Claiborne Hosts Economic Development Initiative

BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal

     The new Claiborne Electric Community Room was the setting for the second Piney Hills Economic Development Initiative held Wednesday, February 25. Legislators from Claiborne, Bienville, Bossier, Jackson, Lincoln, Ouachita, Red River, Union, Webster, and Winn were invited to attend. The first initiative held last fall in Ruston was hosted by Rep. Hollis Downs. The purpose of the meeting is to get area legislators to work together on projects with the most priority for the overall development of the region.

     Former Senate President Randy Ewing served as moderator and encouraged the legislators to stay together and use this forum to get specific about the things they need to do. He said, "We have a lot we can build on but it will not happen unless we are aggressive." Somebody has got to have the guts, the fortitude, the vision to step up and say, "It is our time.We are carrying the torch."

     Among those attending were State Senator Robert Barham and Representative Rick Gallot. Barham said when you start looking at lakes, you need to decide what sort of management entity you want to manage them. If a multi-parish lake, you need to decide today the makeup of the board or commission. Lake commissions should be in place tomorrow. "It won't happen unless each of you get involved to make something happen."

Barham said one thing that is so important is tourism. Claiborne Parish is a beautiful place, but Louisiana is not a beautiful place when you drive along and look at our roads and highways. It is not that way across the U.S. "I am sad to say Louisiana may be the trashiest state in the United States, and it is making a difference in our ability to get industry to come here." He has been told, "If the people here don't care anymore about the way they live than to do this to their roads and ditches, how can you tell me they are willing to work to make my company the best it could be."

     Litter is killing us. We have to make Louisiana sparkle if we are going to get people to retire here or locate their business here, or just come to enjoy our environment. We need to make it part of our agenda and say we are not going to tolerate it anymore.

Gallot said, "I think these reservoirs are pretty important to our future. I can't promise how we are going to get it done, but I will do everything I can to see some reservoirs built in these areas."

Sen. Malone Proposes One Senator Per Parish

Wants To Give Each Parish $1 Million/Year For Three Years

BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal

     J.R. "Snap" Oakes introduced Senator Max Malone to the Homer Lions Club. He said he thought the  Homer native was going to Centenary College to become a preacher, but he became a senator instead. Malone said on his first job interview with Crystal Oil, he was asked why he had a degree in religion and theology. He told him, "I prayed for oil. All I got was gas."

     Malone said he had often told his children he wished they had grown up in Homer. Maybe one day, they will get everything back in North Louisiana like it should be. He said, "I think Gov. Blanco will do a good job for us. Her heart is in the right place and she wants to do the right things, and she knows where North Louisiana is." The previous governor never considered much north of I-10.

     Malone said he was presently serving his third and last term due to term limits, and was recently appointed Chairman of Natural Resources. He said you might not think you need term limits, but there are several legislators who have been in office over 30 years and some need to go. 

     There are 39 senators in the state and 20 are term limited. There will be a big turnover in 2008. Of those, about 22 are from the Baton Rouge and New Orleans area, always giving them a simple majority. Only about 10 are from north of Rapides Parish. This puts rural parishes at a disadvantage. He said, "If we are going to change the network, we have to get rid of that good old boy network, and it is going to happen this time."

     Both the House and Senate in Louisiana are based on population. He wants to change that to be more in line with the U.S. Constitution which allows an equal number of Senators from each state but determines the number in Congress on population. This is the only way to get equal representation.

Town Employees Ask Council To Reinstate Salaries

     Town employee Vivian "Bubba" Moffett and two other town employees, Ryan Webb and Hosea Monroe, were given an opportunity to address the Council regarding the decision to cut their pay and place them under one supervisor, Thomas Ridley at the February 16 meeting of the Homer Town Council. Moffett requested their previous pay rate be reinstated and a reason given for their demotion as outlined in the personnel policy.

     Moffett presented the Council with a copy of his resume and asked why, with his experience and ability, he was not considered for the supervisor position over Ridley who he felt was less qualified. He said they had no problem accepting changes, but were concerned about personal problems being aired in a public meeting without prior notification.

     Councilman Jesse Ford said he had placed the proposal on the agenda to avoid laying anyone off and to address poor job performance and attitudes. He reminded them of the meeting before Christmas where Councilman Thomas McDonald met with town employees to address numerous complaints of town employees. McDonald said he warned them at that time about doing their job, but didn't get much response and nothing much changed. Moffett explained that their jobs consisted of a lot of riding.

