it never should have fought, when a chunk of University City and several neighborhoods South of I-10 are virtually unprotected from fire because the Zahn Administration did not have the forethought to provide a temporary Fire Station to cover the area for the almost 2 years before a new station can be built (a station that will also not adequately cover the I-10/Veterans neighborhoods), how can the City of Kenner afford another expense with another non-resident, unproven leader?

Again, the short answer - it can't.

The new Kenner Economic Development Department is yet another great opportunity squandered by Mayor Zahn for political purposes. 

 The Kenner City Council will vote on the creation of the new Economic Development Department at it's next meeting. Since Ms. Watkins is a political appointee, the Council will not vote on her appointment.

You can, and should, voice your opinions to the City Council and the Mayor and, if you care about Kenner's future, you will.


Friday, May 17, 2019

C'mon JP Council! 400k Residents and the Best You Can Come Up with is Keith Conley???

After the abrupt resignation of JP Councilman-at-Large Chris Roberts, the JP Council began the process of nominating Roberrts' replacement until the Fall election. The interim councilman will be precluded from seeking election to that seat, but not another council seat, in the election.

Traditionally, the two At-Large seats have been split among the East and West Banks - Councilwoman Cynthia Lee-Sheng resides on the East Bank while Roberts resided on the West Bank.

Lee-Sheng is seeking the Parish Presidency in the Fall and Roberts was term-limited so both seats will be open for the Fall election and jockeying for them has already begun in earnest.

District 1 Councilman Ricky Templet has announced he would seek the Division A seat held by Roberts before his resignation and District 2 Councilman Paul "Love Me Some Free Copelands" Johnston said he will run for the Division B seat currently held by Lee-Sheng.

Templet resides on the West Bank and Johnston on the East Bank which would mean, if both were successful, the At-Large seats would remain split among the East and West Banks.

Templet nominated former JP CAO Keith Conley for the interim seat to replace Roberts. Conley has said he was considering running for one of the At-Large seats but would not specify whether he would run in Division A against Templet (likely) or Division B against Johnston (highly unlikely). Both Conley and Johnston are clients of Jefferson Parish's Minister of Propaganda Greg Buisson.

So, if anything, it was a smart political move by Templet to nominate Conley, even if it breaks with the East/West Bank tradition and would be horrible for Jefferson Parish. The Conley nomination takes out Templet's chief rival for the seat.

Now the questions are: does Conley/Buisson file a lawsuit to overturn the preclusion of the interim from seeking the seat or does Johnston go back on his word and run against Templet allowing a clear path for Conley to seek the Division B seat.

Let me just get this out there from the jump - Keith Conley elected ANYTHING in Jefferson Parish is a bad thing for JP residents, a very bad thing.

But. this entire process was flawed. 

Buisson client, and Mike Yenni loyalist, Dominick Impastato nominated restaurant owner Larry Katz while fellow Buisson client Jennifer Van Vrancken nominated Lisa Jackson. Like Conley, both katz and Jackson reside on the East Bank and that is where the similarities end as neither had a show and were nominated simply for the theatre of showing they were nominated.

Katz quit the process early while Jackson, after filing her paperwork, enclosed a letter withdrawing and endorsing Conley.

No, this seat was Conley's all along.

And that makes this flawed process sad.

But, since we are stuck with Conley, let's examine his record.

I have written about Conley in the past. If you want a refresher, click here or here or here.

Conley was a JPSO Deputy before he "retired" after being named in a cover up of an assault on a Mardi Gras Parade attendee. Conley, the JPSO and several other Deputies were the target of several civil suits that resulted in over $330,000 paid to the victim.

Conley was named Assistant City Attorney by then-Kenner Mayor Ed Muniz. Subsequently, Concley was named Clerk of Court. All the while, despite being one of the highest paid City of Kenner employees, Conley continued his private practice as a Personal Injury Attorney.

Conley and his wife filed for bankruptcy discharging over $800,000 in debt. Shortly after filing, Conley "found" several thousand dollars which he chose to donate to the Mayoral campaign of Mike Yenni instead of paying off his creditors.

After Yenni was elected, Conley was named Kenner City Attorney. Again, while one of the highest paid city employees, Conley continued his private practice and also worked with the law firm of Yenni's bff Michael Brandner (he of the 2nd most stupid legal ads - sorry Juan LaFonta is 1st). Despite the "double-dipping", Yenni repeatedly defended Conley saying "There's nothing in the charter that doesn't allow him from doing it." While that may be true, I think if you're a Full-Time City Attorney you can't spend your days trying your own cases and, as I've said many times, just because it's technically not illegal or unethical, that doesn't make it right. Yenni and I have differed on this point many times. 

While City Attorney, Conley was appointed Interim Code Enforcement Director and given a healthy pay raise. Again, he continued with his private practice and with Brandner.

Conley resigned both positions and was rumored to be seeking an elected office.

Despite endorsing another candidate for the Council-At-Large seat, Yenni worked to position Conley for that seat and then publicly endorsed Conley and raised funds for his campaign. Conley became one of the "Consensus Team" designed to pass Yenni's flawed agenda.

After Yenni was elected JP President, Conley resigned from the Council, quit on the voters who elected him and joined Yenni's Transition Team. He was subsequently rewarded with the CAO position and a salary well north of $100,000.

While CAO, Conley was part of the cover up of the Harahan-River Ridge stench scandal which has caused health problems for residents, a loss of property value, and multiple lawsuits against the parish.

Conley resigned from JP government in December 2018 to seek either a JP Council-At-Large seat or, possibly, the Parish Presidency should Yenni not seek reelection.

