In a Times Picayune article dated 1/23/15 state representative Jeff Arnold wants Algiers and West Jefferson to secede from New Orleans and Jefferson Parish and form Louisiana's 65th. parish. His reason: "The resulting local government would be more responsive to residents concerns, including crime and blight. The proposal could serve as leverage to gain more attention for West Jefferson parish government and his main interest more attention for Algiers from New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu."
Arnold's proposal is not as simple as he outlines in the article and all west bankers should be concerned especially those who reside in Algiers and who have done so all their lives. "PolitiDose" will publish in several "parts" commentary concerning the issues Arnold raised in his article and also other issues that would be affected by the move. West bankers are free to comment here in "PolitiDose" as to their thoughts concerning the matter, just click on "comments." I will email representative Arnold a copy of each one of my commentaries as we move forward.
As a point of information, the population of six cities on the West Bank are shown below:
Algiers 60,000 Per Arnold's article\
Marrero 33,141 (2010) Per City Web Page
Terrytown 23,319 (2010) " "
Harvey 20,348 (2010) " "
Gretna 17,802 (2013) " "
Westwego 8,524 (2012) " "
Arnold's reason for a new parish seem to be in conflict. Does he really want a new West Bank parish or just a converssation to have leverage with Mayor Mitch Landrieu to do more for Algiers as he says in his statement. He also believes Algiers and the West Bank are not properly represented by both Parish officials. Does that mean he is talking about himself since he represents Algiers?
The statement made by Arnold that Algiers has one member on the City Council is correct but there are also two at large seats that represent the whole city that includes Algiers. This writer had an opportunity just recently to work with all three on a problem in Algiers and they all worked together to solve the problem.
As a life long resident of Algiers I have not been exposed to the idea that its citizens are so dissatisfied that they want to secede from New Orleans. I have family and friends that live in Jefferson Parish on the West Bank and the same applies there. As an example of Algiers needing more attention Arnold tries to relate a time element as to how quick Gretna can respond to citizens concerns compared to New Orleans response. Well Gretna's population is 17,802 compared to Algiers 60,000. I don't think some one using that silly comparison is qualified to lead the issue. Arnold also wants Gretna to be the parish seat of the new parish government. This writer does not buy that and I will have a special commentary concerning Algiers.
Federal City located in Algiers on the property that was the former Naval Station will become a great venue of progress for its citizens if handled properlyand will draw more people and industry to Algiers even from other cities on the West Bank, especially Gretna which is adjacent to Algiers. Is this really the reason we are hearing talk about seceding?
Stay tuned for Part II and beyond.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Saturday, January 31, 2015
The Historic Price Of A Barrel Of Oil
Today's falling oil prices are still much higher than its historical price and as a result so is the price of a gallon of gasoline. Both move in the same direction. Outside of Saudi Arabia's oil embargo in the 1970's the Saudi's supported a stable price that does not bounce back and forth wildly. That is one reason they have not cut their production. With the event of a new Saudi king we will find out soon enough if that country changes its tune.
A stable price is better for the economy even for those countries who produce most of the oil. It is also good for the economy in general for all nations. An example: Louisiana is seeing its state revenue falling from lower taxes collected. The oil industry has already announced cuts and layoffs. A strong U.S. dollar, weaker energy consumption and economic conditions in Europe are also playing a part in the falling price. But those are market related and do not cause the wild swing in price when the price is at a stable level.
The following information is taken from Inflation Data.com, Historical Crude Oil Prices, 1946 - Nov. 2014. Prices shown are the nominal price and the price adjusted for inflation to 11/2014. The prices shown represent the average yearly price of a barrel of oil and not the higher or lower price but the yearly average.
From 1969 - 2003, a total of 35 years, the average yearly nominal price for a barrel of oil was $18.37. When adjusted for inflation the average yearly price was $42.19 per barrel. From 2004 - Nov. 2014 a period of 11 years the average yearly nominal price of a barrel of oil was $70.92. When adjusted for inflation it was $76.95 a barrel.
