St. George Leader October 2020 October 2020 St

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St.St. GeorgeGeorge LeaderLeader October 2020 • Vol. 2, No. 2 • 16 Pages • Circulation 30,000 online • Mail: P. O. Box 2, St. George, LA 70801 • 225-261-5055

Speaker, Senate President Refuse to Support Petition SAMPLE BALLOT St. George Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020 Will Legislative Session Fail United States Senate Bill CASSIDY* (R) *Endorsed by Republican Party Dustin Murphy (R) To End Shutdown, Masking? Adrian PERKINS* (D) *Endorsed by Democratic Party Antoine Pierce (D) and 11 others Congress, 6th District Dartanyon (Daw) WILLIAMS* (D) *Endorsed by Democratic Party Garret GRAVES* (R) *Endorsed by Republican Party Shannon Sloan (L) Richard (Rpt) Torregan (NP) 1st Circuit Court of Appeal Chris Hester (R) Melanie Newkome JONES* (D) *Endorsed by Democratic Party Johanna R. LANDRENEAU* (R) *Endorsed by Republican Party Family Court Judge (Kathy) Reznik Benoit (R) Hunter GREENE* (R) Powers Kim by Photo *Endorsed by Republican Party LOUISIANA HOUSE CHAMBER — The Louisiana House of Representatives is ending its special session ostensibly designed to Mayor-President end Gov. John Bel Edwards’ emergency orders, but with some Republicans under the influence of the governor, that appears unlikely. Sharon Weston BROOME* (D) *Endorsed by Democratic Party Steve Carter (R) which would end the emergency As Businesses order, which has destroyed many (E Eric) Guirard (I) How Will It End? thousands of businesses in the state. C. Denise Marcelle (D) The Speaker is reportedly The governor’s mask order also Jordan PIAZZA* (R) Fold, Legislature *Endorsed by Republican Party preparing a petition of his remains in place, despite an Attor- Frank Smith III (R) own to lift the emergency ney General’s Opinion declaring Fails to Revoke order. Not coincidentally, the order unconstitutional and il- Matthew (Matt) Watson (R) legal. All efforts to lift the emer- Metro Council, District 8 the Speaker is subject to gency were killed. Denise AMOROSO* (R) JBE Restrictions a recall petition in his own The ball is now in the court of *Endorsed by Republican Party Woody Jenkins district, and some mem- Speaker Clay Schexnayder who Wendell PIPER* (D) Editor bers say the Speaker has told House Republicans before *Endorsed by Democratic Party to make something hap- the session that they would see BATON ROUGE - As a special ses- the emergency orders lifted. The Metro Council, District 9 pen before the end of the sion of the Louisiana Legislature session or face the conse- Speaker owes his position to the Dwight HUDSON* (R) nears adjournment, it appears less support of the governor, and it is *Endorsed by Republican Party and less likely that anything will quences back home. unclear what he might do at this (Jim) Mora (R) be done to end Gov. John Bel Ed- point. However, some legislators Metro Council, District 11 wards’ shutdown of the Louisiana der nor Senate President Page report the Speaker is now prepar- Laura White (Laurie) ADAMS* (R) economy and his mask order. Cortez has been willing to take on ing a petition of this own to lift *Endorsed by Republican Party Neither Speaker Clay Schexnay- the governor and pass legislation See SPEAKER’S on Page 7 Gordon (Trey) Bargas (R) Jennifer Carwile (D) Jonathan M. Snyder (R) See RESIDENTS on Page 3 Metro Council, District 12 GOP Rallies to Piazza to Shake Up Steve Myers (NP) Tania NYMAN* (D) *Endorsed by Democratic Party Jen RACCA (R)* Dec. 5 Runoff for Mayor-President *Endorsed by Republican Party As Carter, Watson Fail Justice of the Peace To Excite Voters, Party Jordan Piazza Plan Ward 3, District 2 • 100 new police officers, J. Andrew Murrell (R) Turns to ‘Inspirational’ $10,000 across-the-board Steven SANDERS* (R) pay raise *Endorsed by Republican Party Young Business Owner • Lift the shutdown, masking Justice of the Peace BATON ROUGE - The Republican Jan. 1, when he is sworn in Ward 3, District 3 Party of East Baton Rouge Parish • Respect vote to incorporate Dajuana Leduff W. Moore (L) has announced its endorsement new City of St. George Larry SPENCER* (R) of businessman Jordan Piazza for • Bring new industry and jobs *Endorsed by Republican Party Mayor-President in the Nov. 3 election. • Better public schools Constable Republican chairman Woody • Attack blight, deliver quality Ward 3, District 2 Jenkins said, “Jordan Piazza repre- services to the inner city Norman Browning (R) sents a new generation of leader- Carey JENKINS* (R) ship for our parish. Other better- platform. He is an exciting, inspi- *Endorsed by Republican Party known Republicans have failed to rational candidate who can gener- generate excitement in the race for ate the enthusiasm the campaign Jenkins Woody by Photo Mayor-President. Jordan Piazza is needs. He has a strong, clear vision Jordan Piazza for Mayor-President running on a strong conservative See MEET on Page 3 2 St. George Leader October 2020 October 2020 St. George Leader 3 Meet BR Entrepreneur Jordan Piazza,