So, in a nutshell, Conley is a failed JPSO Deputy who was drummed out of the JPSO after being involved in the cover up of an assault; he's a political opportunist who would rather give money to his friends and secure a politically appointed position than pay his bills; quit on the voters that elected him after he helped his friend, Mike Yenni; joined Yenni at the parish and was involved in another cover up which has led to health issues for thousands of JP residents; and is now appointed to the JP Council and hopes to parlay that into an elected position.

So, again I ask, is this really the best the JP Council could do?

It also brings into question the judgement of Ricky Templet.

Yes, it was a good political move for Templet to nominate Conley but, for someone that is seeking a parishwide seat himself, Templet certainly didn't consider the best interest of the residents of Jefferson Parish.

And that is disappointing.

Just as disappointing is the fact that the other 5 council members also thought so little of the residents of JP that they put out this flawed dog and pony show in the hopes that we wouldn't notice.

Well, some of us did notice and some of us will remember.

So, while this process was smoother than the last interim council pick (which needed to be made by Governor Edwards), neither pick was a victory for JP residents. \

Just politics as usual at our expense.





Friday, January 11, 2019

Despite Lingering Questions and Possible Overpayment, Zahn Pushes Ahead With KFD Land Purchase

The move of a Kenner Fire Station, caused by the new terminal at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, is leaving many Kenner residents, and at least one City Councilman, with unanswered questions and other questioning the financial judgement of Mayor Ben Zahn.

The current Fire Station is located on Loyola Drive, just South of I-10. From its location in the median, it has access to both Northbound Loyola and Southbound Loyola and easy access to Veterans Memorial Highway.

With the Loyola road widening project to provide a flyover ramp to the new airport terminal, that Fire Station must be relocated and it will be demolished.

After months, seemingly years, of haggling between the State and City of Kenner over the value of the Loyola Fire Station (which has been in bad shape since Katrina with complaints of mold that were never addressed according to several Kenner Firefighters), the two finally agreed last month and the City will receive $3.46 Million to pay for the land and construction of a new Fire Station. .

After so much delay, you would think that the City and Mayor Zahn would have exhausted all possibilities in finding the perfect location. And, while the City did undertake an appraisal of the property in March 2018, not much investigation into other properties has occurred since then.

Even with the delay, District 1 Councilman Gregory Carroll asked Mayor Zahn to slow the process down until more discussion could be held at the next Council Meeting on January 18th.

In a memo Wednesday afternoon, Councilman Carroll said,

"On behalf of the citizens of District 1 and the City of Kenner, I am respectfully asking that you delay the purchase and any signing of documents pertaining to purchasing the property...that would be used as a replacement for City of Kenner Volunteer Fire Department #38...until after our January 18th Council meeting. 

There are a number of new questions and concernt that has been brought to our attention on the purchase of the property that I feel has not been fully answered and that should be addressed, such as: 

- The purchase price of the aforementioned property. 
- The location and safety concerns of the proposed fire station to the citizens of District 1 and District 5. 
- The legality of the final approval of the purchase agreement not being signed by the Kenner City Council for the final approval."

Despite the Councilman's memo, and citizen concerns, Mayor Zahn pushed the sale through and issued his own statement Thursday.

Logically, you would assume that the City would look to move the Fire Station to land that the City already owns, and many have pointed to the vacant lot adjacent to the Kenner Police Department Complex. That land is used for excess parking.

In a statement, the City said this option was investigated but could not be considered due to the ground level traffic in the area until the flyover is built.

But, since no one has questioned KPD response time (which, theoretically would be impacted even more severely than an adjacent Fire Station), I'm not buying that as the reason why the Fire Station wasn't placed next to the KPD Complex.

If ground level traffic congestion is a major factor, what is Mayor Zahn and Chief Glaser's plan to mitigate that issue for KPD? Why haven't we heard about that?

In addition, since the flyover ramp construction is temporary, and the Fire Station should be permanent, any ground traffic issues would also be temporary.

Instead, Mayor Zahn chose a tract of land that is not on a main road as the current Fire Station is (and would be if placed next to the KPD Complex on Vets), but on a side road in a residential area. While the land is zoned Commercial, 3 of the streets surrounding it are narrow, residential streets and the fourth side of the property is the back of Church's Fried Chicken.

A fire truck leaving the proposed Fire Station and headed Northbound on Loyola, would need to cross over Loyola adding critical response time. If that same fire truck was headed Southbound on Loyola to the KPD Complex, Susan Park or the industrial complex West on Vets, the truck will be mired in traffic going towards I-10. Anyone that has tried to exit the Circle K knows what a quagmire that can be.

If traffic was such a vital consideration for NOT putting the new Fire Station adjacent to the KPD Complex, why wasn't traffic also a factor in selecting this off-the-beaten path site? Service and response time to residents and businesses located  South of I-10 along Vets will be significantly impacted.

As anyone that has shopped at the Circle K at Loyola and I-10 knows, exiting the Circle K in either direction, is difficult (unless you are going West on I-10. At times, that area is a quagmire.

Initially, Zahn and his Administration said that they were told by PIAL, the Property Insurance Industry of Louisiana - the group that ranks Louisiana Fire Departments and Fire Insurance costs - that the new Fire Station had to be built on the Duke property and that would help Kenner improve it's fire rating from a 2 to a 1, thus lowering the cost of fire insurance premiums for Kenner policyholders.

But, that was not the case.

A spokesperson for the PIAL said they've had no conversations with the City of Kenner regarding the new Fire Station and, even if they had, they cannot tell the City where to locate a Fire Station or that moving a Fire Station would even improve Kenner's fire rating. 

