Thursday, February 12, 2015
Part III Algiers: State Representative Jeff Arnold Wants To Create A New Parish On The West Bank Of Jefferson And Orleans Parish
Algiers, the place of this writers birth and a life long resident. Although located on the west bank it is an intergal part of Orleans Parish on the east bank. It has been that way since I can remember. The jobs are on the east bank, entertainment, Mardi Gras, the French Quarter, the seat of parish government, NOMA, cultural attractions, the Fair Grounds, the Jazz Fest and the list goes on and on. No where else in the Metro area can you find the equivalence of City and Audubon Park or their four golf courses and all are public facilities. Plus, as one person commented in Part I, Algiers is part of one of the great cities in the United States.
Yet, Louisiana's representative Jeff Arnold, who represents Algiers feels Algiers is neglected and needs to secede from Orleans Parish on the east bank. The people do not elect their representatives to push such an agenda. Especially when there is no outcry by its citizens to do so. Algiers has problems like many cities in Louisiana but seceding is not the answer and no one can predict the results of such action. Elected officials are expected to work things out when problems occur for the good of the people they represent.
Over the years crime in Algiers has not been a big problem. A larger New Orleans Police Force which Mayor Landrieu is actively pursuing will help Algiers do more community police work. Algiers needs street repairs like every city in the Metro area that has been neglected for years that has made the problem worse. But this writer can see progress being made there and improvements to streets and drainage in Algiers especially along De Gaulle and MacArthur.
The new and improved shopping center at Village Aurora with its new stores and restaurant represents a large improvement after being dormant for years. Walmart's move to Algiers on Behrman highway from its previous location in Gretna just up the street. Walgreen's new store on Generay Meyer and a new walking path and bicycle path on the levee.
Federal City with the right management will be a great progressive asset when completed and bring new people into Algiers and more building. The new Marine Base is a marvel and will be in Algiers for many years to come. English Turn has brought people from all over to their community and has a great setting.
Mayor Landrieu has done a good job in reversing 25 plus years of neglect in Orleans Parish. He is not a miracle worker and does not have all the tools yet to do all that needs to be done. But he is actively working toward that goal. Algiers has had good representation through out the years on the city council and on the state level and our state representatives have been able to secure finance for various projects in Algiers. The state should help cities more but we have a legislature that is dominated by governor Jindal who's policies have been a fiscal disaster for the state.
Arnold wants the City of Gretna to be the parish seat of the new parish he proposes. This writer is in total opposition to that fairy tale. It shows a lack of though process on the subject matter and would be like moving the state Capitol from Baton Rouge to Gonzales, Louisiana. Now, I want to say something about the intention of bringing this matter up during the next legislature session.
I was born and raised in Algiers Point so I know a little about the ferry there and the vital part it has always played in the lives of the people who live there. It is relevant to the notion of seceding. Since Arnold wants the state to hear his case the people should remember that it was the state that allowed the bridge toll vote to go forward without first having a plan to finance the Algiers ferry operation if the vote to lift the tolls was passed. Well it was passed and as of this date the hours of service for the Algiers ferry has not been restored to what it was before the vote. The cost to ride the ferry was also increased. The state did not handle that situation well. The people of Algiers deserved better. A source of revenue was eliminated.
Arnold's proposal lacks the support of the people in Algiers and this writer detects a failed relationship with the Mayor. It is also possible that there are unnamed individuals who are behind this insane idea that would like to control the government of a new parish on the west bank and the operation of Federal City. The answer to better service in the City of New Orleans and Algiers, including improvements that need to be made is a tax structure that is fair where every one pays his or her fair share. The answer for the state to be able to provide financial help to cities across Louisiana who need it is a fair state tax structure that is fair where everyone pays his or her fair share. Both the City and State lacks such a tax structure. The $8 billion of tax exemptions for business on the state level is a dagger in the heart to state revenue.
