12-28-98

Gonzales Weekly 12-25-98

"Foster Says he will Work Hard for Courthouse"

            "Louisiana Governor Mike Foster has said he will "Work as hard as he can" to assist Ascension Parish officials in finding $3 Million to build an expansion to the courthouse in East Ascension Parish, State Representative John C. "Juba" Diez said this week."

            When I read that article the first thought that came to mind after seeing the picture of Mike Foster and Louis Lambert together entitled "Governor Foster visits Ascension Parish":  Did they give the Governor a TOUR of the courthouse while the court was in session?  If so, what was the Governor's appraisal of the more than ample parking space at the present location?  Did the Governor believe that the present plans will ten (10) years from today accommodate many many more court cases under the administration's plans for $3 Million dollars?  Will the surplus parking space of today accommodate three or four times as many autos?  There will also be three or four times as many attorneys

From the Letters to the Editor - same paper

            "In the first three articles of our nation's constitution, the separation of powers is clearly delineated."

            From Webster's Collegiate Dictionary:  Delineate - 1.  To trace the outline of , represent pictorially.  2.  To portray in words, describe with precision.

            "When our Home Rule Charter was drafted, the same guidelines were adhered to so that the Office of the Parish President would ensure the wishes of the constituency would be faithfully executed.   When the electorate voted in June 1993 to adopt the Charter, their intent was clear.  Their vote was mandate to their elected officials to accept the challenges ahead."

            Skipping down a couple of paragraphs: 

            "What does this mean to you as a resident?  To us as a community?  Admittedly, it is a double-edged sword.  With growth comes unavoidable change and choice.  Because of the far-reaching consequences of the choices we make today.  We must carefully weigh our options with an ideal balance of compassion, education, and information."

            Skip a few lines again:

            "The prognosticators tell me we Americans will probably reach the 100,000 mark by the new year 2000."

            Now in regards to the $3 Million dollar addition to the present out-of-date courthouse tells me that the present Home Rule Charter administration are CONVINCED that when the 100,000 mark is reached, all growth will CEASE.  there can be no other explanation for these courthouse plans.

                                                                        O.W.Stevens