[StBernard] Where is the rest of council?

[Westley Annis]

Butch,

I can't speak for the council or its other members, but I will give my
opinion here.

Craig may be the most technically inclined member on the council and that is
why he has been the "voice" of the council on this list.

When I first started the list Craig was included because I had his email
address since we are both Kiwanians. Immediately after the storm
communication was scarce, not only for those who stayed behind in St.
Bernard, but even for those of us who stayed in a coastal parish.

I don't get to listen to the radio constantly, but I have heard Joey
DiFatta, Junior Rodriguez, Judy Hoffmeister, and Sheriff Stephens on WWL,
and I guess it is all in the eyes of the beholder.  You can view it was they
are not doing their jobs because we never here from them or you can view as
they are so busy doing their jobs they don't have time to stop and try to
get two minutes on the radio.

WWL is doing a great job of help officials get the word out but they are
constrained by the formats of radio.  No segment lasts longer then ten
minutes, most seem to be under seven.  Between news breaks and commericials,
they only have about 40 minutes out of every hour for the actual show.

If our officials are to do their jobs, they can't sit on hold for 10-15
minutes waiting to speak 60 seconds on air.

The new parish web site has been a great way for our officials to tell us
what is going on and it is unencumbered by time or space constraints, so the
whole story can get out.

Will there be new faces on the council come the next election?  You better
believe it.

I think most residents are starting to realize that Mr. Dean is no longer up
to the task of being a councilman.  Only time will tell for the others.

For the most part, exception noted above, we probably have the right people
elected to represent us, as far as parish officials go.  I truly believe
things could have been worse if Larry Landry or Scott Wolfe had been elected
instead.

What I truly hope is that everyone is also paying attention to our state
representatives.  What has Nita Hutter, Ken Odinet, or Walter Boasso done
for residents of St. Bernard since Katrina?  We should examine the voting
record of each one of them in the past special legislative session and make
notes so that we know what questions to ask of them when elections come
around in the next two years.

Westley


-----Original Message-----

Hey,
Is Craig Taffarro the ONLY elected council member who communicates the 
accurately, honestly and promptly with all of the residents of St. Bernard 
Parish?
What are we missing here?
I agree with Craig as much as I disagree, but at least I know where he 
strands. I know he's making decisions because he pisses me off sometimes. 
But you know what, he's leading us!!! Remember, if you are a leader, a 
decision maker, you're bound to ruffle a few feathers.
Where are the rest of them???? Mr. Dean, where are you? When I look at the 
minutes of the council meeting all I see is a "NO" vote when everyone else 
is voting "YES". Do you really believe that simple oppostion is leadership? 
If you're not going to lead - get out! Make room for someone who will.
As for the rest of you, if you can't address this forum, find a way to 
communicate with our community. We have no idea what you are doing, or why 
you are doing it.
My friends on the council, if things have gotten too difficult, too 
overwhelming, too heartbreaking, we understand. Most of you have shown 
courage and triumphed when normal people would have fled. You've done great 
work, be proud of yourselves. But, if things are wearing you out, if the 
constant drain of making important decisions daily has gotten to much for 
you, step down, let someone else take your place.
This is too important for the future of our community.
God Bless,
Butch