The people of Algiers should make their voices known that they want to remain a part of one of the greatest cities in the United States.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Yet, Louisiana's representative Jeff Arnold, who represents Algiers feels Algiers is neglected and needs to secede from Orleans Parish on the east bank. The people do not elect their representatives to push such an agenda. Especially when there is no outcry by its citizens to do so. Algiers has problems like many cities in Louisiana but seceding is not the answer and no one can predict the results of such action. Elected officials are expected to work things out when problems occur for the good of the people they represent.
Over the years crime in Algiers has not been a big problem. A larger New Orleans Police Force which Mayor Landrieu is actively pursuing will help Algiers do more community police work. Algiers needs street repairs like every city in the Metro area that has been neglected for years that has made the problem worse. But this writer can see progress being made there and improvements to streets and drainage in Algiers especially along De Gaulle and MacArthur.
The new and improved shopping center at Village Aurora with its new stores and restaurant represents a large improvement after being dormant for years. Walmart's move to Algiers on Behrman highway from its previous location in Gretna just up the street. Walgreen's new store on Generay Meyer and a new walking path and bicycle path on the levee.
Federal City with the right management will be a great progressive asset when completed and bring new people into Algiers and more building. The new Marine Base is a marvel and will be in Algiers for many years to come. English Turn has brought people from all over to their community and has a great setting.
Mayor Landrieu has done a good job in reversing 25 plus years of neglect in Orleans Parish. He is not a miracle worker and does not have all the tools yet to do all that needs to be done. But he is actively working toward that goal. Algiers has had good representation through out the years on the city council and on the state level and our state representatives have been able to secure finance for various projects in Algiers. The state should help cities more but we have a legislature that is dominated by governor Jindal who's policies have been a fiscal disaster for the state.
Arnold wants the City of Gretna to be the parish seat of the new parish he proposes. This writer is in total opposition to that fairy tale. It shows a lack of though process on the subject matter and would be like moving the state Capitol from Baton Rouge to Gonzales, Louisiana. Now, I want to say something about the intention of bringing this matter up during the next legislature session.
I was born and raised in Algiers Point so I know a little about the ferry there and the vital part it has always played in the lives of the people who live there. It is relevant to the notion of seceding. Since Arnold wants the state to hear his case the people should remember that it was the state that allowed the bridge toll vote to go forward without first having a plan to finance the Algiers ferry operation if the vote to lift the tolls was passed. Well it was passed and as of this date the hours of service for the Algiers ferry has not been restored to what it was before the vote. The cost to ride the ferry was also increased. The state did not handle that situation well. The people of Algiers deserved better. A source of revenue was eliminated.
Arnold's proposal lacks the support of the people in Algiers and this writer detects a failed relationship with the Mayor. It is also possible that there are unnamed individuals who are behind this insane idea that would like to control the government of a new parish on the west bank and the operation of Federal City. The answer to better service in the City of New Orleans and Algiers, including improvements that need to be made is a tax structure that is fair where every one pays his or her fair share. The answer for the state to be able to provide financial help to cities across Louisiana who need it is a fair state tax structure that is fair where everyone pays his or her fair share. Both the City and State lacks such a tax structure. The $8 billion of tax exemptions for business on the state level is a dagger in the heart to state revenue.
The people of Algiers should make their voices known that they want to remain a part of one of the greatest cities in the United States.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Tuesday, February 10, 2015
The Women At The Fox News Network
Almost 6 thousand years ago women played a major role in the life of the very first civilization on earth, that of the Sumerians. I wrote a previous commentary and outlined the activities and responsibilities they took upon themselves. That was one reason why that civilization was so successful for such a long period of time.
Fast forward to the 21st. century and you will find the women at the Fox News Network void of having any original thought. Their sole mission is to look pretty and spout the ideology of those who run the network. That means every day negative reporting on the President, his policies and his administration. They would never have made it in Sumerian life. They continue to let themselves be used to distort the news in an effort to wound the President.