GOP’sContinued from Page 1Candidate for Mayor-President ate project I’d like to implement, for the future based on solid con- along with finding a more cost- servative principles. We are excit- effective method of providing rou- ed and very proud to recommend tine maintenance for our city-par- Jordan Piazza to the voters. He ish, whether that be working with has committed to many positive DPW or privatization, and finally changes and reforms,” including aggressively recruiting new indus- • Adding 100 new police offi- tries to help build a new economy.” cers to the Baton Rouge City Po- lice Department and increasing pay Q. Respect for Constitution. Will for police by $10,000 a year across you oppose any and all legislation the board. Officers currently start or executive action which would at only $32,000. violate the United States Constitu- • If the Governor and Mayor- tion, the Louisiana Constitution, President have not completely or the City-Parish Plan of Govern- lifted the shutdown and the mask ment as written? order by Jan. 1 when he is sworn A. Jordan Piazza YES in, he will lift those orders on his Q. Constitution. Should these ba- first day in office. sic documents as written be strictly • He will respect the will of the followed or do you see them as voters in the new City of St. George “living documents” that should and work to end the suit by Mayor- be more flexible and adjusted for President Sharon Weston Broome modern times? against St. George. A. Jordan Piazza “I’m an Orig- • He has a strong commitment inalist” to bring new industry to East Ba- Q. Will you support the security ton Rouge Parish, diversify our of our elections by: economy, create new jobs, and end (a) Requiring proof of U. S. citi- the anti-business policies of this zenship for all new registrations? administration. (b) Requiring proper I.D. from all • Support for better public Jordan Piazza and his wife Jordan (yes, they are both Jordan!) persons casting a ballot? schools and school choice. (c) Requiring a good reason and • Equal treatment for the inner proper documentation and safe- city and North Baton Rouge to in- guards for voting by mail? sure that all areas of the parish re- Meet Jordan Piazza (d) Prohibiting voting online? ceive the same services. Native of Baton Rouge • U-High Grad A. Jordan Piazza YES The Endorsement Process Q. Privatization. Will you oppose Jenkins said, “The 17-member B.S., LSU in Agricultural Business Management any privatization plan that provides East Baton Rouge Republican Par- Business Manager for Founder of Raisin Cane’s for financing of roads or highways ish Executive Committee, elected Re-Opened His Dad’s Phil’s Oyster Bar • Uncle Earl’s in East Baton Rouge Parish by any by the Republican voters of the foreign government or any bank parish earlier this year, submitted Lifelong Resident of Webb Park Area owned or controlled by any foreign a list of 62 questions to the major Married to His Wife Jordan government? Republican candidates covering Member, St. Aloysius Catholic Church A. Jordan Piazza YES most of the major issues which Not a Career Politician Q. Public Records. Will you sup- will face the next Mayor-Presi- port Louisiana’s Public Records dent. We invited each of the can- A graduate of University High School, Jordan obtained a degree in Agri- Act and actively work to insure the didates to address the Ronald Rea- cultural Business Management from Louisiana State University. He began public’s right to information about gan Newsmaker Luncheon, and we his career with Last In Concepts as Operations Support Manager, working with each of their brands including The Roux House, Walk-On’s Sports Bis- our City-Parish government? interviewed each of the candidates A. Jordan Piazza YES one on one. We are grateful for treaux, Happy’s Irish Pub, and Schlittz & Giggles. Jordan served as Business Manager for the Founder & CEO of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers as well Q. Open Meetings. Will you sup- the cooperation and positive at- as Executive Director for Lemonade Day Louisiana. In 2016, Jordan led the titude of all three candidates and port Louisiana’s Open Meetings re-opening of the legendary institution his late father, Gus, owned for 32 Law and actively work to ensure congratulate them on their previ- years – Phil’s Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurant. In January 2019, Jordan be- ous service and their willingness to came partners with several friends in the revitalization of Uncle Earl’s Bar, the public’s right to attend and par- continue to serve. However, based located on Perkins Road, and in early 2020 Jordan sold his interest in Phil’s ticipate in public meetings in this on his youth, ability to paint a Oyster Bar. A lifelong resident of the Webb Park area within the city limits parish? clear, positive vision for the future, of Baton Rouge, Jordan Piazza is married to the former Jordan Emmerson, A. Jordan Piazza YES herself a small business owner as proprietor of Emmerson Designs, a custom Q. Religious Liberty. Will you and his commitment to address the jewelry designer and manufacturer. The Piazzas are parishioners of St. Aloy- problems with proven conserva- sius Catholic Church. Jordan is not a career politician and instead has had a support the First Amendment and tive principles, we are pleased to career in starting and operating successful businesses. He became motivated actively oppose any effort by gov- recommend Jordan Piazza to the to seek office after continuing to see the exodus of friends and families from ernment to prohibit churches from voters of the parish! We will con- our parish. Jordan is confident that he will have a positive impact on our meeting normally or to restrict tinue to provide more information community in these tough times. peaceful public gatherings? between now and Nov. 3.” A. Jordan Piazza YES Q. Second Amendment. Will you support the 2nd Amendment and oppose any additional local, state Piazza Addresses the Issues in Mayor’s Race or federal gun control? Q. Describe your political phi- President. to EBR parish to help diverse our A. Jordan Piazza YES losophy. A. Jordan Piazza “I believe economy, quickly address safe- A. Jordan Piazza “I’m a pro- the Mayor-President should act as ty by supporting our police with Q. Open Carry. Do you support business, small government Re- an aggressive advocate and pro- competitive wages, including an strengthening Louisiana’s Open publican who believes in the mote the City-Parish. While the immediate $10,000 raise (already Carry law? Capitalist system to encourage Mayor-President sets the agenda found in the budget), in order to A. Jordan Piazza YES competition and guide market and drives the goals, he also has attract new qualified candidates, Q. Concealed Carry. Do you sup- prices. I do not support any gov- to work with the Metro Council to and work with our School Board to port Louisiana’s Concealed Carry ernment plan to restrict businesses approve these plans. Regardless, I raise the standards of our parish’s Law? currently being implemented dur- believe any failure of the City-Par- education system.” A. Jordan Piazza YES ing this pandemic. We need to ish government falls on the Mayor- Q. Describe any special interests Q. Do you support Louisiana’s encourage personal responsibility President for lack of leadership.” or projects you would pursue as Shoot the Burglar law? and open our economy immediate- Q. Describe your goals as May- Mayor-President. A. Jordan Piazza YES ly. We do not need more taxes; we or-President. A. Jordan Piazza “Supporting Q. Privacy. Will you oppose ef- need more taxpayers.” A. Jordan Piazza “We must our police by providing competi- forts by local, state or federal Q. Describe what you see as the immediately open the economy tive wages and expanding our pa- government to monitor private role of the City-Parish govern- and get our people back to work, trol officers in order to address our communications by American citi- ment and the role of the Mayor- encourage new industries to locate rising rates of crime is an immedi- See JORDAN on Page 9 4 St. George Leader October 2020

— Endorsements — Republican Party of East Baton Rouge Parish or *Louisiana Republican Party

Donald Trump* of Florida

President Photo by Jolice Provost Jolice by Photo Dr. Bill Cassidy* TESTIFIES ON RELIGIOUS PERSECUTION — Rev. Tony Spell of Life Tabernacle of Baton Rouge in Central was asked to testify on the persecution he and his church have endured for United States Senate the past six months. After hearing him and church members, the House Criminal Justice Committee voted 6-3 for HB9 to prohibit pastors from being arrested for holding church. Shown are Rep. Danny McCormick, Sister Shaye Spell, and attorney Jeff Wittenbrink. Garret Graves* of Baton Rouge Eight Church Members Fired from Jobs Congress - 6th District Jordan Piazza of Baton Rouge Pastor Describes Ordeal Mayor-President

Brandon Noel In Gripping Testimony of Zachary Metro Council Dist. 1 On Religious Persecution Lon Vicknair Pastor Recounts Six Months BATON ROUGE — In dramatic testi- of Central mony before the House Committee Metro Council Dist. 4 In Cross Hairs of Governor on Administration of Criminal Jus- Determined to Imprison Him, tice Wednesday, Rev. Tony Spell, Close Down His Church pastor of Cen- Denise Amoroso tral’s Life Tab- Woody Jenkins of Baton Rouge Editor ernacle Church, Metro Council Dist. 5 told of the persecution he has Dwight Hudson suffered from To watch hearing, of Baton Rouge Gov. John Bel download QR code reader to Metro Council Dist. 9 Edwards, who ordered him ar- phone and click rested and his QR code. church closed. Laurie Adams Rev. Spell spoke in favor of the of Baton Rouge bill but was only given five min- Metro Council Dist. 11 utes to recount seven months of persecution. In the time given, he Jen Racca testified about his being threatened of Baton Rouge with arrest for holding church, ar- Metro Council Dist. 12 rested, imprisoned, fitted with an ankle bracelet, ordered to home confinement, held in contempt, — Judiciary — and ordered not to go to the church or preach. Six surveillance camer- Richard Anderson as were placed around the church of Central and his residence, he and church District Judge, Division G members were followed, and law enforcement went through the parking lot recording license num- Keith Mayers testified that he was sent bers of church members. home from his job because he attended Life Tabernacle. See LEGISLATORS on Page 10

Johanna Hunter Greene Landreneau of Baton Rouge Court of Appeal Family Court Judge

Gordon Hutchinson of Central Constable, Ward 3-1 Steve Sanders of Baton Rouge JP Court, Ward 3-2

Carey Jenkins of Baton Rouge Constable, Ward 3-2 Larry Spencer of Baton Rouge Lacie Ranges said she was terminated Jacob McMorris said he was a certified JP Court, Ward 3-3 from her job at East Louisiana State deputy Fire Marshal but was termi- Hospital when she refused to stop going nated because of his affiliation with Life to Life Tabernacle. Tabernacle Church in Central. October 2020 St. George Leader 5

COMMUNITY PRESS, LLC St. George Leader CENTRAL CITY NEWS & Vol. 2 • No. 2 The Leader Vol. 23 • No. 10 • CCN No. 444 Post Office Box 2 Post Office Box 1 City of St. George, LA 70801 City of Central, LA 70739

910 North Foster Drive Vol. 4 • No. 2 Baton Rouge, LA 70806 Phone (225) 261-5055 • Entire contents © 2020 Email stories and photos for all papers to [email protected] Published Monthly The Leader was founded April 30, 1998. The Central City News was founded April 21, 2005. They merged May 4, 2006. The South Baton Rouge Journal began publication in 1989. It went on hiatus in 2008 during its 20th year of publication. It resumed publication as the Capital City News on Aug. 16, 2012, with Vol. 21, No. 1. The North Baton Rouge Journal began on August 11, 1966 and went on hiatus in 1976. It resumed publication as the Istrouma Journal on April 6, 2017.

