LEONARD GRAY / L’Observateur / October 21, 2000

LULING – Decision-makers of the River Parishes heard a pitch for Louisiana Inc., a proposed state constitutional amendment on the Nov. 7 ballot, atEsperanza Restaurant in Luling.

The River Region Caucus, made up of government officials, both parochial and municipal, met Oct. 17 to discuss topics of mutual concern, includingwaste management, economic development and the environment.

Louisiana Secretary of Economic Development Don Hutchinson reviewed the “Louisiana Inc.” proposal, which would replace the existing Department ofEconomic Development with a quasi-private corporation which would aim at a balanced economy, better-educated work force and improved quality of life.

“It’s a test of our philosophy as a state,” Hutchinson said.

“What we’re doing now isn’t working,” agreed St. Charles Parish PresidentAlbert Laque.

Louisiana Inc. would be run by a 16-member board, including 10 appointedfrom the private sector, to coordinate the state’s economic development efforts, slash through red tape, diversify the economy and prevent the “brain drain” of educated workers leaving Louisiana.

“From 1990 to 1999, 135,000 people left Louisiana, the only Southern state with a net population loss,” Hutchinson continued.

Nine other states already have similar efforts under way, with still more joining the bandwagon, he added, while he pointed out that states surrounding Louisiana already has greater per capita personal income growth than here.

“Expect a media blitz in the next couple of weeks on this,” Hutchinson said, as most people he feels truly don’t understand the workings of economic development, and he is trying to drum up more widespread support.

What’s more, Hutchinson continued, the corporation would have more ethical supervision than any government agency in the state, from the legislative auditor to the ethics board. “It’s a strategic risk worth taking,” he added.Rep. Bobby Faucheux reviewed for the Caucus the River Parishes Convention,Tourist and Visitors District, established by his legislation, which is funded by hotel/motel tax revenue.

In St. James Parish alone, Faucheux added, 180 people are employed intourism-based businesses. “We want to make this region a touristdestination,” he said.

Ascension Parish President Harold Marchand offered his own assistance in the effort.

The Caucus also honored Joan Becnel, who recently retired as St. CharlesParish Council secretary after more than 20 years, and who was instrumental in the creation of the Caucus in 1997.

“You’re in a class by yourself,” commented former St. Charles CouncilmanDickie Duhe.

Members of the Caucus include representatives of St. John the Baptist, St.James, Ascension and St. Charles parishes. These include the parishpresidents, council members and mayors.

It was founded by St. James Councilman Timmy Roussel, St. John ParishPresident Nickie Monica and former St. Charles Councilman Brian Champagne.

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