Jefferson Parish's Top 10
Here is my review of the top 10 events of 2002
in Jefferson Parish. Few could have predicted this list at the beginning of
the year. Let's see if next year is just as unpredictable.
10. Governor's Race. In the beginning
of the year, Congressman David Vitter announced his intention to look at the
governor's race, immediately becoming the Republican Party frontrunner. In May,
however, Vitter shocked political observers with his withdrawal from the race,
leaving a vacuum on the Republican side eventually filled in December when state
Sen. John Hainkel announced his intention to run for governor.
9. Redevelopment of Clearview Mall.
In a major boost to Jefferson shoppers, the once-outdated Clearview Mall received
a massive facelift. While these improvements added to the congestion at the
already busy intersection of Clearview and Veterans, the result will be that
Clearview Mall will now give other parish malls stiff competition.
8. Harahan and Kenner Elections. In
Harahan, Paul Johnston edged out fellow Council member Kerry Lauricella in the
mayor's race to succeed term-limited Vinny Mosca, who was elected to the City
Council. In the race to replace the late John Doyle as Harahan police chief,
his son John Doyle III was defeated by Council member Peter Dale. In Kenner,
political newcomer Dominic Weilbaecher stunned political observers when he defeated
incumbent Betty Bonura for the Council-at-large post. Also, Council member Phil
Capitano scored an easy reelection (despite the opposition of the Kenner chief
of police and multiple candidates) and will now be looking at the upcoming Kenner
mayor's race.
7. Plans for Bucktown Marina Face Severe
Opposition. The Bucktown Civic Association scored a major victory when work
was halted on the redevelopment of the Bucktown Marina area. Association members
objected to the retail plans and office space component of the project, getting
hundreds of residents to sign a petition calling for a project redesign. After
hundreds braved a driving rain storm to attend a meeting with JEDCO representatives,
the plans need to be redone and sent back to the State Lands office for approval.
6. Coulon's Support of Landrieu. To
the consternation of Jefferson Republicans and to the delight of Sen. Mary Landrieu,
Jefferson Parish President Tim Coulon crossed party lines and backed Landrieu
in her close reelection victory over Suzanne Terrell. Coulon's endorsement was
prominently used by Landrieu's campaign in mailers, newspaper advertisements
and radio commercials.
5. Construction, Construction and More
Construction. It seemed that everywhere in Jefferson Parish, construction
clogged traffic and created upset motorists. On I-10, major roads and highways,
construction was started or continued in 2002. Political leaders cited the price
of progress, but motorists seemed more than frustrated with the additional delays.
4. Sales Tax Increase Defeated. The
parish usually looks upon tax increases with skepticism, and this election was
no exception. Sometimes, proponents of a plan are successful if they are able
to severely outspend the opponents, and this was one of those elections, with
the School Board allocating funds for a glitzy media campaign. Opposing the
increase were two ladies, Margie Seeman and Margaret Baird, who used automated
calls and created an opposition organization that triumphed in the end.
3. Ballot Propositions Face Voters. Politicians
did not dream that the voters would approve the proposition to change the structure
of the parish Council to a five-member, two at-large arrangement; however, that
is exactly what happened. Now, districts will have to be drawn and a potential
court fight survived. In the same election, term limits were ratified once again.
A ballot proposition to allow for members to receive signed petitions calling
for an extension of their term in office by the voters in their district was
soundly defeated, a loophole rejected by voters intent on preventing Council
members from circumventing term limits. This means that an almost entirely new
Jefferson Parish Council will be elected this fall.
2. Back-Up Generators Fail. During
Tropical Storm Isidore, back-up generators failed, resulting in an awful flooding
problem. By the next week, money was discovered to provide back-up generators
for the bad weather associated with Hurricane Lily. The firestorm of criticism
was very intense, and the scorched politicians are now attempting to secure
bids to find a permanent solution.
1. Bodenheimer Investigation. The investigation
into Judge Ronald Bodenheimer shocked Jefferson Parish voters, who elected Bodenheimer
in 1999. Bodenheimer was known as a tough former prosecutor; however, the investigation
has now shown questionable dealings with an eastern New Orleans marina, accusations
that an associate planted drugs in the car of an opponent to the marina, and
audio tapes that show him trying to curry favor with restaurant magnate Al Copeland.
Now, the investigation has broadened to include others such as Judge Alan Green,
a prominent bail bondsman, as well as others associated with the 24th Judicial
Court.