Editor & Publisher Woody Jenkins Advertising Manager Kim Powers

Member, Louisiana Press Association and Chamber of Commerce of EBR Parish Powers Kim by Photo Deadline for news and advertising: 5 p.m. Friday before publication $24 a year by subscription in advance • $36 a year outside East Baton Rouge SEN. BODI WHITE (at podium) delivers a message to the House during special session. Gov. Mike Foster (1996-2004) Has Passed Away Gov. Mike Foster: The Peoples’ Governor in 1861 and where Gov. Huey Long was im- Mike Foster Ran Because peached in 1928. When Rep. Gunn’s grandfather’s name was He Saw State Government called, he leaped atop his desk and shouted at the top of his lungs, “No!” As a Disaster and No One No wonder Steve Gunn was an Independent! Rep. Gunn told that story to Sen. Mike Fos- Else Was Stepping Up ter while the three of us were working on a constitutional amendment in 1995. Mike never Woody Jenkins • Editor • St. George Leader liked taxes, and the proposed amendment was right down his ally. BATON ROUGE — Former Gov. Mike Fos- Under the Louisiana Constitution, a tax in- ter passed away three weeks ago at his home, crease required a two-thirds’ vote of both the Oaklawn Manor, in Franklin. With his passing, House and the Senate. However, the courts had Louisiana lost its best governor since the mid- ruled that a “fee” could be increased by a sim- 1950’s, and I lost a dear friend. ple majority of each house. As a result, most Mike Foster never worried much about polls Rev. Tony Spell and Gov. John Bel Edwards bills coming before the legislature to raise rev- or getting reelected. Doing the right thing for enue were dubbed “fees” that required a simple the people of the state always seemed to be his majority vote to pass. primary goal. Gov. Mike Foster • Man of the People Our idea was to require the same vote to ap- I first heard of Mike Foster in 1987 when prove a fee increase as to pass a tax increase he was running against my friend Sen. Tony ing the 1890’s and who was best known for — a two-thirds’ of both houses! The proposal Guarisco, whom I had served with on the Bill ending the Louisiana Lottery, the scandal-rid- was controversial and drew great opposition of Rights Committee of the Louisiana Constitu- den gambling enterprise which funded corrup- from those who make their living foisting tax tional Convention of 1973. Although Tony was tion in Louisiana politics for the last quarter of or fee increases on the unsuspecting public. a staunch liberal, he was an honest man who the 19th Century. had a deep respect for individual rights. Unfor- Ironically, during Sen. Mike Foster’s second term in the state Senate, there was another He said, “Woody, I have some tunately for him, he was far too liberal for his member of the legislature with ties to Gov. Mur- phy Foster. His name was Rep. Steve Gunn, the money, but it would take everything only Independent member of the House or Sen- I have to fund this campaign, I can’t Mike Foster was ‘a blue collar ate. Steve’s grandfather was a member of the “do that to my family.” I said, “Mike, I millionaire,’ a very successful busi- Louisiana House in the 1890’s when the first know how you can win this thing with Gov. Foster repealed the Louisiana Lottery. In very little money.” How? he asked. I nessman who was also a plain- fact, Rep. Gunn’s grandfather played a pivotal “talking man of the people. He had role in the repeal. had been thinking about a path to vic- no airs or pretense. He was just an Supporters of the Louisiana Lottery were tory for Mike Foster. It involved what ordinary person who was fed up paying legislators $30,000 to vote to keep the seemed perfectly clear to me but with the direction of government. lottery’s corrupt franchise in place. Rep. Gunn’s to virtually no one else in the politi- grandfather had been offered that amount, and cal world. The key was to get in the he was enraged that such people had Louisi- runoff with Congressman Cleo Fields, ana by the throat. When the roll was called on Senate district, which included St. Mary Parish. passage of the bill, state representatives were and the secret to doing that was Mike was angry with Guarisco because” of newspapers! meeting in the House Chamber of the Old State his support for trial lawyer legislation and the Capitol, where Louisiana had voted to secede difficulty he had reaching him on the phone. Using mostly his own money, Mike won the Nevertheless, we won a two-thirds vote of both Senate seat with 64 percent of the vote. During debate on repealing the houses and when” the constitutional amend- When Mike Foster arrived at the State Capi- motorcycle helmet law, Mike asked ment went before the voters on Oct. 21, 1995, it tol in 1988 as a 58-year-old freshman senator, I me to emphasize that research shows passed statewide. was only 40 but had 16 years’ experience in the That section of the Constitution came up this Louisiana House. “the benefits from wearing a helmet year when LSU wanted the legislature to give it When I first met Mike, I pegged him as “a outweigh the risks only at speeds authority to pass tuition increases without legis- blue collar millionaire,” a very successful busi- under 20 mph, because the weight of lative approval. No, no, the Constitution says it nessman who was also a plain-talking man of the the helmet causes more deaths from takes a two-thirds’ vote of both houses to raise people. He had no airs or pretense. He was just an whiplash above that speed. Rep. V.J. fees, thanks to Mike Foster and Steve Gunn! ordinary person who was fed up with the direc- The legislature rejected LSU’s proposal. tion of government. I never changed that opinion. ‘Safety First’ Bella asked me at the October 21, 1995 was also the date Sen. In the Senate, Mike Foster was relatively qui- mic, ‘Then why do football players Mike Foster clinched the governorship. et his first four years and did not generate much wear helmets?’ Mike leaned over and I had followed Sen. Foster’s voting record controversy. He was learning the ropes. I didn’t whispered to me, ‘Tell him football during his second term in the State Senate and hear much about him. But when he began his players all travel at under 20 mph!’ I knew he was a good conservative, although not second term in 1992, he began to take on big- answered V. J. just as instructed. The 100 percent. In fact, he had a strong libertarian ger causes. On numerous occasions, he walked streak. His fight to repeal Louisiana’s manda- over to the House Chamber to get my opinion House members had a big laugh, and tory helmet law for motorcyclists was proof of on a bill or lobby me for his latest cause. we passed the bill to repeal the man- that. He told me stories about his grandfather, datory helmet law! Mike Foster was an ardent motorcyclist, and Murphy J. Foster, who served as governor dur- ” See GOV. FOSTER on Page 6 6 St. George Leader October 2020 Gov. Foster Was a Man of the People Continued from Page 5 the major news media from Baton he absolutely hated wearing a hel- Rouge and New Orleans were set met. In fact, in typical blue collar up in the room. I introduced Mike fashion, he hated being told what and he spoke. He did a great job, to do about anything “for your own and the news story went statewide. good.” Year after year, I worked Ironically, I ended up being the with Mike to prevent mandatory only legislator in the state who en- helmets, and we were successful. dorsed him for governor until the Our nemesis on such legislation final days before the runoff. was Rep. V. J. “Safety First” Bel- After the news conference was la, who was later State Fire Mar- over and everyone had left, he lin- shal. He loved the helmet law and gered. “What is the name of this fought us every step of the way. street?” he asked. I said, “North His way of convincing legis- Foster Drive, Foster — it’s named lators to support his helmet bill after your grandfather!” “Ohhhh!” was to place a head of lettuce on he said, “I had no idea!” the podium in the House chamber. We sat down to talk about the He would say, “Look at this!” and campaign. He said, “Woody, I slam a machete through a head of have some money, but it would lettuce, cutting it in two. Then he take everything I have to fund this would place a head of lettuce in- campaign, I can’t do that to my side a football helmet and slam the family.” I said, “Mike, I know machete onto the helmet, causing how you can win this thing with no damage to the lettuce. “You very little money.” How? he asked. see, helmets work!” he said. I had been thinking about a Meanwhile, Sen. Mike Foster, path to victory for Mike Foster. It Rep. Steve Gunn, and I were argu- involved what seemed perfectly ing that it was an issue of liberty. clear to me but to virtually no one People have the right to take risks else in the political world. in life. We also argued that the sci- The key was to get in the runoff ence was largely against helmets. with Congressman Cleo Fields. Why? Research showed that hel- The secret to victory was news- mets provide real protection only papers. when the motorcycle driver is I said, “Everyone will buy TV traveling under 20 mph. Helmets time. It is ridiculously expensive, actually cause more deaths and and the airwaves will be jammed. injuries than not wearing a helmet You can spend a fortune and still at speeds over 20 mph. How so? get almost no attention. The key The weight of the helmet causes is newspapers. People say news- the neck to whiplash, resulting in papers are dead but that is far from death or life altering injuries at a true. The reality is that in every city greater rate than the damage to the there are many TV stations and ra- skull caused by trauma when there dio stations but only one newspa- The Constable’s Office performs a is no helmet. per. It is a very efficient buy, and During one of our debates, the almost 100 percent of newspaper vital law enforcement function for data on the danger of wearing a readers are voters. With them, you helmet was getting through to are reaching the people you need our citizens — serving small claims House members, and Rep. Bella to reach.” citations, eviction notices, writs, was worried. In a question to me Then I described a very specific at the mic, he said, “Mr. Jenkins, series of ads. I drew out three ex- garnishments and seizures. As a law you say helmets are dangerous at amples, showing the size ads and speeds over 20 mph. Then why do what to say. I explained how often enforcement professional for over 40 football players wear helmets?” to run the ads, where to place them years. Carey has served the office Mike was standing next to me in the paper, and the repetitive for- near the podium. He leaned over mat of the ads. Then I handed him with integrity and professionalism. and whispered, “Tell him football a list of newspapers to run the ads players all travel under 20 miles an in. He followed my advice to the hour. So they need a helmet!” I T. told V. J. that from the mic. It got When we sat down and dis- a big laugh from House members, cussed the campaign, Mike was and we passed the