     Ford asked if they would have preferred being laid off. He said, "Either you want to work or you don't." McDonald said the town was not in the business of creating jobs, but they also don't like to send anyone home. The personnel action was not taken against anyone in particular, but for the Town of Homer.

     Councilman Billy Kirk Jenkins asked if the personnel actions taken last meeting were legal. Attorney David Newell said if staff was reduced or modified based on reduction in workforce or if simply demoted, they should explain whether it was a reduction in workforce or due to town economics.

     Jenkins said last month Mayor Huey Dean said the town was doing alright and the finances were getting better. He asked why were they making cuts now. Dean said they are turning things around, but the latest financial report shows the Enterprise Fund is still $268,000 in the hole. He said, "We are a long way from being out."

     Dean said he has been told a lawsuit will be filed. We have been warned that it is no longer a civil matter, but a criminal matter. Jenkins said the Council voted to separate the accounts at the last meeting. Dean said we now have to keep the checks from bouncing. He asked the Council to consider cutting the mayor's salary back from $2,000 to $1,000 per month.

     Ford said Jenkins and Moore were on the Finance Committee. He asked Jenkins, "Did you ever come back and tell us the town was broke?" Ford said, "This is not a black thing or a white thing. We are for all the people."

     Johnette Faulkner said she felt the people in Homer should know the majority of the public works employees make more per hour than police officers. Some officers who have worked almost ten years do not make what these employees make after the cuts, yet you do not see the officers coming here with attitudes. She said, "The officers are putting their lives on the line. If I were them, I would  probably go to work for the public works department. They would get more money and it would be a safer job."

     Moffett said he put himself in harm's way everyday. "There is all kinds of diseases you can get from messing with sewage."

     The Council voted 3-2 to leave the personnel actions as is, with Jenkins and J. C. Moore voting against.

Shamrocks Battle Muscular Dystrophy

     In honor of St. Patrick's Day, millions of Americans will participate in the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Shamrocks Against Dystrophy program. The popular MDA tradition, led by internationally renowned singer Maureen McGovern, runs from now through March 17. Patrons of thousands of retailers nationwide, including supermarkets, convenience stores, gas stations and restaurants, are supporting the fight against neuromuscular diseases by buying and signing $1 and $5 Shamrock mobiles to hang in the business locations. In Homer, Piggly Wiggly has been participating in the fundraising program for about four years, while this is the first year for Dixie Mart #3.

McCrery To Seek Ninth Term

BY SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal

     After much thoughtful prayer and consultation with his family, U.S. Congressman Jim McCrery announced on Tuesday, March 2 that he would seek his ninth full term in the U.S. House.

     "I have been humbled by the overwhelming support which I have received from people all over Louisiana urging me to seek reelection," he said. "It is my intention, if my constituents will continue to elect me, to remain in Congress for several years to work on issues such as Social Security, Medicare, our tax system, and local concerns such as I-49, I-69, Fort Polk, and Barksdale Air Force Base."

     McCrery believes his seniority on the House Ways and Means Committee will put him in a unique position to help not only the people of the Fourth Congressional District, but all of Louisiana.

Homer Police Take Aggressive Stand Against Drugs, Alcohol

     The Homer Police Department has a zero tolerance for drug trafficking, which is becoming more prevalent in our youth. Anyone with information on drug trafficking or alcohol abuse is asked to please call the Department at (318) 927-4000. Names will remain anonymous.

     On the evening of Saturday, February 28, Homer Police officers received a call from a concerned citizen about possible drug trafficking at the Homer residence of Erica and Rachel Ford. Upon investigation by Cpl. J. T. Williams Jr., Capt. Donald Malray and Patrolman Keith Ferguson, officers found numerous amounts of suspected drug paraphernalia and suspected narcotics at the residence.

     Erica Ford was arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana. Rachal Ford was arrested and charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana. Bond was set at $1,000 for both. Also arrested for possession of marijuana was Shane Pyle. His bond was set at $500.

Voters Reminded To Bring Photo ID To Polls

     Registrar of Voters Patricia Sanders would like to remind voters to bring their picture ID when they come to vote in the Presidential Primary on Tuesday, March 9. Only registered Democrats and Republicans are eligible to vote. Polling places will be open from 6 AM - 8 PM. At the present time, Precincts 88 and 96 will still be casting their votes at the Homer Elementary School. For more information, call 927-3332.