BusinessReport.com

A tale of two cities

To the editor:

I was disheartened to read your characterization of Diana Lewis as arrogant in the cover story of the Feb. 12 Business Report. I have known Diana Lewis for 15 years, and, during that time, we have worked closely on regional opportunities and challenges. Ms. Lewis has a most embracive, optimistic and generous view of the region. Her sense of enthusiasm for the future of south Louisiana, the state of Louisiana and the Gulf Coast region is palpable. And her work to advance south Louisiana, and in particular the Baton Rouge area, has been significant.

Because of these realities, I was distressed to read your description of Ms. Lewis and attribute to her a less than kind quote about our community. Your comments were in direct conflict with what I must tell you is her long commitment to places beyond New Orleans, and, particularly to Baton Rouge.

I am somewhat comforted that thoughtful readers of your article will recognize that Ms. Lewis’ participation in a workshop on the region with Boo Thomas and the Center for Planning Excellence confirms her leadership in the advancement of the whole state.

I would urge the Business Report to be more thoughtful in future articles about your characterization of community leaders whose body of work would make lies of the characterizations attributed to them in your publication.

John G. Davies, President/CEO, Baton Rouge Area Foundation

[Editor’s note: We strongly disagree that the article characterized Ms. Lewis as being arrogant.]

To the editor:

I was one of those New Orleanians that jumped too fast after an initial reading of the I-10/I-12 corridor initiative and want to use this opportunity to apologize for any hurt feelings that I may have engendered with my comments and concerns about how New Orleans and the southern sector of the I-12 corridor fit or did not fit into the equation being considered. I and many others are well aware of the good and forward thinking work being done by the men and women at the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, particularly John Davies, John Spain and Boo Thomas. I also appreciate the focus and passion that they have brought to this potential marketing and branding of a key region of the state.

We are mindful that the New Orleans region and Baton Rouge, and the wonderfully vibrant communities in between, are all part of the same fate. As this part of the state goes, so goes the rest of our Louisiana. Baton Rouge’s leadership was there for New Orleans when we needed it most. Our city’s leadership should look for any and all opportunities to complement any initiative that builds a stronger and more viable Louisiana.

Mark C. Romig, New Orleans

To the editor:

Thanks for a fair and, from where I’m sitting, accurate accounting of the ridiculous struggle between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. We can’t afford this squabble. I hope that those that sit in position of power here and in B.R. realize this before we lose, yet another, opportunity to move Louisiana forward.

Kristian Sonnier, New Orleans

To the editor:

How do you expect cooperation with an article as slanted as you wrote? I continue to believe Baton Rouge has tried to take advantage of New Orleans’ difficulties. But guess what, it has not turned out the way Baton Rouge’s denizens thought it would. You know the difference? I call B.R. the “land of the narrow-minded.” That is a huge difference between the two cities.

But you know what [Baton Rouge’s] biggest drawback is? You have a rinky-dink airport. With N.O.’s population, together with all of its visitors, N.O. will always be a better business hub. Cooperation is two-way, and right now I will do everything I can to rebuild my city and fight B.R.’s opportunistic attempts.

Stewart Peck, New Orleans

Back to school

To the editor:

So you think “new and dynamic ways to educate our children” is important [“Random Thoughts,” Feb. 12]? I agree, if new and dynamic means going back to the old form of education I got when I graduated in 1961. Teachers had authority and control over students with the backing of parents, and we received an excellent basic education for a mere fraction of the cost being spent on “education” today.

Ron Truxillo, Baton Rouge

They like Mike

To the publisher:

How has an unbiased business magazine publisher continued to fabricate the unrealized nomination of John McCain before it has happened [“Publisher’s View,” Feb. 12]? We all know that Mr. {Rolfe] McCollister is supporting McCain, but this thing is far from over. Gov. {Mike] Huckabee has enough delegates thus far to be on the first ballot at the Republican National Convention and will garner many votes, especially with the suspension of Mitt Romney’s campaign. Until John McCain wins 1,191 [which at this point is not guaranteed] or Gov. Huckabee drops out, we who support both Gov. Huckabee and this magazine [for now] would appreciate a more unbiased publisher’s editorial that will maintain the integrity of the electoral process.

Jim Michael, Baton Rouge

To the editor:

How is this for dynamic ways: Return to teaching them to read, write and doing math and science like they used to. Also, teach them to think critically and enter the work force ready as children were at the end of the 19th and most of the 20th century. No more bogus PC multiculturalism, revisionist history and sexuality curriculum [leave that at home] and teach them geography so they can find themselves on a map and few other places as well. Teach them civics so they will know how our government works and prepare them to vote and to serve. Isn’t this approach with old-fashioned ideas that work and give people knowledge [not education] just novel? We don’t need new ideas—just old ones that work and always have.

Chuck Fitch, Baton Rouge