bill to make the at 2 percent in the polls. Over the wearing of motorcycle helmets next eight weeks, the only media voluntary. he bought were those newspaper The wearing of motorcycle hel- ads. Not a penny on radio or TV. mets was voluntary most of the But eight weeks later, he was at 17 time Foster was governor, although percent in the polls and near the the helmet law was reimposed af- top of the pack of candidates. ter he left office in 2004. The polls encouraged donors One day in May 1995 during and in the final weeks of the cam- the regular legislative session, Sen. paign, he was able to raise the Mike Foster walked over to the money he needed to buy the TV House side and sat down next to and direct mail necessary to finish me. His gubernatorial campaign out the campaign. On election day, was going nowhere. He said he was he finished first among the Repub- at 2 percent in the polls and was lican candidates and faced Cleo having trouble getting endorse- Fields in the runoff. At that mo- ments. In fact, he said he didn’t ment, the election was all but over. have the support of even a single During his time as governor, member of the House or Senate. Mike Foster fulfilled his duties He asked if I would consider en- with honesty and integrity. He dorsing him. Without hesitation, I answered his own phone and re- agreed. “Can we have a news con- turned calls. If you dropped by ference to announce it?” he asked. his home in Franklin, he person- I said yes, we could have it at my ally answered the door. He never 6052 GRAND GOTEAU DR., BATON ROUGE, LA 70817 home on North Foster Drive. sought personal, financial or politi- On the day of the announce- cal gain. Rather, he was a true pub- WWW.CONSTABLEJENKINS.COM ment, Mike pulled up to our home, lic servant. A man of the people. FOLLOW CAREY JENKINS CONSTABLE ON FACEBOOK and he was shocked. More than Pro-life. Conservative. He cared 100 people had come, packing about the little man. He was truly the living room. Better still, all of the Peoples’ Governor! October 2020 St. George Leader 7 Speaker’s Petition Is Only Remaining Hope unlikely that a majority of tures in even one house. Clay Schexnayder is work- members say the Speaker Facing Recall, both houses would vote Some House members ing on. Not coincidentally, has to make something to end the current orders, say the only way out is the Schexnayder is now sub- happen before the end of since they have failed to petition to end the emer- ject to a recall petition in the session or face the con- Speaker Under gather the required signa- Pressure to gency order that Speaker his own district, and some sequences back home. Lift Emergency Continued from Page 1 the emergency order. The Speaker was elected to his position earlier this year with the support of 35 Democrats and 23 Repub- licans in the House and the governor. Most Republi- cans supported Rep. Sher- man Mack for Speaker. Presumably, Schexnay- der could get the support of a united Republican caucus if he offers a petition to lift the emergency orders. Under state law, a petition signed by a majority of the surviving members of either house of the Louisi- ana Legislature can end an emergency order issued by the governor. Earlier this year, Rep. Alan Seabaugh of Bossier Parish offered such a petition, but it has so far failed to garner the required 53 signatures from House members. One bright spot of the special session was the passage of HB 4 by Rep. Mark Wright. The original bill would have required a vote by a majority of the members of both houses in order to continue any emergency order of the governor. However, it was amended in the Senate to require the vote of a majority of the members of the both houses in order to end an emergency order. This was the op- posite of what most House Republicans wanted. How- ever, the advantage was that it requires a recorded vote, so that members at least have to go on the record on whether they want an emergency order to continue. The bill did not touch the provisions of current law that allow a petition by a majority of the surviving members of either house to end an emergency. Rather, the bill would simply provide an additional means for ending an emergency order. HB 4 passed the House by 63-27. It was amended in the Senate and passed there by 23-13. With the amendments, it returned to the House for concurrence. The bill was handled by House Republican leader Rep. Blake Miquez. It passed 54-30. Miquez cited a provi- sion of the bill that he said would improve present law. It would allow the legislature to target and terminate one or more particular provisions of an emergency order without terminating the entire order. For example, it would allow the legislature to vote on lifting the mask mandate while keeping the rest of the order. Now the bill is on the Governor’s desk, and it’s fate is unknown. Even if he signs the bill, it appears 8 St. George Leader October 2020 City Judge Chris Hester Seeking Seat On State 1st Circuit Court of Appeal BATON ROUGE — Baton Rouge these violent crime offenders often trustworthy. I’m the only candi- City Judge Chris Hester has an- start with a misdemeanor handled in date with judicial experience in this nounced his candidacy for the First Baton Rouge City Court or District race and I’ve spent my career in the Circuit Court of Appeal in the Nov. Court. He believes this experience courtroom.” 3 election. He was elected city combined with his time as a City Chris was born and raised in judge in November 2018. Court judge has cultivated Chris’ Baton Rouge. He is a graduate of Hester said he feels his experi- passion for solving serious issues Catholic High School, LSU, and ence handling civil and criminal that plague our community and pre- LSU Law School. Chris is a lifelong matters, including traffic, small pared him to run for Court of Appeal. conservative Republican. Before claims, and evictions, from the City Judge Hester said he is commit- joining the EBRDA Office, Chris Court bench has given him an un- ted to bringing a firm but fair per- began his law career at Watson, derstanding of the root issues of spective, tireless work ethic, and Blanche, Wilson and Posner, a law many problems facing our commu- extensive courtroom experience to firm practicing primarily in the area nity. Before becoming judge, Chris this important position as he seeks of medical malpractice defense. spent the majority of his career to build a better Louisiana. He said Chris is active in the community working as an assistant district at- he understands the real impact crime as the head coach of the 8th grade torney with the East Baton Rouge has on our parish, but he knows the basketball team at St. Aloysius Parish District Attorney’s Office. difference an effective justice sys- Catholic School, Baton Rouge and He previously served as section tem can make when committed to Louisiana State Bar Associations, chief of a trial section and held the serving the people. The safety and and a committee member at First positions of chief homicide pros- City Judge Chris Hester security of East Baton Rouge Par- United Methodist Church. He is ecutor and section chief of the Vio- Louisiana Association of Business ish families will always be his top married to Emily Burris Hester, and lent Crimes Unit. He handled thou- & Industry, the Baton Rouge Area priority, he said. they have two young children. sands of cases from misdemeanors Chamber FuturePAC, Baton Rouge “We need experienced judges Hester said he hopes to transition to murders over a nine-year period. Union of Police, and the Baton who have handled cases from both his role from City Court to the First Hester earned the endorsement Rouge Association of Firefighters. sides of the bench who are ready Circuit Court of Appeal, while still of East Baton Rouge Parish Dis- As the chief homicide prosecutor, to go from day one. The stakes continuing to seek justice for the trict Attorney Hillar C. Moore, III, Chris saw the biggest challenges — are simply too high at this level of people of East Baton Rouge Parish. former East Baton Rouge Parish habitual offenders in the criminal our judicial system,” Hester said. To learn more about Chris’ cam- District Attorney Doug Moreau, the justice system. He recognizes that “Judges need to be proven, fair and paign, visit: www.VoteHester.com Attorney Johanna Landreneau Running to Serve on State 1st Circuit Court of Appeal BATON ROUGE - Baton Rouge at- estate planning. She worked the firm, Wray, Robinson & Kracht. torney Johanna Landreneau has first 11 years of her practice for She attended Middlebury College announced her candidacy for Loui- the law office of her father, Bert K. in Middlebury, Vermont, to learn siana 1st Circuit Court of Appeal Robinson, before joining the Ba- the Russian language with a plan from the Baton Rouge area. ton Rouge office of the law firm of to practice international law. She Ms. Landreneau is a law partner Seale & Ross where she worked for studied constitutional law under the in the law firm of Landreneau & almost 15 years. She and her hus- late Supreme Court Justice William Associates, LLC and has practiced band, Kevin P. Landreneau, opened Rehnquist. law in Baton Rouge for 27 years. their law firm in 2019. Johanna and Kevin have been She registered as a Republican on Ms. Landreneau earned her un- members of First Presbyterian her 18th birthday, 36 years ago, dergraduate degree from LSU and Church of Baton Rouge. She served and said she believes in preserv- her law degree from LSU’s Paul as the Director of Childhood Min- ing all our citizens’ constitutional M. Hebert Law Center. She has istries from 2003-2006. She serves protections including the right to been admitted to practice before all as the Chief Operating Officer for life of the unborn (pro-life) and an state and appeal courts in Louisiana HOPE Ministries of Baton Rouge. American’s right to bear arms. She since 1993 and is a member of the The couple have been married describes herself as “a proven con- Louisiana and Baton Rouge Bar As- for 30 years and raised their family servative and a Christian.” sociations. Johanna is also a certi- in Baton Rouge. They have been in- She has clients in a broad range fied human resource professional volved in their children’s schools— of complex civil litigation matters (SHRM-CP). St. Luke’s Episcopal, Our Lady of including construction and business A Baton Rouge native, she at- Mercy School, St. Joseph’s Acad- litigation, insurance defense and Johanna R. Landreneau tended Episcopal High School and emy and Catholic High. successions including trials, media- nents in this race. graduated from Broadmoor High Two of their three adult children tions and appeals. She said she has Ms. Landreneau has presented School. While in high school, LSU, earned degrees from LSU—and handled substantially more cases in seminars for the National Business and law school, she was an assistant their third child is in the process of the Court of Appeal than her oppo- Institute (NBI) and roundtables on then a law clerk in her father’s law earning a college degree.