Now the Mayor is backtracking (again) and putting the decision on the location of the Fire Station on KFD Chief Ryan Bergeron.

In a text message Zahn said, "Fire Dept. suggested the general location based on safety and response time issues."

But, the safety and response time concerns of many served by the location of the current Fire Station, neighborhood on Veterans as well as the industrial buildings by the Airport and West of Loyola on Vets, clearly weren't a factor.

In addition, since the Volunteer Fire Department was forced to move out yesterday (January 10th), why was there no contingency plans for the station to be temporarily housed in that area to continue to protect the residences and businesses in that section of Kenner?

And, we haven't even begun to discuss the outrageous land cost for this parcel of land.

There were three appraisals for the property: one from the state, the city and the property owner.

The property owner's appraisal is highest at $1,952,160. It was conducted two months AFTER the City's appraisal in May 2018 and includes some unconventional assumptions to attain that high value including that the property would be rezoned and marketed as a potential Hotel/Motel Development. As such, the comparables listed include a hotel on Severn Ave in Metairie and a hotel on Vets.

Since the appraisal was AFTER the City of Kenner's appraisal, the property owner already knew of Kenner's interest thus making the property more valuable in his eyes and increasing the appraisal. .

The City's appraisal, in March 2018, values the property at $910,000.

The State DOTD appraisal comes in at $668,000.

The property is currently assessed at a value of $230,400 for property tax purposes. 

The City is paying $1.5 Million for the property.

In his mind, Mayor Zahn believes that Kenner made a great deal because it won't cost the City any money (yet).

In a text message Zahn said, "At the end of the day, the purchase of the land and the construction of the new fire station will cost the City of Kenner absolutely nothing."

But, as with most politicians, Mayor Zahn fails to consider that all funding, whether it is Local, Parish, State or Federal, is OUR money anyway.

So, while it may be true that the land and Fire Station won't cost the City of Kenner (an abstract entity) any money, it will and does cost the people of Kenner plenty.

Mayor Zahn also hasn't disclosed if, spending almost 1/2 of the funding received (regardless of where it came from) on land alone, will result in building a not state-of-the-art Fire Station. That should be the Mayor and City's top priority - building a new Fire Station that will last for decades.

Also, Mayor Zahn claims that the new Fire Station location will be boon to economic development in the City.

I think the only economic development the City will see is if the KFD Firefighters stationed at that location like Church's Chicken, which is adjacent to the proposed Fire Station land.

So, the new Fire Station will be located in a residential area and not on one of Kenner's main roads, on a grossly overpriced piece of land that that the City is paying $1.5 Million and is appraised for property tax purposes at 1/7th and by the DOTD at 1/2 that amount, will hurt KFD's response time to incidents on Veterans Blvd., will not spur economic development (except at Church's Chicken - maybe), will result in almost 1/2 of the City's DOTD funding going towards the land meaning a non state-of-the-art Fire Station, and in general is a bad deal for the City of Kenner.

But, the good news is that no City money will be used on the project (yet).

And, who said I'm not an optimist?







Tuesday, November 20, 2018

More Bonehead Moves In City Of Kenner

The last week was not a good one if you reside in the City of Kenner.

Between the Kenner City Council and Mayor Zahn, Kenner made and discussed several more bonehead moves, none of which will help Kenner prosper.


Bonehead Move #1 - Approving a Church at The Esplanade

In a move that I have been critical of since it was proposed, the Council approved a plan by Christ The King Church to purchase the old Hollywood Theatre property at the Esplanade Mall and convert it to a church.

When I first criticized the plan, I was told that "You're against churches" and "You hate religion".

Neither of those is true but it shows the lengths that some politicians will go to to deflect from the real issues: the conversion of taxable property to non-taxable and the continued perception that retail is dying in Kenner.

Consider this: the Esplanade Mall is under new ownership (again). How can it market itself to prospective retail customers when a chunk of prime commercial property adjoining the mall isn't commercial anymore?

Christ The King is a growing, vibrant church. But, it's viability in Kenner is unknown. They aren't expanding within Kenner - they are expanding to Kenner.

Will they have 100 members of the Kenner congregation? 500? 50? We don't know and, regardless of how many members they have, their economic impact will be negligible. Yes, they may contribute to some nearby restaurants but, unlike retail which draws people daily or housing units where residents reside and commute to and from daily, the church members will impact little else in Kenner.

In addition, by letting the property go to a non-profit, the City of Kenner will receive ZERO in property tax revenue. Now, admittedly, the decrepit theatre was only generating a few thousand dollars for the City but, if the property remained commercial or was turned into an apartment or condo complex, the resulting property tax revenue would be huge. 

Also, if the property were turned into housing, whether owned or rented, the residents would presumably utilize Target for groceries and the resulting population influx and boost in grocery sales may have spurred another grocery store to seriously consider locating in the wasteland that is the Pavillion and that would have led to even more sales tax and property tax revenue for the City.

Yes, the property owner had financial issues but, the City of Kenner could have, and should have, sought another developer instead of abdicating to a church and taking this parcel out of commerce.

When Kenner District 4 Councilman George Branigan campaigned his platform was that he was the man who could help redevelop the Esplanade and the nearly vacant Pavilion Shopping Center, both of which are in his district.

Thus far, neither has happened and, sorry, but putting another church in a prime commercial spot doesn't qualify as redevelopment.

Yes, the Hollywood Cinema had fallen into disrepair. Yes, it was/is an eyesore. Yes, the residents of Cannes Brulees bristled at the idea of an apartment complex on that site.