Megyn Kelly and those on Outnumbered have a big problem with facts and lack the skills required to be trusted journalists. They also lack character in their reporting because they are followers and not leaders. Its hell when you work for a network and let yourself be manipulated by an unAmerican ideology. And its even worse when you have to stoop that low in an effort to influence your viewing audiance.
Understanding the past is still the key to a better future. The women at Fox News not only lost the key, they lost their self respect for fairness in their reporting.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio.
Fast forward to the 21st. century and you will find the women at the Fox News Network void of having any original thought. Their sole mission is to look pretty and spout the ideology of those who run the network. That means every day negative reporting on the President, his policies and his administration. They would never have made it in Sumerian life. They continue to let themselves be used to distort the news in an effort to wound the President.
Megyn Kelly and those on Outnumbered have a big problem with facts and lack the skills required to be trusted journalists. They also lack character in their reporting because they are followers and not leaders. Its hell when you work for a network and let yourself be manipulated by an unAmerican ideology. And its even worse when you have to stoop that low in an effort to influence your viewing audiance.
Understanding the past is still the key to a better future. The women at Fox News not only lost the key, they lost their self respect for fairness in their reporting.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio.
Monday, February 9, 2015
Another Solid Economic Report For January
The U.S. Labor Department reported the economy created 257,000 jobs in January and that unemployment ticked up to 5.7% from 5.6% in December. They also reported that November's job creation was 425,000 instead of the previously reported 321,000 and that December's job creation was 329,000 instead of the reported 252,000. The changes lifted total job creation in 2014 to 3.1 million jobs. The largest one year increase since 1999. And guess who was President in 1999? Another democrat by the name of Bill Clinton.
Other good news: Hourly wages were up over 2% in 2014. The economy grew over 4% in the second and third quarter and consumer confidence is rising. The economy expanded in all directions and the economic mood of economist is broad based for the good news to continue.
The republican party and the conservative news media all acted negatively to the good report. They all called it a part time economy like good ditto heads. They reported over and over with glee the unemployment rate went up 1/10th of 1%. Of course the Labor Department said that happened because 700,000 people entered the work force to find jobs. They had previously dropped out of the work force and stopped looking for work. Their actions is confirmation how well the economy and job creation continue to expand.
Chris Hayes of MSNBC and other journalist admitted being taken by surprise how well the economy and job creation was playing out. Hayes asked his guest, what is going on here? Well, what is going on here has been explained in "PolitiDose" since Obama took office. Where has Hayes been these last 59 straight months of job creation? Its very easy to understand if one pays attention.
The good news about the economy and job creation in January came out after the bad news coming out of the republican controlled congress for January. The GOP in congress is still sitting on their hands and accomplishing nothing. For republicans, somethings never change. The republicans in congress and their ditto head leaders predicted that "Obamacare" would be a job killer. They started and stuck to that lie ever since the democratic controlled congress passed the ACA. They are familiar with the words "job killer" because that is exactly what happened in the last republican administration. And John Boehner and Mitch McConnell were serving in congress at that time.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Other good news: Hourly wages were up over 2% in 2014. The economy grew over 4% in the second and third quarter and consumer confidence is rising. The economy expanded in all directions and the economic mood of economist is broad based for the good news to continue.
The republican party and the conservative news media all acted negatively to the good report. They all called it a part time economy like good ditto heads. They reported over and over with glee the unemployment rate went up 1/10th of 1%. Of course the Labor Department said that happened because 700,000 people entered the work force to find jobs. They had previously dropped out of the work force and stopped looking for work. Their actions is confirmation how well the economy and job creation continue to expand.
Chris Hayes of MSNBC and other journalist admitted being taken by surprise how well the economy and job creation was playing out. Hayes asked his guest, what is going on here? Well, what is going on here has been explained in "PolitiDose" since Obama took office. Where has Hayes been these last 59 straight months of job creation? Its very easy to understand if one pays attention.