The numbers show the price of a barrel of oil started its climb in 2004, nine months after the invasion of Iraq and continued its rise until just a few months ago. That 11 year period saw the highest sustained price for a barrel of oil over the past 46 years. It appears to this writer that the price is trying to settle some where around its historical number with maybe some adjustments. Its important for the U.S. economy to continue to grow and stay strong at home and abroad. Stability has an equalizing effect on economic conditions. That was seen during the Clinton administration with lower inflation, lower unemployment, balanced budgets, increase in middle class wages and guess what else? The most stable oil prices in that 46 year period. The average yearly nominal price for a barrel of oil was $18.02; adjusted for inflation it was $26.84.
Stable economic conditions lifts every one up and the oil producing countries, including the U.S., the oil traders and manipulating prices becomes less effective and sustainable. It makes economic sense for the price of a barrel of oil to return to a stable price level with only minor movement. What is taking place now is a prelude to where the price may finally settle. For those who think the added oil production from "fracking" will make Saudi Arabia moot, forget about it. Saudi Arabia does not compete with "fracking." In fact they are still pumping while some U.S. "fracking" operations are being reduced because of the cost.
The 11 year stretch of high prices resulted in doubling the cost of filling up an automobile with a tank of gas. That can not be sustained without damaging the U.S. economy and helped prolong the recession of 2008. That is money taking out of the economy. Consumers spend more when the economy has balance. The past has proved that and understanding the past is still the key to a better future.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
A stable price is better for the economy even for those countries who produce most of the oil. It is also good for the economy in general for all nations. An example: Louisiana is seeing its state revenue falling from lower taxes collected. The oil industry has already announced cuts and layoffs. A strong U.S. dollar, weaker energy consumption and economic conditions in Europe are also playing a part in the falling price. But those are market related and do not cause the wild swing in price when the price is at a stable level.
The following information is taken from Inflation Data.com, Historical Crude Oil Prices, 1946 - Nov. 2014. Prices shown are the nominal price and the price adjusted for inflation to 11/2014. The prices shown represent the average yearly price of a barrel of oil and not the higher or lower price but the yearly average.
From 1969 - 2003, a total of 35 years, the average yearly nominal price for a barrel of oil was $18.37. When adjusted for inflation the average yearly price was $42.19 per barrel. From 2004 - Nov. 2014 a period of 11 years the average yearly nominal price of a barrel of oil was $70.92. When adjusted for inflation it was $76.95 a barrel.
The numbers show the price of a barrel of oil started its climb in 2004, nine months after the invasion of Iraq and continued its rise until just a few months ago. That 11 year period saw the highest sustained price for a barrel of oil over the past 46 years. It appears to this writer that the price is trying to settle some where around its historical number with maybe some adjustments. Its important for the U.S. economy to continue to grow and stay strong at home and abroad. Stability has an equalizing effect on economic conditions. That was seen during the Clinton administration with lower inflation, lower unemployment, balanced budgets, increase in middle class wages and guess what else? The most stable oil prices in that 46 year period. The average yearly nominal price for a barrel of oil was $18.02; adjusted for inflation it was $26.84.
Stable economic conditions lifts every one up and the oil producing countries, including the U.S., the oil traders and manipulating prices becomes less effective and sustainable. It makes economic sense for the price of a barrel of oil to return to a stable price level with only minor movement. What is taking place now is a prelude to where the price may finally settle. For those who think the added oil production from "fracking" will make Saudi Arabia moot, forget about it. Saudi Arabia does not compete with "fracking." In fact they are still pumping while some U.S. "fracking" operations are being reduced because of the cost.
The 11 year stretch of high prices resulted in doubling the cost of filling up an automobile with a tank of gas. That can not be sustained without damaging the U.S. economy and helped prolong the recession of 2008. That is money taking out of the economy. Consumers spend more when the economy has balance. The past has proved that and understanding the past is still the key to a better future.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
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