But now, instead of following through on his Esplanade and Pavillion campaign pledges, Branigan is now the champion of Cannes Brulees.

On his Facebook page, Branigan said, "Promises Made, Promises Kept! During my campaign, I told the residents of Cannes Brûlées that I would protect their neighborhood. As of today, they no longer have to worry about apartments looking down into their yards and invading their privacy."

So, a handful of residents who combined don't pay 1/50th or probably even 1/100th of the sales and property taxes that an apartment or condo complex would contribute to city coffers now dictate the City of Kenner's Economic Development?

And, what about your "Promises" to other District 4 and City of Kenner residents to redevelop The Esplanade and Pavillion? How does this help fulfill either of those?

Since you, the faithful ClickJefferson reader, are reading this I will assume that you have at least 1/2 a brain and already know the answer to those questions.

Perhaps one day soon, Councilman Branigan will update us on the progress of his letter writing campaign to lure new businesses to Kenner or what he has actually done to reinvigorate The Esplanade and The Pavillion.

I will keep monitoring his Facebook page for those updates and keep you posted.



Bonehead Move #2 - Speed Cameras

Up for First Reading at the last council meeting, was an ordinance by District 2 Councilman Mike Sigur, at the suggestion of Kenner Police Chief Mike Glaser, for the introduction of Traffic Cameras to Kenner.

Several years back, the people of Kenner spoke out loudly AGAINST Traffic and Red Light Cameras in Kenner.

As with the Hollywood Cinemas/Church issue, this is another poor, ill conceived solution to an issue.

Is speeding an issue in SOME neighborhoods? Yes. Are Traffic Cameras the answer? Absolutely not. 

First of all, this ordinance is poorly written and vague. It doesn't specify the maximum amount of Traffic Cameras allowed in Kenner (2? 10? 50? More?), it feeds into the perception of many that Kenner Police are "ticket-happy" and that KPD writes tickets simply to generate more revenue for the KPD, and the fines for the tickets will exclusively go to the KPD which is already well-funded compared with similar police departments in the region.

So, what are some possible solutions?

How about portable speed bumps that could be moved from neighborhood to neighborhood periodically? Either the City or even a Civic Association could purchase these. There's even a web site (I know - the Internet is wonderful) that sells portable speed bumps. Go to www.speedbumpsandhumps.com and check it out yourself. Wouldn't you REALLY rather have speed bumps, especially portable ones that could be moved after an area has been controlled, than traffic cameras?

What about "Speed  Signs" that warn you to slow down and flash your speed? These are also temporary and act as deterrents.

Or why not use Reserve Officers to patrol certain neighborhoods where speeding may be an issue? I'm not sure about Kenner but I do know that in many municipalities it is a requirement for Reserve Officers that seek detail work to volunteer for a set amount of hours per time period. Some Police Departments require 10 hours a week; others, 10 hours a month. Is this the policy in Kenner and, if not, why not? Having a police car with an Officer (no one needs to know it's a Reserve Officer) is much more of a deterrent and could help other crime issues like "Porch Pirates" as well.

If the KPD's Traffic Division is so understaffed at 8 officers, and the KPD personnel total overall has stayed relatively stagnant since Katrina, why not invest in more street-level officers and use Reserve Officers until the KPD can beef up staffing? And, please don't insult our intelligence by claiming that the KPD doesn't have the funding. Each time, for as long as I can remember, that the Police Chief, regardless of who it was, has appeared before the Council seeking additional funding, the Council has obliged. The KPD is plenty well-funded, thank you very much. 

Again, why isn't the City of Kenner exploring and utilizing these options rather than Speed Cameras that the vast majority of Kenner residents don't want?

The City Council will take up Sigur's proposed ordinance at the next council meeting, Thursday, December 6th. The public will have an opportunity to comment on the Speed Camera proposal at that meeting.

In the interim, you can call or email the council, Chief Glaser and Mayor Zahn and let them know exactly how you feel about the cameras.

Here are their numbers and email addresses:

Mayor Zahn - 468-7206 - mayor@kenner.la.us
Chief Glaser - 712-2200 - 
Kristi K. McKinney, Councilwoman-at-Large, Division ATelephone: (504) 468-7247E-mail: divisiona@kenner.la.us

Thomas "Tom" Willmott, Councilman-at-Large, Division B
Telephone: (504) 468-7252E-mail: divisionb@kenner.la.us 
Gregory W. Carroll, Councilman, District 1
Telephone (504) 468-7253E-mail: district1@kenner.la.us
Michael G. Sigur, Councilman, District 2Telephone: (504) 468-7248E-mail: district2@kenner.la.us

Glenn W. Hayes Sr., Councilman, District 3
Telephone: (504) 468-7249E-mail: district3@kenner.la.us

George L. Branigan, Councilman, District 4
Telephone: (504) 468-7251E-mail: district4@kenner.la.us

Brian Brennan, Councilman, District 5
Telephone: (504) 468-7250E-mail: district5@kenner.la.us


Bonehead Move #3 - The Possible Move Of Kenner City Hall to The Esplanade

I wrote about this a few months back and told you why i thought this was a terrible idea for Kenner but, since Mayor Zahn highlighted the possible move at "The State of the City Address" last week, it seems like now is a great time to revisit the issue.

On the face of it, consolidating Kenner City Hall seems like a good idea. Kenner offices, while primarily centralized in the 3-building City Hall complex on Williams, are spread out across the city from Rivertown to central Kenner. Having all city offices in one location would be more convenient and, potentially, result in less property insurance payments for the city.

