After months of consideration, research, and deliberation, the editorial board of CenLamar (there are three of us now) proudly endorse Foster Campbell for Governor of Louisiana. Although we all respect the integrity and impassioned grassroots work of John Georges and Walter Boasso, Mr. Campbell is the only person in this race who is willing to tackle the biggest issue facing the future of our State: the relationship between big oil and the erosion of our coastline and the destruction of our environment. To some, this may seem to be an academic point, but our state’s affair with big oil is as rewarding as it is destructive.
Louisiana sits atop a gold mine of oil and gas infrastructure, yet for decades, we have been unable to properly capitalize on our riches. We have watched as our industry and resources have been funneled out of state and, frequently, out of the country. We have allowed our coastlines to be conquered by oil and gas companies that direct the bulk of their incomes (and therefore, the bulk of their tax revenues) to shill companies housed in jurisdictions that can afford to provide better tax incentives. As these companies conquer our coastline, they also destroy our environment and our natural barriers against hurricanes and heavy storms. For some odd reason, in Louisiana, it is considered “bold” to speak out on this issue, yet when you unravel this issue, you find evidence of a compelling solution.
Foster Campbell understands the implications of a proactive reform on this issue, and more importantly, he understands how to compromise. Although there is little doubt that oil and gas companies have exploited and continue to exploit our coastline, thereby damaging our natural line of defense and facilitating coastal erosion, Foster Campbell recognizes the industry’s important role in our shared future. Campbell’s solution may not be new, but that doesn’t mean it’s not innovative. He proposes instituting a fee or tax for all foreign oil that is processed in the State of Louisiana. Such a tax would raise, by conservative estimates, over $5 billion a year in additional revenue.
As a result of this additional revenue, Campbell’s plan calls for the elimination of both the state personal income tax and the state corporate income tax and allocating the remaining few billion dollars toward education, coastal restoration, infrastructure, and health care. The solution is practical and simple, yet no other gubernatorial candidate has been willing to address it.
Campbell enjoys broad support. As a former school teacher turned veteran policy maker, Campbell has picked up the endorsements of the two largest teachers unions, and as the only candidate with a plan that addresses Louisiana’s uneven relationship with the oil and gas industry, Campbell has also found an unusual ally in former Republican Governor Dave Treen.
Foster Campbell also has sensible and thorough plans for education, health care, and economic development. Although some may paint him as a single issue candidate, Campbell recognizes that there are numerous impediments to our collective success, and if we are to move forward, we must address the most pressing issues first.
Louisiana is a poor state rich with resources. Foster Campbell envisions Louisiana as a rich state rich with resources, a state that finally uses its location and its infrastructure as leverage, a state that refuses to be bankrupted by corporatists intent on pillaging its resources. Foster Campbell believes in the future of Louisiana, and on October 20, we will cast our votes for him.
CenLamar 
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