Ethics:

Working for re-election and self-interest is no longer acceptable.  Louisiana’s image of corruption must be changed.  I support the Blueprint for Louisiana.  The reality of a transparent, accountable, and strict system of ethical behavior must be established.  Legislators and lobbyists should be required to disclose all relevant financial information.  Ethics laws should be tightened and vigorously enforced.
 

Crime:

As a former felony prosecutor, I am personally aware of the challenges our Criminal Justice System faces.  Police and the District Attorney’s office must be properly equipped and empowered to enforce the law.

The Legislature partially funds the Police and the District Attorney’s offices.  The Judiciary Committee has oversight for both.  I intend to hold hearings in Baton Rouge to hold them accountable.

I will provide tough legislation that will increase the sentence for the intimidation of a witness to be the same penalty as the crime for which that witness is being called to testify.  For example, if you intimidate a witness to a murder, you will face life in prison!

Economic Development:

Economic Development is not just a catchphrase, it must be the focus of everything that we do.  Public ethics, public safety, and public education all impact our ability to grow our economy.  We must protect and grow our traditional businesses, like the Port of New Orleans, tourism, and the cultural economy.  We must aggressively pursue the development of homegrown industry and entrepreneurship, while attempting to lower the costs of doing business in Louisiana.

As a founding board member of Desire NOLA, I worked to raise money to assist small businesses and get them back on their feet immediately following hurricane Katrina.  I insist that our Legislature do more to support the backbone of our economy, the small businesses.

 

Healthcare:

Everyone should have access to the best possible healthcare.  An LSU hospital partnered with the VA hospital in downtown New Orleans presents an opportunity to provide that type of care, and be the vehicle for developing a medical research economy.  Innovative means of financing and providing healthcare must be developed.  All plans must include a safety net hospital as well as the creation of neighborhood Urgent Care Clinics.  We also must ensure that private hospitals are adequately compensated for the care they render.

 

Education:

Early childhood education programs are an important foundation for long-term educational success.  We must work to ensure that Pre-K is available to all children.  We should enhance student opportunities to enroll in programs promoting workforce training and coursework in universities and community colleges for our high school students. 

Every high school student should be prepared for post-secondary education…whether in a traditional university setting or in the technical and community college programs that teach specific job skills.  We must prepare our students for the highly skilled, well-paying jobs that the Rebirth of New Orleans will demand!