But, there are far more reasons why Kenner should NOT move City Hall to The Esplanade that outweigh the convenience and possible insurance savings. 

1). As with the Hollywood Cinema/Church issue, if City of Kenner offices were moved to the old Macy building at The Esplanade, it would take out another large commercial space from commerce in Kenner. No sales or property tax revenue would be generated.

2). In addition to losing sales and property tax revenue, the City of Kenner would turn from an owner of property to a renter. Adding a long-term lease and the associated buildout costs for converting the retail store to offices are expenses that the City may not be able to afford. The Mayor has not discussed any of the proposed costs with the people of Kenner nor has he explained how the City will pay for massive cost of building out a new site, whether it's the old Macy's building or a different site, and why the he wants to indebt city residents even more while we are still paying off (and receiving minimal benefits) from Mike Yenni's disastrous, poorly conceived (do you see the pattern here?) 2030 Plan.

I was encouraged at a recent City Council meeting when Mayor Zahn publicly bemoaned the fact that Yenni had maxed out Kenner's credit cards and "saddled Kenner residents for a generation" with Yenni's 2030 Plan.

That being the case, again I ask, why take on even more debt, sell city assets (the current City Hall complex; possibly Veterans Park and other Kenner buildings) and become a renter? If the City of Kenner were downsizing and saving money by eliminating city departments and personnel (which is what it SHOULD be doing), maybe I might be able to understand this. Short of that happening, I have to question WHY? and WHO IS MAKING OUT IN THIS DEAL (because you know someone is and it's NOT the people of Kenner).

As I said, lower insurance costs and convenience DO NOT OUTWEIGH the significant cost of moving, the costs of a long-term lease (and another recurring expense that Kenner doesn't need), AND the loss of sales and property tax revenue that taking another prime piece of Kenner commercial property out of commerce will cost. 

No city, let alone a city has financially hamstrung as Kenner can afford to reduce potential revenue AND incur more costs.

Add that to the fact that having city employees at The Esplanade, while a possible boon for restaurants in that area, does nothing to fix The Esplanade, Kenner's poor business reputation or make other businesses feel comfortable with Kenner's business and retail climate.

And that leads to reason #3.

3). Kenner's already poor perception in the retail and business communities.

After Mike Yenni blurted out on television that "Kenner is a dying city", Kenner has been unable to put forward the building blocks for a revival.

Yenni was detached after he was re-elected and focused on campaigning for his next job and chasing high school boys. His ascension to Jefferson Parish President, coupled with the aforementioned 2030 Plan, set Kenner back for decades.

Spending a year with an un-elected interim Mayor also set Kenner back as did Mayor Zahn's first year which was the final year of Yenni's aborted 2nd term. Zahn didn't want to make waves or push the envelope and provide the leadership that Kenner desperately craved after Muniz, Yenni, and Sigur.

Now that Mayor Zahn was elected to a full-term, he needs to make bold moves to prove to National Retailers like Kohl's, Belk and others that Kenner is open for business. 

Hiring a part-time Economic Development Coordinator with ZERO experience in recruiting national business and in job creation/retention; letting prime commercial space be turned into a church; allowing the Pavillion to continue to decay along with The Esplanade; potentially losing more prime commercial space by moving City Hall to the mall; allowing a first-year District Councilman to send out hundreds of letters to corporate real estate departments that will simply toss the letters in the garbage after laughing at them (and Kenner) and NOT being proactive as a Mayor and hitting the road himself to market Kenner does nothing to turnaround the poor perception of Kenner.

Letting prime real estate be sold to a church is a huge blow on it's own. Throwing up your hands and essentially throwing in the towel on The Esplanade by moving City Hall there will doom the mall and any flickering hopes of it's revival.

On my radio program Monday (November 19th), Mayor Zahn said that upkeep of the City Hall Complex was a factor in possible relocation and a major reason why turning the City from a property owner to a property lessor made economic sense.

While the City hasn't worked out all the numbers yet regarding relocation and buildout costs and savings, along with how the City will pay for the move, Mayor Zahn promised to get all the facts and figures and present them to Kenner residents BEFORE any move or any lease is signed.

I don't know if that means that the public will have input into whether or not the City moves City Hall or if it will simply be a series of meetings like Yenni's 2030 Plan where it was a done deal and Kenner residents got sold a bunch of lies and half-baked ideas along with some very nice and very deceptive renderings of how the City of Kenner would look.

So, until we get all the facts and figures from Mayor Zahn, to be fair, we will delay "Full-Bonehead Status" on this project - for now. 

But, the Mayor already knows that he needs to do a major selling job to convince Kenner residents, at least THIS Kenner resident, that this move would be in the best interests and best financial interests of ALL Kenner residents and not just one or two select Kenner residents (follow the money and see who is trying to buy the incredibly valuable land on Williams Blvd. that currently houses the City Hall Complex - I've already made a "short-list" and sealed it in an envelope that will be opened at a public event tentatively scheduled for The New Event Center at The Pavillion Shopping Center). 

Time will tell how much input citizens will have and how transparent the proposed move is. In the meantime, you can listen to the interview with Mayor Zahn here: https://youtu.be/9oczZ4umspM


-----------------------------------------------------
As a Kenner resident for almost 19 years, whenever there has been a major issue (Yenni's plan to double property taxes, Yenni's 2030 Plan, changes to the City Charter, Zahn's now rescinded Nike ban and the new recreation fees, etc) I've always tried to step back and ask myself, "How does this help or better the people of Kenner?"