St. George Leader August 2020 • Vol. 2, No. 1 • 16 Pages • Circulation 30,000 online • Mail: P. O. Box 2, St. George, LA 70801 • 225-261-5055 Celebrating the Past and Building the Future of North Baton Rouge

September 2019 • Vol. 3, No. 2 • 16 Pages • Your Community Newspaper • Like ‘Istrouma Journal’ on Facebook.com • 225-261-5055 SAMPLE BALLOT St. George State Mask Order Without Gave New Life to Istrouma High School Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020 United States Senate Bill Cassidy (R) Legal Basis: Atty. General Dustin Murphy (R) Adrian Perkins (D) Antoine Pierce (D) The mask mandate and 11 others flatly violates due pro- IstroumaObituary Mourns Douglas Congress, 6th District “ cess, separation of Reginald Jack Douglas Dartanyon (Daw) Dartanyon (D) powers, the delegation Inspired Leader Garret Graves (R) clause, state public ac- 1968-2019 Shannon Sloan (L) The steps of a good man are or- Vowed to Make Richard (Rpt) Torregan (NP) commodation anti-dis- dered by God: and He delighteth in crimination laws, and La. his way. Psalm 37:23. 1st Circuit Court of Appeal R.S. 29:724(E), and it is Reginald Jack Douglas, a na- Istrouma Best Chris Hester (R) tive of Baton Rouge born July 6, Melanie Newkome Jones (D) unenforceable. 1968, was a loving husband, father, School in State Johanna R. Landreneau (R) Attorney General son, brother, grandfather, uncle and BATON ROUGE - Istrouma High Jeff Landry” friend. Reginald went to his eter- School principal Reginald Doug- Family Court Judge nal home on Saturday, August 24, las, 51, passed away unexpectedly (Kathy) Reznik Benoit (R) 2019, at the age of 51. He was the on the evening of Saturday, Aug. Hunter Greene (R) BATON ROUGE - Louisiana At- only son of Jack and Doris Carney 24. The popular torney General Jeff Landry, the Douglas. Baton Rouge Mayor-President state’s chief legal advisor, has is- Reginald accepted Christ at an educator suc- Sharon Weston Broome (D) sued an opinion challenging the early age. He was baptized in 1979 cessfully led the Steve Carter (R) legality of Gov. John Bel Edwards’ at the age of 11 by the late Rever- historic school (E Eric) Guirard (I) emergency order which purports to end Morris Jackson at Little Zion through a time C. Denise Marcelle (D) require citizens to wear masks in a Baptist Church, where he served of great change. Jordan Piazza (R) wide range of indoor and outdoor faithfully as a young adult usher. Since before Frank Smith III (R) settings. The opinion is found on As a young adult, he fellowshipped taking charge as Matthew (Matt) Watson (R) Pages 10 and 11 of this issue of the with several congregations where principal, Doug- Tara Wicker (D) St. George Leader. It is also the he always looked for an opportu- las told every- Istrouma principal basis of an amicus brief filed Aug. nity to serve the Body of Christ. one who would Reginald Douglas Metro Council, District 8 19, 2020 in support of Firehouse Eventually, he became a member listen that Istrouma would some- Denise Amoroso (R)* BBQ in Watson, which the gover- of Bethany World Prayer Center. day be “the best school in the State Wendell Piper (D) nor is attempting close. The amicus In his Christian walk, he also es- of Louisiana.” At first, people *Endorsed by Republican Party brief is at https://centralcitynews. tablished a close bond with Bishop laughed, but as time passed, they Metro Council, District 9 us/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/ Ronald Hardy of Faith, Hope and Firehouse-Amicus.pdf AG JEFF LANDRY has taken a stand for small business by filing an amicus brief in sup- Love Worship Center. began to believe it. Dwight Hudson (R) port of Firehouse BBQ in Watson, which Gov. Edwards is attempting to close. Reginald was a product of the Douglas had been having foot (Jim) Mora (R) East Baton Rouge School Sys- pain for weeks. It was worse that Friday, and he went to urgent care. Metro Council, District 11 tem, graduating from Glen Oaks Laura White (Laurie) Adams (R) High School in 1986. Soon after, On Saturday, he had to stay in bed and missed a kickoff party for Is- Gordon (Trey) Bargas (R) Four Metro Council Races Highlight he joined the U.S. Army where he served in Germany. After return- trouma sports teams at the school. Jennifer Carwile (D) ing from military service, Reginald Around 8:30 p.m., his family Jonathan M. Snyder (R) graduated from Southern Universi- Jenkins Woody by Photo took him to Oschner’s on O’Neal. Metro Council, District 12 He was undergoing tests when he Nov. 3 Election in City of St. George ty and A & M College with a Bach- Steve Myers (NP) elor’s Degree in Psychology. Later, passed out briefly. When he came BATON ROUGE - On Nov. 3, resi- Reginald Douglas, principal at Istrouma High, died Aug. 24 of blood clot in lungs. Tania Nyman (D) dents of the new City of St. George Metro Council Dist. 8 Metro Council Dist. 9 See OBITUARY on Page 2 See ISTROUMA on Page 7 Jen Racca (R)* will choose from a host of candi- *Endorsed by Republican Party dates for Metro Council from four Justice of the Peace Council districts in whole or in Reginald Douglas Leaves a Powerful Legacy part in St. George. The ballot will Ward 3, District 2 also include President, U.S. Sena- J. Andrew Murrell (R) tor, Congress, a Court of Appeal See RESIDENTS on Page 3 Steven Sanders (R) judgeship, Mayor-President, jus- Justice of the Peace tice of the peace, and constable. Ward 3, District 3 All of the four Metro Council A Living Example of God’s Love in Action districts lean strongly Republican Wendell Piper Denise Amoroso JimJim MoraMora Dwight Hudson as “my angel.” Dajuana Leduff W. Moore (L) and are part of the 7-5 Republican Woody Jenkins They were both right. Larry Spencer (R)* Metro Council Dist. 11 Editor, Istrouma Journal In April 2017, as a member of *Endorsed by Republican Party majority on the Metro Council. the Istrouma Advisory Committee, Metro Council members Denise Man of Steel and Velvet by Au- I was one of those who interviewed Constable Amoroso (Dist. 8), Dwight Hud- brey Andelin — The essence of this Reginald Douglas when he applied Ward 3, District 2 son (Dist. 9), and Jen Racca (Dist. book is that to be a man, one must to be hired as principal at my alma 12) all have opposition, while three have two sides. On the one hand, Norman Browning (R) mater, Istrouma High School in Ba- Carey Jenkins (R) Republicans and a Democrat are he must be as hard as steel, because ton Rouge. vying for an open seat in Dist. 11. that is necessary to defend home, My first impression was, “Wow, family, community, and nation. But he’s a really big guy! He must be at if he is only made of steel, a man least 6’4 or 6’5. I don’t think he’ll Laurie Adams Trey Bargas JenniferJennifer CarwileCarwile JonathanJonathan SmithSmith will break much of what a touches. have a problem with students at Is- So a manly man must also wear the trouma wanting to challenge him!” JBE Bans Dancing in LA Metro Council Dist. 12 velvet glove and understand how to By the end of the interview, I was handle all that is precious and good. impressed by many other things. LAFAYETTE - At a time when each “Dancing is not allowed at all, in- BATON ROUGE - In his speech at He seemed to understand all the of Governor John Bel Edwards’s doors or outdoors. It’s been very Reginald Douglas’ Memorial Ser- things a principal has to know these Emergency Orders seems more challenging for people to remem- vices at Bethany North last Friday, days, such as offering a “rigorous” far-fetched than the last, State Fire ber that because you know, we’re Supt. Warren Drake described Mr. academic curriculum and the im- Marshal Butch Browning has re- a dancing state and if you’re not Douglas as a man with an iron hand vealed that dancing is now prohib- dancing, you’re not living.” Photo by Woody Jenkins Woody by Photo portance of performance on state- and a teddy bear heart. mandated tests. But he seemed to ited in Louisiana. https://www.klfy.com/local/ Mr. Douglas’ long-time friend A RARE PHOTO — Istrouma High principal Regionald Douglas was far more likely to understand a lot more than that. Asked by KLFY-TV in Lafayette state-fire-marshal-asks-public-to- Kurt Guerin described Mr. Douglas be found in the classrooms and hallways of Istrouma High than behind a desk. See ALWAYS on Page 15 for an explanation, Browning said, hold-off-on-cultural-pastime Steve Myers Tania Nyman JenJen RaccaRacca Community Press, LLC • Publishers • 910 North Foster • Baton Rouge, LA 70806 • 225-261-5055 • [email protected] October 2020 St. George Leader 9 Attorney Gen. Jeff Landry Sues Google For Alleged Violation of Anti-Trust Laws advertising, he said. The complaint alleges that The complaint says Google has Google’s anticompetitive practices Louisiana Joins entered into a series of exclusion- have had harmful effects on com- ary agreements to lock up the pri- petition and consumers. Google 10 Other States mary avenues through which users has foreclosed any meaningful access search