Qualifying is now closed and most of the races have turned out as we thought. We have a surprise in C/P District 1 – a heads up race between Charles Primeaux and City Councilman in Scott – Purvis Morrision. Councilman Morrison has done a GREAT job as part of the team in Scott helping Mayor Hazel Meyers really grow Scott and the wind is definitely at his back. Susannah Malbreaux was considering running and would have been an amazing councilwoman, however realizing what was at stake in this race she decided to throw her support behind Morrison. Morrison will have some big shoes to fill. District 1 has some very serious issues that is going to take some hard work and dedication to find his way through. Primeaux doesn’t seem as if he cares that much about it. Several folks have met with him, including me, and I have to tell you I am more than a bit concerned about his motivations for running in this district. Another interesting development is of course Bruce Conque has some competition. Same Dore is working incredibly hard in District 6 and it appears that Conque could suffer from “incumbent fatigue” – where many people just see him as part of the problem. Dore is offering a new face and that alone may be the tipping point in this race. A surprise to many – Charlie Buckels after much ado about running again in District 39 has now decided that he is going to run for the BESE Board… because when you think of Charlie Buckels, one things Higher Learning, of course. WHAT? Honestly what does Charlie have to do with Education or experience in Education of our Children? Perhaps he was worried about his commissions he is getting off the RED LIGHT ATM Machines he is installing for Joey Durel. Sadly – we did not come up with anyone to run against Joey Durel. While I take issue with more than a few of his administrations decisions and well inactions… We could have done a LOT WORSE. But second terms often turn into problems especially when the incumbent doesn’t have to work for re-election. Joey – don’t rest – you have a LOT of work to do, my friend. Congratulations to Sheriff Mike Neustrom on running unopposed for Sheriff! I got to speak with the Sheriff at last week’s Donkey Jam and congratulated him on his win. He has done a great job and we thank him for his service. However, I would be remised if I didn’t mention the latest developments in the Pat LeBlanc case. Kevin Blanchard of The Baton Rouge Advocate reported on this developing story on the 8th – Link here - This Bribery and Laundering scheme involving the LeBlanc Brothers and Convicted Sheriff of Bexar County near San Antonio Texas just won’t go away and I am concerned that so few here locally are reporting on this. Pat LeBlanc is claiming no wrong-doing of course with the apparent “vote for me cause I say I am innocent” – why won’t he do the honorable thing and bow out while this is under investigation? It appears that not only are the officials in Bexar County looking into this, but so are the State Police and the FBI. To sum up this case, as I see it, Pat LeBlanc and his brother are accused of providing gifts to influence their eventual award of the concessions business in the County Jail. Court records report that the Sheriff’s Campaign manager – John Reynolds – was lobbying members of the Sheriff’s office Benevolent Fund Board – who ultimately control the concessions contract. They go on to say that Reynold’s as a member of this board was unsuccessful in getting the contract for the LeBlancs. However, Reynolds later took over as Chairman of this board and ultimately awarded the contract to the LeBlancs. Twelve days later Lopez (the sheriff) and Reynolds attended an all expense paid golfing and fishing trip to Costa Rica – wait for it – Paid for by the LeBlancs! But it doesn’t stop there – the court documents go on to say that another $20,000 was funneled into Reynold’s pockets one way or another over the coming months. Where is Pat LeBlanc on all this? Defending himself? Nope, he is staying quiet and “cooperating with the authorities” – well I don’t think you can run for office while remaining quiet on this – we deserve to know what happened. Mr. LeBlanc, the way I see it you have two options –

1. Come clean with the people of Acadiana and let them know all the facts of this case so we can accurately judge whether we want YOU to be our representative in Baton Rouge – or 2. Withdraw from the race while the facts are playing out and as you defend yourself.