Posted on 11/10/2005 9:43:06 PM PST by caryatid
The message emanating from the first day of the Louisiana Recovery and Rebuilding Conference: It’s time to pick up the pace, speak with one voice and get things done.
Gov. Kathleen Blanco was the first to urge the 500 community leaders and planners gathered at the Marriott Hotel to think boldly, acknowledging that the state needs a solid master plan if it has any chance at building a vibrant, sustainable New Orleans region.
But Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu took that message to another level when he called on Blanco and New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin to merge their rebuilding commissions and agree on a singular vision to show the nation that Louisiana can put aside its fractionalized political leadership and come together in a time of crisis.
Landrieu’s recommendation, made during a rousing speech, drew loud applause.
“History will tell the story ... we were united and worked to revive and rebuild a great state. Or history will record the story of how the federal government, the state government, local governments, and business and community leaders couldn’t come together .... And because of that, one of the most culturally rich places in America died”...
Top priority should be presenting Congress with a unified list of the region’s most urgent needs in the next two weeks before ... Hurricanes Katrina and Rita become yesterday’s news, Landrieu said in an interview.
“There are some political realities we need to acknowledge ... “I’ve been told once you get past your one shot, you’re done. It would help if the governor and the mayor could articulate a single vision.”
. . .
(Excerpt) Read more at nola.com ...
* Louisiana PING *
Isn't that Munch's "The Scream" in the background?
I DO recall hearing it was stolen.
It seems that between this meeting, one I know of in Atlanta, and probably others, they are spending a hell of a lot of our money discussing how to spend a hell of a lot of our money. They could be congressman in training. Damn Government!!!
You would think they would abandon the big screen technique. LOL
Looks like Mitch is running either for Governor or Mayor.
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