Whether you agree or disagree with me on issues, that's always been my compass - "How does this help or better the people of Kenner?".

I don't see how the people of Kenner are better off with:

1). Adding another church instead of more housing or retail options and taking prime commercial space out of commerce and gaining ZERO Sales or Property Tax revenue.

2). Speed Cameras that 90+% of the residents are adamantly opposed to. Speed Cameras as just another money grab, regardless of the political talking heads claiming they are about "public safety". If "public safety" were truly the issue, the City would investigate portable speed bumps, utilizing reserve officers to assist until the KPD can beef up it's Traffic Division, or similar ideas BEFORE resorting to Speed Cameras. 

3). Relocating City Hall and taking yet another prime commercial space out of commerce and gaining ZERO Sales or Property Tax revenue AND giving up on any hopes of the reinvigorating The Esplanade Mall. Yeah I know - retail is dying - and The Esplanade may never regain it's lost luster. But, with another new owner, the City (and Mayor Zahn) should be working overtime to give The Esplanade one last shot. Instead, by even proposing to move City Hall to the old Macy's, Mayor Zahn is effectively parroting Yenni's "Kenner is a dying city" comment. 

Kenner had 9 years of failed Mayors with no vision and another year of an interim Mayor that couldn't get out of his own way, let alone Mike Yenni's child-predator shadow. Kenner needs a Mayor with vision and leadership from him, the Council and the Police Chief.

Sadly, these boneheaded moves and others prove that Kenner City Government at all levels STILL lacks a cohesive, informed vision for Kenner's residents.

This Spring, Mayor Zahn told me to give him time and by December I would be pleasantly surprised at the direction he was taking Kenner.

Since then, while I have seen some very positive steps by Mayor Zahn (replacing the inept Fire Chief and Recreation Director; a huge improvement in the talent at Freedom Fest; the open communication and dialogue with Mayor Zahn that I, and others, have, etc., given the Mayor's own comment, I had hoped for more.

Well, in less than 2 weeks it will be December. Mayor Zahn still has time to prove me wrong and give us all hope.

Until the calendar turns, there's still time and, for me anyway, there's still hope.

But, the clock is ticking...


Monday, November 5, 2018

Supporting JP's Sexual Predator-In-Chief

Many people are appalled and outraged at the Sexual Abuse scandal being played out currently in the media.

Unfortunately, some have conveniently forgotten that if Jefferson Parish's Sexual Predator-In-Chief Mike Yenni was a teacher, or a priest, or a businessman, or anything except a politically-connected Parish President with folks in high places still owing allegiance (and favors) to his uncle and grandfather, Yenni would have been fired, jailed, or, at least, ostracized.

So, as rumors continue to swirl that Yenni will be seeking re-election next year, is holding fundraisers and working behind the scenes to support candidates like Jefferson Parish School Board candidate Colleen Winkler (who will then owe him and overturn the "Yenni Ban" and allow him to attend public school functions), I thought it would be interested to post the names of individuals and businesses that are supporting Mike Yenni financially and have contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to Mike Yenni AFTER Yenni's sexting scandal with a teenage, high school boy was publicized.

To briefly recap, in October 2016, it was disclosed that Mike Yenni sent several sexually graphic text messages to a 17-year-old high school student. Yes, I know the "Age of Consent" in Louisiana is 17 but, just because that fact may not make it illegal according to our state, that doesn't make it right. I'm also relatively certain that, before he began sexting and calling the teenage boy, Mike Yenni didn't ask him for ID to verify his age.

In addition to frequent sexts and explicit calls, Yenni stalked the teenage boy at his job, bought him gifts, asked the boy to model underwear for him, followed the boy into a public restroom and fondled and kissed him, suggested that he and the teenage boy engage in a homosexual threesome with another teenage boy, suggested that he and the teenage boy drive to Mississippi and engage in homosexual relations, and, as Mayor of Kenner, suggested that the teenage boy take a job in the Yenni Administration so the two could be close without drawing suspicion.

And, while this teenage boy showed character by coming forward, unfortunately he did not want his life put into further turmoil and didn't want to put his college career on hold to appear at a trial.

Basic Psychology also tells us that, this clearly wasn't an isolated incident.

Yenni's own past reveals a history of sexually explicit texts and emails to several homosexual partners and at least one woman. These emails and sexts were sent on city-owned equipment while Yenni was Kenner's Deputy CAO under Mayor Ed Muniz.. The FBI investigated these emails and texts after Yenni claimed that he was being blackmailed by a political opponent. No charges were ever filed and, while the FBI claimed they would publicly release their investigation and the evidence (the emails and texts). 8 years later, they still have not - although many people in Kenner (myself included) have seen the evidence.

The rumors surrounding Yenni were so prevalent that Yenni's future father-in-law requested Yenni take a polygraph test before marrying his daughter. Yenni somehow managed to rig the test and the test administrator who conveniently was given a job later in Kenner's Code Enforcement Department, despite being 70+ years old and having no experience in Code or the trades that Code inspects.

So, after all this and the continued embarrassment that Yenni has reaped on Jefferson Parish, who could possibly support him and contribute financially to his possible re-election campaign? You may be surprised to read that your friends, neighbors, business associates, and companies you or your company may be doing business with are all lining up to give Mike Yenni money.

