As part of “one of the most influential, government-created bodies in the state that you likely know the least about,” 21 Louisiana residents—most of whom are not elected officials—have been put in charge of spending hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars, notes Jeremy Alford in his latest column.
Thirteen of the 21 members of the Restore Louisiana Task Force, which was established more than a month ago to set priorities for the recovery and redevelopment of the 54 Louisiana parishes affected by the historic flooding in March and August, are not elected officials. And Alford says they need to stay above the mounting political fray.
“Those serving on the task force are feeling a tremendous amount of pressure that’s being applied from several different directions, starting with Gov. John Bel Edwards, who created the task force by executive order and appointed its membership,” Alford writes. “Voters and residents of the state, especially those still reeling from the floods, are demanding swift and decisive leadership as well.”
With its far-reaching authority, Alford says, the task force is being asked to decide whose needs are greater and how much money should be allocated to various areas of the state.
“It’s a big job,” he writes, noting that somewhere between $400 million and $500 million in federal disaster money is on its way to Louisiana—and more cash is expected.
“That bankroll is attracting special interests like a magnet—lobbyists, contractors, private citizens and elected officials of all stripes are seeking to sway task force members,” Alford writes. “Quite frankly, all of this makes for a healthy and robust appropriations process, one where diverse wants and ideas can be explored and weighed. But that process can easily become politicized. The trick for task force members will be to float above that noise and to stay focused.”
One developing storyline is who wasn’t appointed to the task force, says Alford, noting various stakeholders are now complaining that they wanted a seat at the table.
“Whether their collective grumbling is enough to make the governor adjust his executive order remains to be seen, but it appears to be a developing storyline,” he writes. “Thankfully, the task force is conducting its business in open meetings that allow for public participation. If you want a voice in the process, show up.”
Jeremy Alford publishes LaPolitics Weekly, a newsletter on Louisiana politics, at LaPolitics.com. Follow him on Twitter, or on Facebook. He can be reached at JJA@LaPolitics.com.