The good news about the economy and job creation in January came out after the bad news coming out of the republican controlled congress for January. The GOP in congress is still sitting on their hands and accomplishing nothing. For republicans, somethings never change. The republicans in congress and their ditto head leaders predicted that "Obamacare" would be a job killer. They started and stuck to that lie ever since the democratic controlled congress passed the ACA. They are familiar with the words "job killer" because that is exactly what happened in the last republican administration. And John Boehner and Mitch McConnell were serving in congress at that time.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Thursday, February 5, 2015
Part II State Representative Jeff Arnold Wants To Create A New Parish On The West Bank Of Jefferson And Orleans Parish
What form of government would a new parish on the West Bank have? A parish President and parish Council? How far would the new parish stretch and what would be its boundries? Will Algiers, Gretna and other West Bank communities keep their autonomy? What revenue sources are needed to run a new parish and where would the revenue come from? Is there a serious signed petition out there by the majority citizens on the west bank that want to secede? These and many other questions need to be answered before any serious debate can begin.
Val Exnicios, president of the Algiers Council of Neighborhood Presidents in the Jan 23 issue of the Times Picayune said, "The feeling is WE are in fact a neglected portion of Orleans Parish." Who might be the WE he is talking about? This writer does not know the man so he is not speaking for me. Mike Teachworth in the same article said, "If Algiers is not happy with their government they should hold their elected officials accountable." He also said, "he thinks most West Jefferson citizens are proud to be a part of Jefferson Parish."
A new parish on the west bank would mean more elected officials and that would give those now in office an advantage over some one else who might like to run for office but has no prior experience. Its easy to see a possible dynasty in the making and the people being worse off than before.
The grass is not always greener on the other side and this writer remains skeptical when a politician pushes to secede when there is no mandate from the public to do so. Arnold seems to have Mayor Landrieu in his crosshairs since he named him in his article. Landrieu has done more for the City than any Mayor in the last 25 years in this writers judgement and is a public servant who does not make excuses.
Arnold's statement that Algiers has more in common with Gretna, Terrytown and Harvey than New Orleans East, Lakeview and Uptown is a stretch and can not be believed. How many public parks do those 3 Jefferson Parish towns have that can compare or compete with City and Audubon Park and the 3 or 4 public golf courses they provide for the citizens? The west bank Mardi Gras parades left the west bank for Uptown and the CBD in New Orleans. The center of activity and entertainment is not on the west bank and the list can go on and on. What those cities have common is that they are all on the west bank, but that is no reason to secede.
Another point mentioned in Arnold's article is the abundance of vacant land in Algiers and Jefferson Parish on the west bank for development. But development for what? More congestion, pollution and a reduction in the quality of life. We will never know until the west bank secedes and then it will be too late.
The key to progress for the State, its cities and its people is electing SERIOUS public officials who are willing to break from the status quo of catering to special interest to the detriment of the people and support progressive quality of life issues. The state and cities could have the needed revenue it takes to be progressive if our taxing system was fair and where everyone paid his or her fair share of taxes, even the poor. The states $8billion in tax breaks for business is tragic. Much property in Orleans and Jefferson parish are exempt from property taxes or not paying their fair share. We know that from too many previous reports on the subject matter.
And the one thing the people can be sure of: When a elected official promises no increase in taxes, you can expect him to get into the pocket of the average citizen in a hundred different ways. This writer does not advocate higher taxes and they probably would not be needed if the tax system was fair for all. Its time for elected officials to see that we have that fair system. In fact it is way past time.
A new parish on the west bank is not the answer to the problems out there.
Stay tuned for Part III
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Val Exnicios, president of the Algiers Council of Neighborhood Presidents in the Jan 23 issue of the Times Picayune said, "The feeling is WE are in fact a neglected portion of Orleans Parish." Who might be the WE he is talking about? This writer does not know the man so he is not speaking for me. Mike Teachworth in the same article said, "If Algiers is not happy with their government they should hold their elected officials accountable." He also said, "he thinks most West Jefferson citizens are proud to be a part of Jefferson Parish."
