So, here’s what we know about the main contenders jockeying to become the next governor of Louisiana: one guy says he’s as Donald Trump as Donald Trump … another guy is alleged to be a Bernie Sanders or Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in conservative Democrat clothing … a third guy apparently hasn’t been to his actual job in months.
Two of them say the state’s economy is in the tank; the third says the economy is just fine and getting better every day. Depending on who’s doing the talking, Louisiana is either winning with a semi-stable budget, a tax cut and record employment … or … losing with a patchwork budget, tax hikes and disappearing employment.
Best anyone can tell, the only agreement among the three is this: guns are good; abortions are bad.
What we don’t know, writes Business Report Executive Editor J.R. Ball in his latest column, is what any of these gentlemen will actually do if elected to Louisiana’s highest office.
Rather than speculate, let’s pose some policy questions to incumbent Democratic Gov. John Bel Edwards, his two primary Republican challengers—Rep. Ralph Abraham and businessman Eddie Rispone—and the rest of the field. Let’s ask them about their plans for fiscal reform, business tax cuts, infrastructure needs, how much taxing power local government should have and whether they think any firearm policies need to be updated.
Also, since, as we know, nothing gets done without the legislative branch, those running for the state Legislature are welcome to play along as well.
If any respond, Business Report will post the answers for all to read.
See Ball’s full column and questionnaire here. Send comments to editor@businessreport.com.
