September 6th, 6:00 PM
Mike Slocum
Campaign Rally
Downtown
Alexandria Convention Hall
Free Bar-B-Que Dinners
Come & enjoy a great evening with Mike Slocum
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Friday, August 03, 2007
New Blog -Cenla Current
There is a new blog that seems to be well thought out, and a good source for information. There are discussions on different topics and it is moderated, and updated pretty regularly. Check it out http://www.cenlacurrent.com/
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Some Straight-Forward Questions
I have gotten caught up in the Town Talk forums lately, and haven't given much time to this blog. But, it has gotten me to thinking about some question I have for Wagner and his supporters. I'm not intentionally leaving the other two candidates out- they just don't apply to these questions. Chuck Wagner's entire campaign is based out "out with the old, in with the new". He and his supporters are trying to say the whole department needs to be changed, the administration is the big, bad evil wolf, and that Mike Slocum is the devil.
So, here's my questions to Wagner and his pushers:
#1 WHY do you think Wagner is the most capable candidate to run the Sheriff's department? Yes, he does have a college degree from 20 years ago...but he hasn't had any form of law enforcement training in 10 years, and the training he received while in law enforcement is lacking compared to the other two candidates. Yes, he did work PART TIME at the RPSO for maybe 2 years...did he supervise anyone? NO. What were his duties there? He was a part-time deputy. I don't think he even patrolled. Yes, he did work as a State Trooper for approx. 9 years...did he supervise anyone there? Again, NO. So, WHY is he the most capable candidate to run the Sheriff's department?
#2 WHY is it financially in the best interest to the RPSO and parish to change the entire infrastructure of a department that is used as a model for other departments in the state? What would this do to the morale of the deputies, and citizens of the parish? How is this better than identifying the problem areas, addressing those issues, and instrumenting a plan of action for those areas...like Major Slocum has promised, and already begun talking about?
#3 Wagner and his supporters do alot of grumbling about the tax money being properly spent. So....., PROVE the tax money isn't being spent as promised to the voters, and PROVE what that has to do with Slocum. Because, I can tell you right now, the budget is tightly monitored by the accountant/finance director in the department. Major Slocum has already began talking about some ideas he has regarding the budget that will make alot of people happy. Wagner is trying to promise to give the money back to people----which makes him either a liar (because he legally can't do that), or an idiot who hasn't been studying enough for his position that he views as "on the job training".
#4 They also gripe about the crime rate; I say, PROVE the crime rate has increased...and not in Alexandria, but the entire parish. Then, if you can do that, PROVE why Wagner would be better at handling that situation than Robinson or Slocum. Major Slocum has already begun addressing this issue when discussing his platform, and the man knows what he's talking about.
So far, these questions have yet to be answered. I've asked several of his supporters why they are supporting Wagner, and all I get is "I go to church with him", or "My son plays baseball with his son", or "It is time for change"---but they can't tell me what they want changed---makes no sense!
So, here's my questions to Wagner and his pushers:
#1 WHY do you think Wagner is the most capable candidate to run the Sheriff's department? Yes, he does have a college degree from 20 years ago...but he hasn't had any form of law enforcement training in 10 years, and the training he received while in law enforcement is lacking compared to the other two candidates. Yes, he did work PART TIME at the RPSO for maybe 2 years...did he supervise anyone? NO. What were his duties there? He was a part-time deputy. I don't think he even patrolled. Yes, he did work as a State Trooper for approx. 9 years...did he supervise anyone there? Again, NO. So, WHY is he the most capable candidate to run the Sheriff's department?
#2 WHY is it financially in the best interest to the RPSO and parish to change the entire infrastructure of a department that is used as a model for other departments in the state? What would this do to the morale of the deputies, and citizens of the parish? How is this better than identifying the problem areas, addressing those issues, and instrumenting a plan of action for those areas...like Major Slocum has promised, and already begun talking about?
#3 Wagner and his supporters do alot of grumbling about the tax money being properly spent. So....., PROVE the tax money isn't being spent as promised to the voters, and PROVE what that has to do with Slocum. Because, I can tell you right now, the budget is tightly monitored by the accountant/finance director in the department. Major Slocum has already began talking about some ideas he has regarding the budget that will make alot of people happy. Wagner is trying to promise to give the money back to people----which makes him either a liar (because he legally can't do that), or an idiot who hasn't been studying enough for his position that he views as "on the job training".
#4 They also gripe about the crime rate; I say, PROVE the crime rate has increased...and not in Alexandria, but the entire parish. Then, if you can do that, PROVE why Wagner would be better at handling that situation than Robinson or Slocum. Major Slocum has already begun addressing this issue when discussing his platform, and the man knows what he's talking about.
So far, these questions have yet to be answered. I've asked several of his supporters why they are supporting Wagner, and all I get is "I go to church with him", or "My son plays baseball with his son", or "It is time for change"---but they can't tell me what they want changed---makes no sense!
