Opinion
Editorials
Time to show some forgiveness
As we enter into the sixth year since Hurricane Katrina tore apart our parish, we can look around and see how we have come back strong. However, there is still one piece of business that has to be addressed, and it is an issue that could help us economically. After the storm, the federal government loaned the parish $176 million to help rebuild. The St. Tammany School Board got $68 million and the rest went to the parish and municipal governments. They were loans, and we are obligated to pay them back, but the parish finds itself in a bit of a tight place financially. St. Tammany Parish went through a real economic boom, and the parish and municipal governments were flush with sales tax revenue after the storm. Then the country sank into a big recession. At first, it looked like the parish would weather it, but alas, it was not to be. As the rebuilding boom faded, so did the sales tax revenues. $176 million is mere pocket change to a government that bailed out giant corporation and banks with an $800 billion stimulus program. The federal government should just accept the loss and forgive our loans.
More of this storyFive years. For some people, five years ago today seemed to have happened yesterday. They still see the rising waters, and still have that empty feeling of losing everything to nature’s wrath. For others five years has been a real blessing. They have seen themselves get stronger, wiser and more resilient.
More of this story
Election is historic, so go and vote
Tomorrow, voters in this parish and the state will cast their ballots in the primary election to choose a candidate of their respective political party to run for the U.S. Senate in November’s general election.
More of this story
Columns
Top O' the Mornin'
I’m back. Lisa and I vacationed last week in Branson, MO. Got us a cabin on Lake Taneycomo, hung out on the dock and fished every day. Didn’t even go to a show. Just relaxed.
More of this storyWe the people” are the familiar opening words of the Constitution of the United States— the framework for a self-governing people, free from the arbitrary edicts of rulers. It was the blueprint for America, and the success of America made that blueprint something that other nations sought to follow.
More of this storyWe are Americans, each with an equal right to worship and pray where we choose,” New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg said this week. “There is nowhere in the five boroughs of New York City that is off limits to any religion.”
More of this story
Government: State's biggest enemy
Five years after Hurricane Katrina, the biggest adversary for the people of the Gulf Coast continues to be the local, state and federal government.
More of this storyHigh salaries in some government agencies in Louisiana have been in the news lately as the state prepares to deal with a massive budget shortfall next spring. The whole issue of public sector versus private compensation and employment levels will be on the front burner as government revenues shrink and deficits mount.
More of this story
Letters
Copyright © 2010 St. Tammany News
View Jobs
View Homes
View Autos