engines, and thus the search competitor from gaining vi- internet, by requiring that Google tal distribution and scale, eliminat- In Complaint to be set as the default or exclusive ing competition for a majority of search engine on billions of mobile search queries in the United States, Restore Market devices and computers worldwide. Landry’s office said. By restricting BATON ROUGE - Today, Louisi- In particular, the complaint alleges competition in search, Google’s ana Attorney General Jeff Landry that Google has unlawfully main- conduct has harmed consumers – along with the U. S. Department tained monopolies in search and by reducing the quality of search, of Justice and ten other state At- search advertising by: lessening choice in search, and im- torneys General – filed a civil an- • Entering into exclusivity peding innovation, he said. By sup- titrust lawsuit in the U.S. District agreements that forbid preinstalla- pressing competition in advertis- Court for the District of Columbia tion of any competing search ser- ing, Google has the power to charge to prevent Google from unlawfully vice. advertisers more than it could in a maintaining monopolies through • Entering into tying and other competitive market and to reduce arrangements that force preinstal- Atty. Gen. Jeff Landry Sues Google the quality of the services it pro- anticompetitive and exclusionary for Alleged Anti-Trust Violations practices in the search and search lation of its search applications in vides them, the complaint said. advertising markets. prime locations on mobile devices The antitrust laws are supposed Through filing the lawsuit, Lou- “Google has grown into a big and make them undeletable, re- to protect the free market econo- isiana seeks to stop Google’s an- tech monopoly that has stifled gardless of consumer preference. my and forbid monopolists from ticompetitive conduct and restore competition. Without competition, • Entering into long-term agree- engaging in anticompetitive prac- competition for American consum- we do not have capitalism; and ments with Apple that require tices. They also empower the At- ers, advertisers, and all companies without capitalism, we do not have Google to be the default – and de torney General as parens patriae now reliant on the internet economy. America. So I am proud to join facto exclusive – general search on behalf of Louisiana citizens to Google is a limited liability com- Attorney General Bill Barr in this engine on Apple’s popular Safari bring cases to remedy violations pany organized and existing under fight for America,” said AG Jeff browser and other Apple search and restore competition. the laws of the State of Delaware, Landry. tools. Decades ago, USDOJ’s and a and is headquartered in Mountain As one of the wealthiest com- • Using monopoly profits to buy state Attorneys General coalition’s View, California. Google is owned panies on the planet with a mar- preferential treatment for its search case against Microsoft recognized by Alphabet Inc., a publicly traded ket value of $1 trillion, Google is engine on devices, web browsers, that the antitrust laws forbid anti- company incorporated and exist- the monopoly gatekeeper to the and other search access points, competitive agreements by high- ing under the laws of the State of internet for billions of users and creating a continuous and self-re- technology monopolists to require Delaware and headquartered in countless advertisers worldwide, inforcing cycle of monopolization. preinstalled default status, to shut Mountain View, California. Landry said. For years, Google has These and other anticompeti- off distribution channels to rivals, The participating state Attor- accounted for almost 90 percent tive practices harm competition and to make software undeletable. neys General represent Louisiana, of all search queries in the United and consumers, reducing the abil- The complaint alleges that Google Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Ken- States and has used anticompeti- ity of innovative new companies to is using similar agreements itself tucky, Indiana, Mississippi, Mis- tive tactics to maintain and extend develop, compete, and discipline to maintain and extend its own souri, Montana, South Carolina, its monopolies in search and search Google’s behavior, Landry said. dominance. and Texas. Jordan Piazza on Issues in Mayor’s Race Continued from Page 3 and the Library Board, go to the ers of St. George to insure a smooth Baton Rouge and other areas of zens without a warrant signed by Metro Council for two-thirds ap- transition for the new city? the inner city are provided nor- a judge particularly describing the proval before being allowed to A. Jordan Piazza YES mal city services including regu- person, place, and lawful reason submit tax increases or new taxes Q. Defunding Police. Will you lar and efficient collection of gar- for the search and seizure? to the voters? oppose efforts to defund the police bage and trash and maintenance of A. Jordan Piazza YES A. Jordan Piazza YES and instead prioritize police and curbs, gutters, and grass on neutral Q. Right to Property. Will you Q. Carbon Tax. Will you oppose first responder funding as one of grounds and rights of way belong- oppose further infringements on any legislation that requires East the highest priorities of the City- ing to the city? the Right to Property? Baton Rouge Parish, the State of Parish government? A. Jordan Piazza YES A. Jordan Piazza YES Louisiana or U.S. to reduce its ener- A. Jordan Piazza YES Q. Blighted Property. Will you Q. Right to Life. Will you sup- gy consumption, including a carbon Q. Freedom of Choice. Will you enforce applicable codes to remove port the right to life and oppose the tax, or Cap and Trade legislation? support the right of Baton Rouge abandoned and blighted commer- judge-invented notion that abor- A. Jordan Piazza YES Police officers and firefighters to cial buildings in the City of Baton tion is a constitutional right? Q. Border Wall. Do you support live wherever they choose? Rouge, including in North Baton A. Jordan Piazza YES building a border wall? A. Jordan Piazza YES Rouge and other areas of the in- Q. Fairness Ordinance. Will you A. Jordan Piazza YES Q. Renaming Streets. Will you ner city, on a scheduled basis, so as oppose the “Fairness Ordinance”, Q. Sanctuary City. Will you make oppose efforts to rename Baton to complete removal within your which would give a special status sure that Baton Rouge does not be- Rouge roads and streets, except as four-year term of office? or privilege based on sexual orien- come a Sanctuary City? provided by City-Parish ordinanc- A. Jordan Piazza YES tation? A. Jordan Piazza YES es, upon petition by a majority of Q. New Bridge Over Amite. Will A. Jordan Piazza YES Q. Neighborhood Schools. Will the residents of the street involved? you prioritize construction of a Q. Right to Work. Will you sup- you support neighborhood schools A. Jordan Piazza YES bridge across the Amite connect- port preserving Louisiana’s right in public education? Q. Columbus Statue. Will you ing Hooper Road to Watson, which to work law? A. Jordan Piazza YES support keeping the statue of traffic studies show would remove A. Jordan Piazza YES Q. City of St. George. Now that Christopher Columbus downtown? 25,000 cars a day off I-12, Florida Q. Tax Increases. Will you oppose the voters of the proposed City of A. Jordan Piazza YES Boulevard, and Magnolia Beach any and all tax increases during St. George have voted to incorpo- Q. Beautification. Will you make Road? your term as Mayor-President? ration, will you actively oppose beautification of the City of Baton A. Jordan Piazza YES A. Jordan Piazza YES the suit challenging the incorpora- Rouge a priority? Q. Opening the Parish. Will you Q. Roll Forward. Will you op- tion? A. Jordan Piazza YES pledge not to exercise any authority pose local governmental entities in A. Jordan Piazza YES if elect- Q. Maintenance. Will you make to close businesses or order mask- East Baton Rouge rolling forward ed, I would oppose the suit chal- sure the City-Parish properly ing as the current Mayor-President property taxes without a vote of lenging the incorporation. No maintains curbs, gutters, and grass purported to do? the people? Mayor-President should sue con- on neutral grounds and rights of A. Jordan Piazza YES. If the A. Jordan Piazza YES stituents who are exercising their way belonging to the city? Governor and the Mayor-President right for annexation within current A. Jordan Piazza YES do not open this parish for busi- Q. Special Taxes. Will you sup- legal boundaries. ness, I will open the parish the first port legislation to require that Q. Equity for Inner City. Will day I am sworn in — Jan. 1st! We agencies such as BREC, CATS, Q. Work with St. George. Will you you insure that residents of North work cooperatively with the lead- will not have a mask mandate. 10 St. George Leader October 2020 Legislators Amazed at Employee Firings

