Connick Responds
Ms. Denise LeBoeuf's accusations ("Going Out Fighting," Nov. 19) are incorrect.
During my term in office, only one capital murder case has been reversed by
the U.S. Supreme Court for prosecutor error. In that case, State vs. Curtis
Kyles, 15 judges sitting in five different courts on eight separate occasions
reviewed the facts presented in Kyles and found no error on the part of prosecutors.
The U.S. Supreme Court, in a very divided opinion, decided a new legal standard
for reviewing this issue. Ms. Leboeuf failed to mention that this is one case
of the more than 10,000 appeals processed during my term as district attorney.
Likewise, there were no allegations of misconduct
in John Thompson's capital murder conviction. In an unrelated attempted armed
robbery conviction, it was alleged that a former prosecutor, who died subsequent
to the trial, admitted to a colleague that he withheld exculpatory information
in the armed robbery case. Upon learning of this allegation, I personally requested
the court to set aside the armed robbery conviction and initiated a grand jury
investigation into the specific allegations of misconduct. I also reported the
former prosecutors responsible for acts of misconduct to the Louisiana Bar Association
for disciplinary action.
--District Attorney Harry Connick
The Art of
the Matter
Ms. Suzanne Terrell advocates elimination of funding for the arts ("Cashing
Out," Scuttlebutt, Nov. 5). It's a big mistake to cut an industry vital to the
very core of Louisiana's international image, culture, prestige and considerable
contributions to the performing and visual arts world. Our arts industry is
strong and getting stronger thanks to the investments made over the last 10
years by our elected officials. We are clearly contributing far more to the
economy through jobs, taxes, and goods and services than we receive through
grants. Arts education has also been proven to enhance overall academic achievement.
The arts are a business, and we have proven to be "good business" for Louisiana
as well.
Since Terrell is quoted as using the phrase
"funding arts that many people find offensive to their sensibilities," she must
be referring to the familiar flap about controversial art like Robert Mapplethorpe's
and others. That's an old argument, and I find it most disappointing and out
of touch. We have been down this road before. While abuses have occurred in
the past, steps have been taken to safeguard against further abuse. Arts recipients,
by and large, are responsible stewards of this funding. Hasn't she been advised
by her handlers what a remarkable job the arts industry in our state has performed
due to this increased investment? Beating up on an industry so inextricably
woven into the very fabric of Louisiana life and culture is bizarre and makes
one wonder who is running her campaign. Obviously not someone from Louisiana!
I find this most disturbing. I hope she has
either been quoted out of context or would take the time to clarify her position
on this issue. Since this election is so important and so close, I ask all in
the media to please ask Ms. Terrell to clarify her statement. While you are
at it, please ask Ms. Landrieu to state her opinion on arts funding, as Gambit
reports she failed to answer the survey. Dodging the issue won't do either.
At least Ms. Terrell is addressing the issue of arts funding, albeit not in
an informed manner.
--Dennis G. Assaf
Executive, Artistic Director
Jefferson Performing Arts Society
Tossing
the Bouquet
Notwithstanding
your recent bouquet to Historic Restoration Inc. (Nov. 26) for its Phoenix Award
for developing abandoned urban areas, the timing was atrocious. Your issue came
out a few days after the City Council heard united opposition from all affected
contiguous neighborhoods as well as former residents of St. Thomas. The only
voices raised in support of HRI's newest development came from a fellow businessman,
a college academic, and a former resident who received tens of thousands of
dollars for his assistance and his wife.
American Can may prove to be a worthy development,
but the new St. Thomas with its ugly, suburbanized Wal-Mart sprawl and enormous
asphalt/concrete parking lot is an abomination. This prime piece of real estate
could have been a boon to the city, the former residents and the neighborhoods
if it had been marketed correctly nationally and if the smaller-scale businesses
called for in the HOPE VI grant had been established. Instead, the city is aiding
and abetting the capricious whims of the wealthiest corporation in this country
and diverting much-needed city taxes to prop up a for-profit, private development.
The city and its people are now stuck with
a colossus that suburban governments no longer want -- think of Mandeville.
We can only hope that the federal courts will rid us of this monstrosity and
reverse the sorry stance that the City Council has inflicted upon the citizens
of this great city.
--Louis Volz