A new parish on the west bank would mean more elected officials and that would give those now in office an advantage over some one else who might like to run for office but has no prior experience. Its easy to see a possible dynasty in the making and the people being worse off than before.
The grass is not always greener on the other side and this writer remains skeptical when a politician pushes to secede when there is no mandate from the public to do so. Arnold seems to have Mayor Landrieu in his crosshairs since he named him in his article. Landrieu has done more for the City than any Mayor in the last 25 years in this writers judgement and is a public servant who does not make excuses.
Arnold's statement that Algiers has more in common with Gretna, Terrytown and Harvey than New Orleans East, Lakeview and Uptown is a stretch and can not be believed. How many public parks do those 3 Jefferson Parish towns have that can compare or compete with City and Audubon Park and the 3 or 4 public golf courses they provide for the citizens? The west bank Mardi Gras parades left the west bank for Uptown and the CBD in New Orleans. The center of activity and entertainment is not on the west bank and the list can go on and on. What those cities have common is that they are all on the west bank, but that is no reason to secede.
Another point mentioned in Arnold's article is the abundance of vacant land in Algiers and Jefferson Parish on the west bank for development. But development for what? More congestion, pollution and a reduction in the quality of life. We will never know until the west bank secedes and then it will be too late.
The key to progress for the State, its cities and its people is electing SERIOUS public officials who are willing to break from the status quo of catering to special interest to the detriment of the people and support progressive quality of life issues. The state and cities could have the needed revenue it takes to be progressive if our taxing system was fair and where everyone paid his or her fair share of taxes, even the poor. The states $8billion in tax breaks for business is tragic. Much property in Orleans and Jefferson parish are exempt from property taxes or not paying their fair share. We know that from too many previous reports on the subject matter.
And the one thing the people can be sure of: When a elected official promises no increase in taxes, you can expect him to get into the pocket of the average citizen in a hundred different ways. This writer does not advocate higher taxes and they probably would not be needed if the tax system was fair for all. Its time for elected officials to see that we have that fair system. In fact it is way past time.
A new parish on the west bank is not the answer to the problems out there.
Stay tuned for Part III
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
The New Republican Controlled Congress
The republican controlled U.S. House started out the new year like they ended 2014. This week they voted to repeal the ACA for the 56th time. The bill will go no where fast just like the previous 55 times but the leaders of the House, Boehner and Scalise allowed this waste of time because of a deficiency in their conservative ideology. And for this, they get paid.
To top it off this week two of the republican Presidential hopefuls, U.S. Senator Rand Paul and Governor Chris Christie made a fool of themselves with their comments on vaccinations. Boehner and Scalise's U.S. House then pased a resolution endorsing vaccinations to try and keep their party out of hot water on the subject matter. Paul and Christie tried to reverse the situation with ammended comments.
Taking care of the people's business that moves the country forward is absent from the republican's agenda and their control of both houses of Congress will not change their do nothing ideology as long as a Democrat sits in the White House. In repealing the ACA for the 56th time the party repeated the same worn out message. They have a better health plan for America and can easily put it together in a short period of time. The President laid out the ACA 6 years ago so they have extended their short period of time for the 56th time this week.
Boehner and Scalise lack the character and courage to keep wasteful time out of the U.S. House because they are afraid of their own party's division and extreme right wing. Matters not that the ACA has passed and in fact part of the law.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
To top it off this week two of the republican Presidential hopefuls, U.S. Senator Rand Paul and Governor Chris Christie made a fool of themselves with their comments on vaccinations. Boehner and Scalise's U.S. House then pased a resolution endorsing vaccinations to try and keep their party out of hot water on the subject matter. Paul and Christie tried to reverse the situation with ammended comments.
Taking care of the people's business that moves the country forward is absent from the republican's agenda and their control of both houses of Congress will not change their do nothing ideology as long as a Democrat sits in the White House. In repealing the ACA for the 56th time the party repeated the same worn out message. They have a better health plan for America and can easily put it together in a short period of time. The President laid out the ACA 6 years ago so they have extended their short period of time for the 56th time this week.