Rep. Danny McCormick, author of HB 9 to protect religious liberty Rep. Alan Seabaugh moved to report HB 9 favorably

Continued from Page 4 being assessed against a pastor for Most disturbing to legislators was violating the governor’s emergen- the testimony of church members cy orders. that they had been fired from their Rev. Spell has so far been the jobs for attending Life Tabernacle. only person in the state arrested Eight members have reported they for violating the governor’s or- were terminated. Five were present ders. After about 30 minutes hear- at the hearing, ing witnesses, Rep. Alan Seabaugh and three testi- moved to report the bill favorably. fied for three The motion passed 6-3. minutes each. The vote was a surprise because The meeting Rep. Denise Marcelle (D) joined was held by the Republicans in supporting the bill. House Com- It went to the House floor where mittee on Ad- members voted 66-23 in favor of ministration of the bill. It is now pending in the Criminal Jus- Rep. Denise Marcelle Senate Committee on Judiciary B. tice at the Capi- surprised many by Rep. McCormick said passage tol. The subject voting for HB 9 of the bill through the House was of the hearing was HB 9 by Rep a huge victory for religious liberty. Danny McCormick. It would pro- But it makes it through the process, hibit any criminal or civil penalties Gov. Edwards is likely to veto it. Legislators listen to testimony by supporters of religious liberty. Hurricane Delta Left 41,000 Without Power, But DEMCO Has Now Fully Restored Service