Here's the list of Yenni contributors over $500  since the sexting scandal was announced:

$5,000
JoAnn Fournier
Greg Cantrell, Inc
Sarah Bergeron Junius
River Birch, Inc
Southwestern Packing & Seals

$3,500
Judy Alack Lala
LeBlanc Fanaci Villio LLC (1 $2,500 and 2 $500 contributions)
New Era Information Technologies LLC (1 $2,500 and 2 $500 contributions)
Digital Engineering & Imaging Inc (1 $2,500 and 2 $500 contributions)

$3,000
Louie J. Roussel III
Pivotal Engineering LLC (1 $2,500 and 1 $500 contribution)
Mosquito Control Services, LLC (1 $2,500 and 1 $500 contribution)
It's Regional LLC (1 $2,500 and 1 $500 contribution)

$2,500
Renton Properties, LLC
Pipe Works Plumbing & Demolition
NBN Services LLC
Michael F. Nicoladis
Michael Knox
Leader Construction Inc
Exalt Real Estate Group, LLC
Construction Optimization Engineers, Inc

$2,000
CRC Logistic Services Inc
Nationwide Laundry Services Inc
Richard E Arnoult
Donald G. Lambert Contractors

$1,500
Clarion/Quality Inn Suites of Gretna'
Shread-Kuyrkendall & Associates, Inc
Donald Lambert (Owner of Donald G. Lambert Contractor listed above - 1 $1,000 and 1 $500 contribution)
Fleming Construction Co LLC (1 $1,000 and 1 $500 contribution)
Hartman Engineering Inc (1 $1,000 and 1 $500 contribution)
Boland Marine & Industrial LLC (1 $1,000 and 1 $500 contribution)

$1,000
Industrial Fabrics, Inc
Michael C. Hollis
Kenner Storage Management LLC
Ralph Junius, Jr.
Pet Care Center Inc
Vehicle Parts & Equipment Co Inc
Watkins Foot Center Inc
Leon T. Watkins (Owner of Watkins Foot Center)
Susan Ann Swanner
Elos Environmental LLC
Industrial Fabrics Inc
Aecom PAC
BLD Services LLC
C. "Bud" Taulli Construction Inc

Causeway Partners LLC
D & D Creations Inc
Fluid Process & Pumps LLC
Gaffney & Gaffney, A Law Corporation
I. William Sizeler (2 $500 contributions)
Select Properties LTD (2 $500 contributions)
Perrin & Carter Inc (2 $500 contributions)
Maselli Properties (2 $500 contributions)
H. Davis Cole & Associates (2 $500 contributions)
Mike Jacobs (2 $500 contributions)
Johnson, Yacoubian & Paysse (2 $500 contributions)
Nathan Junius (2 $500 contributions)
Design Engineering & Imaging (2 $500 contributions)
Jeffrey Bonura (2 $500 contributions)
Burk-Kleinpeter (2 $500 contributions)
Bryant Hammett & Associates (2 $500 contributions)
B & A Insurance Agency (2 $500 contributions)
Cannon Cochran Management Services Inc (2 $500 contributions)

$750
The Kamp

$500
Tomba Communications & Electronics Inc
John Van Vrancken (Father of JP Councilwoman Jennifer Van Vrancken)
Solutient
Robert J. Caluda APLC
RAMJ Construction LLC
Richard Lambert
Lassen family LP
Laurel Outdoor LLC
Michael S Leach
Messina's Catering
Metro Credit Services Inc
Meyer Engineers LTD
Constantine F. Nicoladis
Frank Nicoladis
Dr. Abdul H. Khan
MSMM Engineering, LLC
Hadesty & Hanover LLC
Gaudry, Ranson, Higgins & Gremillion LLC
Go Graphics LLC
Steven T. Graves
ECM Consultants Inc
Ed White & Associates
CBBI Environmental & Infrasctructure Inc
Clancy Developments
Diane B. Brown
Harry L Cahill
Cycle Construction Co LLC
Cypress Ventures
BCG Engineering & Consulting
BFM Corporations
Al Copeland Investments Inc


Do you see any familiar names? If so, ask these folks why they and their businesses are contributing to an admitted Sexual Predator.


JP Political Operative Working On Campaigns While Collecting A State Paycheck

If you're an average person, you've probably never heard of "The Hatch Act".

"The Hatch Act" is a Federal law that prevents Federal employees from working on political campaigns. After all, government workers should work for you, the people that pay their salaries, right?

While The Hatch Act was enacted in 1939, it has been amended several times most recently in 2012 by then-President Barack Obama and certain aspects of it now extend to state and municipal employees who work in programs whose funding is provided for in whole or in part by the Federal Government as well.

The Hatch Act has been challenged several times including appeals up the U.S. Supreme Court, which has deemed it constitutional several times and also declined to hear other challenges.

In Kenner, voters approved a Charter Change that provided that Political Appointees of the Mayor could not engage in political activities. Unfortunately, several malcontents in current-Mayor Ben Zahn's Administration (including several still employed by the City of Kenner) filed a lawsuit and a judge determined that the Charter Change was too broad and struck it down.

In Louisiana, in addition to the Federal Hatch Act, we have our own "Little Hatch Act" which states:

"No employee in the classified service shall participate or engage in political activity; be a candidate for nomination or election to public office except to seek election as the classified state employee serving on the State Civil Service Commission; or be a member of any national, state, or local committee of a political party or faction; make or solicit contributions for any political party, faction, or candidate; or take active part in the management of the affairs of a political party, faction, candidate, or any political campaign, except to exercise his right as a citizen to express his opinion privately, to serve as a commissioner or official watcher at the polls, and to cast his vote as he desires. No person shall solicit contributions for political purposes from any classified employee or official or use or attempt to use his position in the state or city service to punish or coerce the political action of a classified employee." La. Const. Ann. art. X, § 9.

