CenLamar | Est. 2006

  • An Open Letter to the Louisiana Ethics Administration

    Dear Ms. Sommers: I am seeking clarification on the Louisiana Ethics Administration’s enforcement of campaign finance disclosure laws. It is my understanding that a for-profit limited liability company, The Committee for the Incorporation of St. George, LLC, is currently engaging in a campaign to introduce a ballot initiative or “a question to the voters.” I also understand this company has launched a website, purchased advertising on social media, retained the services of a professional political consultant, fabricated and distributed yard signs and campaign materials, and presented itself to the media and the public as a campaign. The company is campaigning…

  • St. George Secession Campaign In Baton Rouge Is Led By For-Profit Corporation And Likely Invalid

    St. George Secession Campaign In Baton Rouge Is Led By For-Profit Corporation And Likely Invalid

    Update: I’m told the Louisiana Ethics Administration apparently believes that a corporation attempting to place something on the ballot is not engaging in “political activity” unless and until the item is on the ballot. This should be troubling to anyone who believes in the importance of transparency and accountability in our political process. Under this interpretation of the law, it seems entirely possible for a multinational company with an entrenched interest in reducing its tax liability, for example, or a foreign government interested in incrementally changing US domestic policy to wholly subsidize a petition campaign without ever disclosing their involvement.…

  • The Dumbest Decision in Contemporary Louisiana History

    The Dumbest Decision in Contemporary Louisiana History

    In less than thirty days, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal will make a final decision on whether he wants to accept, according to a report published by his own Department of Health and Hospitals, as much as $25 billion from the federal government in order to guarantee and expand health care coverage for as many as 653,000 poor and working class Louisiana families and individuals. By all indications, it appears that Jindal will continue to dig in his heels, arguing that accepting the money would stick Louisiana taxpayers with a worst-case-scenario bill for $1.7 billion over the next ten years. If…