[StBernard] Gubernatorial hopefuls debate

[Westley Annis]

The truth is the bulk of John Georges income comes from his video poker
business - though he "might" be telling a half truth about his dumping that
business.  That's because (and forgive my lack of technical specifics on
this) but the video poker machines he sells uses a type of software that
soon the State will be changing from.  In other words, unless Georges wants
to put out big bucks, his machines are going to become obsolete.

But make no bones about it, his wealth comes from his gambling business.
That's why organizations like the Louisiana Association of Business and
Industry (LABI) are not too crazy about him - this I know as an inside fact.
He did not build a large business from the ground up over a period of years
like Walter Boasso did - nor does he supply hundreds of good, salary based
jobs to the local economy as Boasso America does.

It's funny how so many candidates run for office claiming to be a
"businessman" just because they paid $25 to the Secretary of State's office
to get a piece of paper saying they own a buisness name.

John Scurich


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

> Gubernatorial hopefuls debate

>

> By MICHELLE MILLHOLLON

> Advocate Capitol News Bureau

> Published: May 24, 2007 - Page: 1a

>

> Gubernatorial candidate Foster Campbell continued to beat the drum

Wednesday

> for  eliminating the personal income tax by capturing more money from

> foreign oil.

>

> However, the other major candidates in the race said they were concerned

> about his proposal at the first Baton Rouge forum involving the major

> candidates in the Oct. 20 race to lead Louisiana's government.

>

> The forum was sponsored by the Louisiana Chemical Association and the

> Louisiana Chemical Industry Alliance.

>

> Campbell wants to impose a fee on all oil and gas - including foreign

oil -

> processed in the state.

>

> He said he expected the audience of petrochemical manufacturers and

> suppliers to be tough on him about the processing tax.

>

> "I'm probably not your favorite politician," Campbell said.

>

> As it turned out, the toughest criticism came from his political

opponents.

>

> New Orleans businessman John Georges said he favors a less-drastic

approach

> to cutting taxes. He wants to start by exempting people age 65 and older

> from paying state income tax.

>

> Another candidate, state Sen. Walter Boasso, questioned the plausibility

of

> Campbell's proposal.

>

> "I'd love to say we could eliminate everyone's income tax," he said.

>

> U.S. Rep. Bobby Jindal predicted the proposal would drive the oil industry

> out of the state.

>

> About 150 people attended the event at the Hilton Baton Rouge Capitol

> Center.

>

> Two of the Democrats in the race, Campbell and Boasso, were there in

person

> along with Georges, a Republican.

>

> Jindal, R-Kenner, loomed over the gathering in a prerecorded message

played

> on a giant screen.

>

> Jindal said he could not attend in person because of votes he was needed f

or

> in Congress.

>

> Each contender touted why he is the best choice to replace Gov. Kathleen

> Blanco, a Democrat who is not seeking a second term.

>

> Boasso, a successful, self-made businessman from Arabi, said he has the

> courage to make hard decisions.

>

> As a senator, he said, he has not shied away from the tough issues such as

> levee board reform.

>

> "I don't need a political job &hellip I'm on a mission," Boasso said.

>

> He pointed to his relatively short political career - he's been in the

> Senate about three years - as a plus.

>

> Campbell, a member of the Public Service Commission and a former

legislator

> from Bossier Parish, countered by saying he is proud of his political

> experience.

>

> "I'm the guy that wants to get rid of the income tax," he said.

>

> Georges described himself as a businessman who provides groceries to

> convenience stores.

>

> He did not mention that his business interests also include a company with

a

> gambling license to sell video poker machines. In the past, he has said he

> plans to shed that part of his business.

>

> Georges said he can turn the state around within four years.

>

> He said a speedier storm recovery is needed to move beyond cleaning up

> debris.

>

> "I don't claim to be the smartest guy running in this race, but I know how

> to get things done," he said.

>

> The candidates took written questions from the audience.

>

> The forum moderator, LSU media law professor Craig Freeman, said Jindal

was

> supposed to participate by conference call from Washington, D.C.

>

> Jindal canceled the morning of the forum but supplied a videotaped

message,

> Freeman said.

>

> One of the questions posed to the candidates concerned the state's

> health-care crisis.

>

> State government is grappling with the problem of providing health care

for

> the poor and uninsured.

>

> One issue is replacing the storm-damaged charity and teaching hospital

> system in New Orleans.

>

> Georges said he advocates a system of Wal-Mart-style health-care clinics

> throughout the community.

>

> Boasso said he would take a business approach to the problem and rearrange

> what is already in place.

>

> Campbell said he does not know what the answer is.

>

> "We'll find a solution, but no one has it right now," he said.