While no law can restrict a municipal, state or Federal employee from exercising their right of Free Speech or restrict them from voting, The Hatch Act and Louisiana's "Little Hatch Act" are designed to prevent state and local employees from actively working on campaigns during normal business hours, among other restrictions.

Just as you may not have heard of The Hatch Act, you've probably never heard of John Tobler either.

Yes, if you've read this blog before, you know that I've written about Tobler before.

In a nutshell, Tobler is a political operative who has a long relationship with Jefferson Parish's Minister of Propaganda Greg Buisson. Buisson is the Campaign Manager/Political Consultant to many politicians in Metro New Orleans including criminals like former JP Parish President Aaron Broussard and former St. Tammany Coroner Peter Galvan, among others. Buisson is also the current Campaign Manager/Political Consultant for Jefferson Parish's Sexual Predator-In-Chief Mike Yenni, several JP Councilmembers including District 4 Councilman Dominick Impastato; Kenner Mayor Ben Zahn and several members of the Kenner City Council including District 2 Councilman Mike Sigur, District 5 Councilman Brian Brennan and Councilwoman-At-Large Kristi Katsanis McKinney; and former State Rep. and current New Orleans Councilwoman-At-Large Helena Morena (who gave Buisson's son a full scholarship to Tulane, despite the fact that Buisson didn't live in her district). .

To read more about Buisson, use the Top Left "Search" Box or click here.

But, let's get back to Tobler.

Tobler is the founder, member or past member of several political endorsement groups including the Greater New Orleans Republicans, among others. Of course, Tobler never informed any group or candidate seeking an endorsement from one of the groups he fronted about Tobler's long association with Buisson. 

I actually sat in an endorsement meeting where Tobler was present. I made my opening statement and then said that I would answer questions from anyone on the committee, except Tobler. Afterward, the committee chairman told me that I was "childish and condescending". I replied that, according to the State Ethics Board, Tobler was on the payroll of my opponent. The chairman was surprised. Then he apologized.

In fact, after "working" for several years for Public Service Commissioner Eric Skrmetta (a Buisson client), Tobler almost wrangled a job with the City of Kenner through Ben Zahn. Thankfully, that job didn't come to fruition, although Tobler did work for the City of Kenner for 2 days before resigning abruptly earlier this year to join the State Department of Insurance (LDI).

While Tobler has been a state employee for several months as the LDI's Deputy Commissioner of Public Affairs, he has continued to work on political campaigns in violation of State and Federal law.

I have received several email Press Releases from candidates listing Tobler as the "Media Contact".

If Tobler were working on political campaigns during his off hours, while still technically unethical and possibly violating Louisiana's "Little Hatch Act", it would not be illegal. But, that isn't the case.

I had several people call Tobler at the telephone number listed on the Press Releases during what should be normal working hours for LDI employees.

Tobler answered and spoke about the campaigns during these calls.

Ten days ago, I left a message for Louisiana Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon regarding Tobler's political activity during working hours. Donelon has yet to return my call.

After I left a message for Donelon, also ten days ago, I called the LDI's Division of Public Affairs (which, ironically, Tobler is the head of), which is listed as the Media Contact for the Department. I asked the person who answered the phone:

Q: "Is John Tobler a current employee of the LDI?"

A: "Yes".

Q: "Did John Tobler take a leave of absence or is he currently on vacation?"

A: "No".

Q: "Is John Tobler in the office today?"

A: "Yes. What is this about?"

To which I explained that I believed that I had information proving that Tobler was in violation of The Hatch Act for working on political campaigns while a state employee. 

A: "What's your name and number and I will get back to you today regarding this issue". 

Of course, I'm still waiting. 

As I mentioned, Tobler worked for the City of Kenner for 2 days in the Clerk of Court's Office (another job that he isn't qualified for).

When I contacted Kenner Mayor Ben Zahn regarding Tobler's employment, the Mayor verified that Tobler worked for 2 days before resigning to join the LDI.

When I asked Mayor Zahn if Tobler's abrupt job change had anything to do with his outside campaign activities, Zahn said that he wasn't aware of Tobler's activities while a COK employee and that if Zahn had known, "He would have been terminated immediately. I do not tolerate breaking the Hatch Act". 

So, if Tobler's activities would have violated The Hatch Act in Kenner, how can Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon not take action against Tobler for violating state rules? 

Look, I believe that Federal, State, and Municipal employees should be apolitical. I fought hard for the Charter Change that was approved by 80% of Kenner voters that a group of 12 malcontent City of Kenner employees got struck down.

Employees should work for the public - not for a political candidate even if that political candidate is the person that gave them their jobs.

And, while I also believe that everyone has the right to vote for and support whomever they want, while they are accepting a taxpayer paycheck, they should not be engaged in political activity. Period.

But, that's just me.

Clearly though, Federal, State and Municipal employees ARE precluded from performing political activities WHILE allegedly working.

John Tobler can form as many fake endorsement groups as he wants. He can hang out with Greg Buisson and Jefferson Parish's Sexual Predator-In-Chief Mike Yenni, and anyone that he wants - as long as it's not on the taxpayer's dime.

Now, you know what Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon has known for almost two weeks. The question remains: why hasn't Commissioner Donelon taken action against Tobler or picked up the phone to tell me why it's ok for Tobler to politic on your time?

Is Commissioner Donelon just trying to sweep this under the rug or wait until the November 6th election is past?

Perhaps, if you ask, he may answer you. For some reason, he's ducking me. 

Here's Jim Donelon's office number: 225-342-5423 and his email is commissioner@ldi.la.gov

If you get an answer, please let me know.