BusinessReport.com

Media aggravation

To the publisher:

East Baton Rouge Parish, like Louisiana, faces many challenges. I have been following the news regarding Rolfe McCollister, the Business Report and the new Jindal Administration. In particular, I am refering to Mr. McCollister’s formation of a political nonprofit 527, Believe in Louisiana (Daily Report, Jan. 28). In my opinion, such a marriage of media, business, and politics only serves to aggravate the conditions that drive so many of our people out of state.

It would be naive, even willfully ignorant, to believe the Business Report’s ability to cover issues in an unbiased manner is not compromised by such a relationship. To be fair, I read it regularly and am glad to receive information that is relevant locally. However, to say that it is not measurably biased economically and politically would be a lie.

All this is to illustrate the consistent philosophy of consolidating resources and influence into a very homogenous, insular cross section of our community. As a result, we struggle to meet the challenges in which our leaders have little relevant experience: alleviating persistent poverty, unifying our racially segregated neighborhoods, creating a public education system designed to uplift all types of children, improving air and water quality, fostering a creative class that will set Baton Rouge apart as truly great in its own right.

The reigns of influence are not easy to handle. Our business and political leaders often like to think that absolute power corrupts everyone … but themselves. And while certainly, experience has shown what they are capable of accomplishing using such influence. It has also demonstrated the challenges they are not prepared to face.

Jeff Shoji, Baton Rouge

Let them play

To the editor:

I enjoyed your article in Business Report (“Random Thoughts,” Jan. 29). You sum it up like it is. I visited the Pinnacle property in Lake Charles and have been impressed with the overall quality and wow factor of the property. The current two properties in B.R. are a pathetic joke of an experience. I agree: Let them all put a chip in the big game and see which one survives. The anti-Pinnacle ads are ridiculous, and I can’t imagine people not seeing right through them!

David Little, Baton Rouge

To the editor:

I agree with you 100%, and someone needed to say it. The arguments from the opposing ads are deceitful. I got one in the mail today from No New Casino showing a parking lot on [developer Mike] Wampold’s land on Bluebonnet.

I live in UCP and attended the meeting [Jan. 29] with Pinnacle. I spent 30 minutes afterward talking with Wade Hundley and was satisfied that they intend to build something that we can enjoy and not be afraid of. Just the four restaurants on the river will be something we don’t have now.

Paul Lowrance, Baton Rouge

To the editor:

I have to agree with you on this one. While I am concerned with the Bluebonnet impact and the residential area, my concerns are overcome by other arguments.

Competition is fine, and if it was Wendy’s moving in on McDonald’s or Burger King, there would be no controversy. If Pinnacle knocks a competitor out of business, so be it. It’s not like business should be or is ever guaranteed a stable market.

I believe Pinnacle has decided to build at the continuation of Gardere and not at the continuation of Bluebonnet. I think this is the best solution. Gardere can be widened to Burbank, which is already being upgraded, Nicholson is scheduled for being upgraded, so Pinnacle near Gardere is a logical move.

I recently purchased a lot in the University Club, so I do have some skin in the game, but I don’t believe Pinnacle should hurt it or the developments south of Bluebonnet. They may hurt the ones around Bluebonnet and north. I think a close eye on Pinnacle’s subsequent plans is definitely in order, but I too will vote to let them move forward.

Bob Bernhard, Baton Rouge