With more than 500 primary lines down and 200 broken poles, DEMCO employees and contractors worked hard to restore power after Hurricane Delta hit home. GREENWELL SPRING — DEMCO of successful teamwork.” director, said. repairs to system components.” has now completed restoration from DEMCO field crews of about 150 Parish personnel also contributed Hurricane Delta was one of the damage incurred by Hurricane Del- were supplemented with a 150-man to the manpower, sending crews to worst weather events to impact the ta. On Saturday Oct. 10, DEMCO workforce of contractors and co- clear all areas that had debris block- DEMCO system since Hurricane had 41,688 meters without power, op mutual-aid crews, who worked ing roadways, which opened access Gustav and the Flood of 2016. It 200 broken poles, and more than around the clock to repair storm for DEMCO to assess damage on marks the 5th storm during the 2020 500 primary lines that were broken damage. Additional staff worked roads off of main highways – roads Atlantic hurricane season to impact or on the ground. behind the scenes 24-hour days to that were impassable until that oc- Louisiana after Cristobal, Marco, “Restoration of this magnitude coordinate materials, machinery, curred. Laura, and Sally. requires everyone to work togeth- crew schedules, food and lodging. “We are very grateful to all the “I’d like to thank our members er: to coordinate and communicate “With over 8,700 miles of line parish workers who were instru- for their words of encouragement from moment to moment, day to across a seven-parish service terri- mental in this restoration,” Phillips and prayers as well as their acts of day, and team to team,” said Randy tory powering 112,000+ meters, our said. “After a storm of this magni- kindness this past week,” Pierce Pierce, DEMCO CEO and general first step was to clear rights-of-way, tude, it is critical that roadways are said. “We love what we do. We manager. “It is always a proud mo- and deliver equipment and supplies cleared in order for us to get off- train hard to do it well, and we love ment when that last meter is pow- to all seven-parish service areas,” road equipment, such as diggers doing it in service to our members,” ered up, and it is always the result Mark Phillips, DEMCO operations and bucket trucks into areas to make said Pierce. October 2020 St. George Leader 11 Roar of Death Valley Became a Whimper Under One-Man Rule of John Bel Edwards Woody Jenkins — Allen Hall, Boyd Hall, Nichol- Editor son Hall, and many others. You want to re-fight the Civil War. BATON ROUGE — If one man can Governor, it’s all about your pol- kill a state, the Fool Governor, John itics, which trumps your common Bel Edwards, is well on his way. sense and the history of our school. Through his draconian, illegal You were elected governor, not orders, he stopped people from dictator. shaking hands, hugging people’s No one elected you to change necks, going to their favorite cof- the culture, the history, or the cus- fee shop or restaurant without a toms of this state. hated mask, opening their busi- Without Tiger Stadium, LSU is nesses, going to work, going to just another SEC school, not really church, or going to a concert or a special. sporting event. At every turn, governor, you He even managed to stop people take the joy out of life! from going to the hospital to take Imagine the Fighting Tigers care of their loved ones or holding coming out onto the field Saturday to a nearly empty stadium without a decent funeral for their mama. Jenkins Woody by Photo There is really no end to how far he the roar of the fans. That’s what will go to save us from ourselves LSU TIGER STADIUM as it used to be, before John Bel Edwards turned it into a cari- happened in the first game of the with his nanny state. But four Sat- cature of itself. More changes are coming— renaming building and perhaps the mascot. season! urdays ago, all his bizarre and ille- Bryant and Nick Saban of Ala- was “eerily silent,” as the mask- But, of course, they won’t be the gal policies took tangible form for bama. loving Baton Rouge Advocate de- Fighting Tigers much longer, will the world to see — in Death Valley, No one until now! Now some- scribed it! they, governor? the place where opponents’ dreams one has done it — one of our own. There were none of the hard After all, the LSU mascot was go to die. Our governor! fought victories that often come named after the famous Fighting How ironic that we witnessed It is unthinkable that one man’s in the fourth quarter, because fans Tigers who fought for Louisiana the dreams of our whole state dy- maniacal obsession with his own “roared” and chanted to cheer the and the South in the Civil War! ing before our eyes. The roar of the power could silence Tiger Stadi- Tigers on! All that was missing. The LSU Board of Supervisors crowd in “Death Valley” or “Deaf um, but he did it! Yes, governor, you supported — your board, because you ap- Valley” is a powerful symbol of 25 percent capacity? taking down the honored name pointed every member — dishon- our state and a powerful weapon No tailgating? of Gen. Troy Middleton from the ored Gen. Middleton and they are for our team. Masks required? LSU Library, dishonoring the about to dishonor many other he- Death Valley is — or was — one Are you kidding? memory of one of our nation’s roes of the university. of the three or four most difficult People are adults! You’re not great heroes of World War II. Certainly, your attention will places in America for an opponent our mama! And, yes, you will support the turn to the Fighting Tigers and you to play. No one has been able to There was no “roar” on the cam- radical left’s renaming 10 or 15 of will take down the LSU mascot. A silence that crowd, including Bear pus of LSU. In fact, the campus our buildings on the LSU campus fitting end to your political career. 12 St. George Leader October 2020 October 2020 St. George Leader 13

Meet the Candidates Endorsed by Republican Party Congressman Graves, GOP Candidates At Ronald Reagan Newsmaker Luncheon

Judge Hunter Greene, Constable Carey Jenkins, Councilwoman Jen Racca, Constable Gordon Hutchinson, Councilman Dwight Hud- Congressman Garret Graves addresses son, Appeal court candidate Johanna Landreneau, Metro Council candidate Laurie Adams, JOP Larry Spencer, JOP Steven Sanders local Republicans at Café Américain.

Metro Council member Dwight Hudson Council candidate Laurie Adams Metro Council member Jen Racca Constable Carey Jenkins

Court of Appeal candidate Family Court Judge Hunter Greene Johanna Landreneau Justice of the Peace Larry Spencer District Judge Tiffany Foxworth

District Judge candidate Eboni Rose Johnson addresses the Ronald Reagan Newsmaker Luncheon. Although a Democrat, Rose Johnson was invited to speak to the group. Ronald Reagan Newsmaker Luncheon October 13, 2020 • Cafe Americain Video by Kim Powers • Photos by Jolice Provost 14 St. George Leader October 2020

Rev. Tony Spell Charged with Holding Church Motion to Quash Arrest Set Jan. 25

Rev. Tony Spell and his attorney Jeff Wittenbrink pled not guilty at his arraignment on six counts of holding church services. A motion to quash is set Jan. 25.

Lyman White, Rev. Tony Spell, Jeff Wittenbrink, Woody Jenkins, and Tim Spell (left). Rev. Spell talks with reporters (center). Rev. Spell and Deidre Perkins (right).

Rev. Tony Spell with BBC-TV crew (left). The Calhouns with Rev. Spell (left/center). Rev. Spell with youth (right/center). Rev. Spell and Nathan Thomas (right) Arraignment of Rev. Tony Spell Videos & Photos by Woody Jenkins

LIVE Coverage From INTERVIEW with Rev. Spell’s Court Rev. Tony Spell Arraignment at the Court House

Rev. Tony Spell in an interview with reporters (left). Rev. Spell pled not guilty to all charges. October 2020 St. George Leader 15 Youngest Covid Victim in EBR Was 29; So Why Require Students to Wear Masks? dents in the East Baton Rouge Par- Data Shows Covid Is ish school system have returned to COVID-19 Deaths in EBR Parish the classroom — wearing masks! Sports and extracurricular activities A Disease of Elderly March 22 - August 31, 2020 are being restricted. Another remarkable part of the With Median Age 73 Age Totals Black White Other data is that even people up to 50 years of age are barely affected. Woody Jenkins Only five whites and 26 blacks Editor 0-29 1* 1* 0 0 under 51 years of age in this parish of 440,000 have died from Covid19. BATON ROUGE - The St. George 29-35 7 5 2 0 From age 51 to 60, nine whites Leader has analyzed East Baton and 27 blacks have died. Rouge Parish Coroner office reports 36-40 7 6 1 0 The data indicates that the disease on deaths attributed to the coronavi- 41-50 16 14 2 0 strikes almost entirely older citizens rus from March 22 to August 31. with co-morbidities. The results are remarkable. 51-60 36 27 9 0 Of the 414 deaths, 347 were over The disease has primarily affected 61-70 104 70 31 3 60 years of age, and 243 were over senior citizens. 70 years of age. The median age Census estimates for 2019 say 71-80 90 48 38 4 of deaths in the parish was 73. The 14.6 percent of the parish popula- 81-90 103 44 54 5 median age in the parish is 32. tion is 65 or older. However, they The 2019 census estimates say represent 76.6 percent of Covid 91-104 50 19 30 1 the parish is 47.6 percent white deaths through August 31. People and 47.2 percent black, but 56 per- 60 years or older accounted for 86.2 Total 414 234 167 13 cent of the deaths from Covid were percent of the deaths in the parish. among black residents. The data Perhaps most striking is the fact *The death of a “very premature baby” when her mother died provides no explanation, but many that out of 414 deaths in the parish with Covid. believe it is because of higher rates no one under 29 has died as a re- of co-morbidity among blacks. sult of Covid19. Yet, the local pub- Source: EBR Coronor’s Office Ironically, far more whites than lic school systems and all private blacks died in the age categories 81- schools have followed BESE rules 90 and 91-104. However, the aver- requiring students to “mask up” age life span of whites in Louisiana throughout the school day. In East Baton Rouge Parish over the is 76, compared to 72 for blacks. The question is, Why? So there are far more whites than Schools were closed for two and past six months, only 5 whites under 50 blacks over 81 in the parish. a half months in the spring because The data shows one person died of the pandemic. Once-in-a-lifetime and 26 blacks under 50 have died from at age 0. This was an unborn child senior activities were severely re- who died because her mother died stricted or cancelled entirely. Stu- or with COVID19. — Coroner’s Data of Covid. 16 St. George Leader October 2020