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Bandits 
LSU Fan
BRLA
Member since Sep 2008
2785 posts
| BRLA Mayor election (Posted on 10/5/12 at 9:37 am)
I realize that many of the folks on this board don't care about local races but many of us do live in BRLA and the mayor's race is important. I like Kip Holden for his charisma and political acumen. I like Mike Walker for his honesty. What I am not so sure about is why we are not getting better candidates to run for office. We have severe problems with crime and our roads are terrible. In addition, we need to solidify our regional collaboration on things like economic development and transportation infrastructure. None of this stuff is resonating in the current election. In the end, I think we are stuck with Kip for four more years and a lack of vision. Having a slogan is not enough. He has to get the Metro Council working with him and at least talk to them. Just my thoughts this AM.
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Politiceaux
LSU Fan
Big Lake, LA
Member since Feb 2009
11761 posts
 Online
| re: BRLA Mayor election (Posted on 10/5/12 at 9:46 am to Bandits)
quote:
What I am not so sure about is why we are not getting better candidates to run for office.
Because the job sucks. It's undesirable. Most folks in BR who a strong political accumen have their sights set on state positions. Furthermore, the white flight to Livingston and Ascension has made it almost an impossible task for a conservative businessman type to be elected in BR.
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udtiger
LSU Fan
Louisiana
Member since Nov 2006
18001 posts
Online
| re: BRLA Mayor election (Posted on 10/5/12 at 9:59 am to Politiceaux)
quote:
Because the job sucks.
Everybody's problem is your problem. When anything goes wrong, it's your fault.
quote:
Furthermore, the white flight to Livingston and Ascension has made it almost an impossible task for a conservative businessman type to be elected in BR.
I give Kip credit. He has done all he can to keep BR from becoming NO (even though the demographics w/in the city limits are swinging that direction).
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TheDoc 
USA Fan
Louisiana
Member since Dec 2005
88177 posts
Online
| re: BRLA Mayor election (Posted on 10/5/12 at 10:05 am to udtiger)
Both candidates suck but kip sucks more
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LSURussian
LSU Fan
Baton Rouge
Member since Feb 2005
63185 posts
Online
| re: BRLA Mayor election (Posted on 10/5/12 at 10:12 am to TheDoc)
quote:
Both candidates suck but kip sucks more
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Tchefuncte Tiger 
Navy Fan
Member since Oct 2004
20186 posts
| re: BRLA Mayor election (Posted on 10/5/12 at 10:27 am to Politiceaux)
quote:
Because the job sucks. It's undesirable. Most folks in BR who a strong political accumen have their sights set on state positions. Furthermore, the white flight to Livingston and Ascension has made it almost an impossible task for a conservative businessman type to be elected in BR.
I'm a life-long Baton Rouge resident (51 years) and can NEVER remember a conservative businessman who was elected as BR's mayor. We've had a Christian, a Dumas(s), a dopehead, a guy with two first names, a Simpson (D'oh!), and a Melvin, but no consevative biddnessmen.
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LSURussian
LSU Fan
Baton Rouge
Member since Feb 2005
63185 posts
Online
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quote:
but no consevative biddnessmen.
The last I looked the BR mayor's job pays an annual salary of $127,000. Just about any marginally successful businessman makes more than that....a LOT more in most cases.
Why would we take a huge pay cut just to have our picture in the paper frequently? "Power" is the only answer and frankly, the mayor of BR is not a very powerful position.
The only other reason would be for someone who just wants to get his name on a plaque in a new taxpayer funded addition at the airport.....
If the pay was raised to $250,000+/year, you'd see a whole different class of candidates for the job.
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DNaquin
LSU Fan
Right here
Member since Nov 2011
3833 posts
| re: BRLA Mayor election (Posted on 10/5/12 at 10:47 am to LSURussian)
quote:
If the pay was raised to $250,000+/year, you'd see a whole different class of candidates for the job.
Then we'd all be bitching about paying public servants too much.
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Bandits
LSU Fan
BRLA
Member since Sep 2008
2785 posts
| re: BRLA Mayor election (Posted on 10/5/12 at 11:12 am to DNaquin)
Well the pay issue may be very important. When LSU was trying to establish itself as the true flagship institution in LA, the pay issue was addressed. Folks did bitch but then we got Mark Emmert who turned things around. Public service should be about making a difference but there is nothing wrong with paying people for their skills.
Don't keep saying Kip sucks. Tell me why you think that.
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