O'Keefe skipped in kudos for LSU's top tier ranking
LSU has finally broken into the top tier in U.S. News & World Report's 2009 list of "Best National Universities." LSU board member Hank Gowan says "it's great news for LSU" but that he isn't surprised. "It should have happened this time last year except for a couple of little things that didn't go our way," says Gowan, one of a handful of board members critical of the handling of former chancellor Sean O'Keefe's departure from the university in January. While LSU's press announcement quotes Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Astrid Merget giving kudos to LSU faculty, state legislators and even the magazine itself "for taking note of LSU's improvements," the Baton Rouge Area Chamber congratulates LSU System President John Lombardi, interim chancellor and former system president Bill Jenkins, new chancellor Mike Martin and the "entire LSU community." One person not mentioned is O'Keefe, who predicted that 2009 would be the year LSU finally secured a top tier ranking. Though it was certainly a group effort over a number of years, Gowan says, O'Keefe deserves his share of the credit. He was chancellor, after all, during the period LSU moved up. "I would say it was Sean O'Keefe's thing," Gowan says. "He devoted a lot of his time to pushing this thing down the road." Click here for more information on the rankings.
Layoffs prompt rapid response BR networking event
ICF International, the main contractor for the Road Home Program, and its subcontractor Quadel Housing Services will downsize its staff by about 165 workers effective Sept. 13. ICF was fined $1 million by the state last month for failing to meet agreed-upon contractual performance measures relating to homeowner closings and the resolutions of files. In response to the projected layoffs, the Louisiana Workforce Commission's rapid response unit will hold a networking event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 5, at 7850 Anselmo Ln. The event is aimed at workers with experience in accounting, customer service, information technology, banking, insurance and government. For information/registration, contact Greg Anders at 342-2934 or e-mail ganders@ldol.state.la.us.
Political report
Senate race meter is running
The brisk early pace of TV advertising in the U.S. Senate race foreshadows one of the most expensive campaigns in state history, especially when the national parties and varied interest groups join in.
Landrieu, first on the air and on the attack, is pressing her 2-1 fundraising advantage by making Kennedy match air time with the incumbent to defend himself.
The plan may be working if a recent Rasmussen Reports poll, showing Landrieu leading by 16 points, is to be believed. The Kennedy campaign dismisses it, and political observers doubt the senator's lead is that large. Yet, given that the same poll spotted Landrieu only a four-point lead last month, it signals that her ads have bruised Kennedy some.
New health care plan ready for rollout
The Jindal administration's long-awaited plan to overhaul the state's Medicaid system is ready to be announced any day now. Gov. Jindal needs to move soon to get approval from federal Medicaid officials before the end of the Bush administration.
Following a briefing by DHH officials earlier this month, the Louisiana Health First plan will go before the joint legislative health committees in September. The timeline then calls for federal approval in October before provider contracts are signed next summer and the program begins in 2010. Demonstration projects in New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Shreveport and Lake Charles will be phased in during 2010.
State to Bid Out Major Highway Projects
Motorists are about to see recent state surpluses go to work in the coming months on some major highway expansions. Next week, DOTD will open bids for two big interstate projects in Baton Rouge and New Orleans, according to information officer Mark Lambert. In Baton Rouge, one lane will be added in each direction between the I-10/12 split and Siegen Lane, a 3.9-mile stretch. The estimated $70 million-$100 million project is partially funded from the state's 2006 surplus. In Metairie, a new project is set for a flyover ramp to take eastbound I-10 traffic to Causeway Boulevard and Veterans Highway. More surplus-funded projects will be let later this year and early in 2009, including the $100 million widening of I-12 from Baton Rouge to Denham Springs.
John Maginnis publishes LaPolitics Weekly at Lapolitics.com
Veazey to leave Alzheimer's Services
After more than a dozen years as executive director of the Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area, Beth Veazey will leave the position effective Aug. 26. “While it was exciting work, I’m ready for a break and recharge. I will spend time with family and friends.”
In Veazey’s tenure, the organization grew from her being in a tiny one-room office to a 7,000 square foot office, care facility, resource library and conference center with 11 employees. "It’s been very rewarding to take a small grassroots organization and turn it into a valued resource today for thousands of families coping with a disease,” she says. Veazey will continue as a consultant to the non-profit organization. A search committee has been named to find a new executive director. For more information, e-mail info@alzbr.org.
Environmental film fest stops in Baton Rouge
Baton Rouge will host the largest environmental film festival in North America when the Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival on Tour comes to the BREC Theater at Independence Park Friday, Sept. 19, at 7 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Louisiana Environmental Action Network, or LEAN. The tour is traveling to 75 towns and cities around the country to highlight local environmental issues. Click here for more information.
In 225: breakfast at Superior
Renowned for sizzling fajitas, stiff margaritas and a packed happy hour, Government Street anchor Superior Grill got into the breakfast business for the first time earlier this year. One recent Saturday morning 225 sent its crew of secret diners to determine if the restaurant that has mastered the Tex-Mex lunch and dinner could do equally well with the most important meal of the day. Read the reviews here.
Borders' concept bookstore opens; valet parking available
Borders is now open at The Boulevard behind the Mall of Louisiana. The bookstore giant's grand opening will be Friday, Aug. 29, and will feature live music throughout the weekend. Click here for a lineup of entertainment. Borders' digital technology center sets itself apart from other chain bookstores. Customers can burn a mix CD, put together a book of personal photos or publish their own novel. Sections are split up into lifestyle themes such as cooking, wellness and travel (there's an entire aisle just for maps of cities around the globe). Other pockets of the store include a graphic novel, or "manga," area, a children's section that promotes imagination through art and a Seattle's Best coffee shop. Valet parking is available for $4 a vehicle. You can find the drop-off point between Borders and the row of restaurants. —Rebecca Breeden
Poll: Most don't think dropping gay order will affect business
Sixty-three percent of those responding to a Daily Report survey say Gov. Bobby Jindal's decision to let expire an executive order banning discrimination against gays and lesbians in the workplace won't hurt the state's economic development efforts. Twenty-nine percent of respondents said it would hurt economic development, while 6% said they didn't know. Nearly 1,400 people partcipated in the survey.
Today’s question: Do you think Sen. David Vitter should be allowed to use campaign funds to pay legal expenses associated with his escort service scandal?
Olympics: Baton Rouge beats Russia
Women's basketball: Former LSU players Seimone Augustus and Sylvia Fowles helped the U.S. team beat Russia 67-52 in the semifinals. Women's indoor volleyball: Danielle Scott-Arruda of Baton Rouge was part of the U.S. team that beat Cuba 3-0. Track & field: Richard Thompson, a former LSU sprinter, helped the Trinidad and Tobago relay team that qualified first in the 400-meter relay in 38.26 seconds.