Boehner and Scalise lack the character and courage to keep wasteful time out of the U.S. House because they are afraid of their own party's division and extreme right wing. Matters not that the ACA has passed and in fact part of the law.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Monday, February 2, 2015
ISIL Suffers Another Defeat
Prior to the November congressional elections there was a lot of negative news aimed at President Obama and his administration concening a lot of fabricated issues pushed by the news media, especially the conservative news media and republicans in congress. Most are just a faded memory now because they lacked substance.
The one that comes to mind now is the story that the POWERFUL ISIL was about to over run and take over the city of Kobani that sits on the Syrian and Turkish border. The importance of taking Kobani would have given the Islamic State control of a border crossing with Turkey. But U.S. and ally air strikes along with Kurdish ground forces routed and defeated ISIL last week and the ISIL forces have fled the area. ISIL leaders confirmed the defeat and said U.S. air power was the difference. The news media said Kobani would fall to ISIL back in September of last year.
This writer questioned in a commentary some time ago the strength of ISIL which was being flaunted by the news media. Now the media says very little about ISIL. "PolitiDose" had a commentary a few years ago also pointing out the U.S. had the Air capability to take care of problems in the middle east without committing American combat forces to fight a ground war over there.
President Obama's position that American air power along with Iraqi and other middle eastern ground troops would be able to accomplish the objective against ISIL and his policy position is working. ISIL's advances have been stopped in many areas and towns have been retaken by Iraqi and Kurdish forces. The President needs to stay on top of his policies and this writer has confidence he will do so because of his past performance.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
A Turn Around For Republican Governor John Kasich
Ohio governor John Kasich served in the U.S. House of Congress during the Clinton administration and was one of Clinton's biggest critic of the President's policies. He also voted against Clinton's economic and deficit reduction plan which passed the democratic controlled congress in 1993. He was also one of the republicans who predicted doom and gloom for the country. Kasich also voted to impeach President Clinton.
As governor of Ohio, Kasich is now defending his position of accepting medicaid coverage offered under the ACA to provide insurance for the working poor. Republican legislators in Montana questioned his position at a meeting. The legislators opposed the medicaid expansion to the ACA. Kasich said what they do with the medicaid expansion is treat the metally ill, treat the drug addicted and we help the working poor stop going to the emergency rooms and forcing me to pay for their medical bills because they have to go there sicker.
That is a great endorcement of how the ACA is working for those it was designed to help. The problem with Kasich and his republican party is that they lack the courage to embrace democratic proposals until they get into situations where they have to raise taxes to take care of a problem in their state. Health care was a problem when Kasich served in congress but congress kicked the can.
Too bad it took a challenge by Kasich's own party to respond to the benefits of the ACA. But he still deserves to be congratulated on thinking about his own people.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
As governor of Ohio, Kasich is now defending his position of accepting medicaid coverage offered under the ACA to provide insurance for the working poor. Republican legislators in Montana questioned his position at a meeting. The legislators opposed the medicaid expansion to the ACA. Kasich said what they do with the medicaid expansion is treat the metally ill, treat the drug addicted and we help the working poor stop going to the emergency rooms and forcing me to pay for their medical bills because they have to go there sicker.
That is a great endorcement of how the ACA is working for those it was designed to help. The problem with Kasich and his republican party is that they lack the courage to embrace democratic proposals until they get into situations where they have to raise taxes to take care of a problem in their state. Health care was a problem when Kasich served in congress but congress kicked the can.
Too bad it took a challenge by Kasich's own party to respond to the benefits of the ACA. But he still deserves to be congratulated on thinking about his own people.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Saturday, January 31, 2015
Part I State Representative Jeff Arnold Wants To Create A New Parish On The West Bank of Jefferson and Orleans Parish
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
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
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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