Thursday, July 05, 2007
New TownTalk Political Blog by Robert Morgan
The political reporter for the TownTalk, Robert Morgan, now has a blog where he posts his views on certain political topics within our parish. Although I don't agree with alot of what he has said in the past, I find his blog entertaining...although it has not had very many responses yet. Mr. Morgan has a tendency to post things that stir people up, so give his blog a look if any of you get a chance.
http://thetowntalk.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=BLOGS03
http://thetowntalk.com/apps/pbcs.dll/section?Category=BLOGS03
Monday, June 18, 2007
Boo on the ACLU
This is not my usual post, as it has nothing to do with our local elections. But, I was so appalled by what the ACLU is trying to do that I can't help but put my two cents in. The ACLU is getting out of control. I realize that in the beginning it was informed with good intentions. But by trying to limit a student's right to free speech because of her religious statements...they are trying to take away the civil liberties that they are so high and mighty about protecting. It just doesn't seem right to me. The link below provides you with the full story. For those of you who are against conservative newsmedia, I will warn you this link is a very conservative news source.
http://www.onenewsnow.com/2007/06/aclu_accused_of_attempting_to.php
http://www.onenewsnow.com/2007/06/aclu_accused_of_attempting_to.php
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Well....Here Comes the Complaints....
I seem to be attracting some complaints lately. I guess my comments have been getting under some people's skin. But, that's the way the cookie crumbles when you take a stand on a subject and don't back down. If I've ever led any of you to believe that this blog was intended to be unbiased, I apologize. However, seeing that I am constantly stating these posts are my OPINION, I don't know how anyone could think I am trying to pretend to be unbiased! Howver, I will add the Republican webpage and Bill Robinson's webpage to this blog, to keep the peace. Just for you, dpole.
Monday, June 11, 2007
We need a Sheriff with Leadership Experience and a Proven Track Record
Lately, I have been hearing supporters of another candidate downplay the importance of past leadership experience, and past experience in law enforcement. The reason for this is because that particular candidate is lacking in leadership experience, and has little law enforcement experience. I feel compelled to put my two cents in.
People gripe every day about the "politics" involved with the Sheriff's race. Well, guess what? The Sheriff is a POLITICAL position of leadership. We, as voters, are responsible for electing the most capable person to run the RPSO. So, how do we decide? Well, some candidates run on the credentials and past accomplishments of their family, instead of accomplishments of their own. Some candidates decide to run because of personal vendettas against the current administration. And, believe it or not, some candidates run because they truly believe they can make a difference.
I can't tell other voters what to look for in a candidate, but I can let you know WHY I am supporting one candidate over the others. A warning flag goes up when I hear a person with no leadership experience, little law enforcement experience, and no record of accomplishments wants to run for Sheriff. What does this say about that candidate? It says that instead of toughing it out in law enforcement, he chose the easy way out to make more money. It says that he feels entitled to a position of leadership because of his family connections, not because of his own merit. It says that he is not the type of person I would want as Sheriff of this parish.
Another warning flag goes up when I see a candidate with proven experience within the RPSO try to falsify his accomplishments during his tenure within the department. What does this say? It says that this person realizes the need to prove that he was a good leader in the past, but can't. Therefore, he must resort to stretches in his resume. I also have qualms about this particular candidate's management style; never allowing for growth in the department and not being a supervisor the deputies felt they could approach to get the job, whatever it may be, done. Based upon this, I believe this candidate would not move the department or parish forward, but would set it back.
I am supporting Major Mike Slocum because he has proven through his actions that he has the chops both politically and within the department, to successfully run the RPSO. I don't just have to go on blind faith (like you would with Chuck Wagner), and I don't want a stiff unbending administration (which is what you'll get with Bill Robinson). So yes, I believe leadership and administrative experience is extremely important for this position. But, I also feel that in order to BELIEVE the promises the candidates make, you must look at their track record. Chuck doesn't have one. All he has is proof that he has the tendency to go where he thinks "the grass is greener". Do your homework on the candidates, and I am optimistic you will see Major Slocum can back what he says with knowledge, experience, education, and track record.
People gripe every day about the "politics" involved with the Sheriff's race. Well, guess what? The Sheriff is a POLITICAL position of leadership. We, as voters, are responsible for electing the most capable person to run the RPSO. So, how do we decide? Well, some candidates run on the credentials and past accomplishments of their family, instead of accomplishments of their own. Some candidates decide to run because of personal vendettas against the current administration. And, believe it or not, some candidates run because they truly believe they can make a difference.
I can't tell other voters what to look for in a candidate, but I can let you know WHY I am supporting one candidate over the others. A warning flag goes up when I hear a person with no leadership experience, little law enforcement experience, and no record of accomplishments wants to run for Sheriff. What does this say about that candidate? It says that instead of toughing it out in law enforcement, he chose the easy way out to make more money. It says that he feels entitled to a position of leadership because of his family connections, not because of his own merit. It says that he is not the type of person I would want as Sheriff of this parish.
Another warning flag goes up when I see a candidate with proven experience within the RPSO try to falsify his accomplishments during his tenure within the department. What does this say? It says that this person realizes the need to prove that he was a good leader in the past, but can't. Therefore, he must resort to stretches in his resume. I also have qualms about this particular candidate's management style; never allowing for growth in the department and not being a supervisor the deputies felt they could approach to get the job, whatever it may be, done. Based upon this, I believe this candidate would not move the department or parish forward, but would set it back.
I am supporting Major Mike Slocum because he has proven through his actions that he has the chops both politically and within the department, to successfully run the RPSO. I don't just have to go on blind faith (like you would with Chuck Wagner), and I don't want a stiff unbending administration (which is what you'll get with Bill Robinson). So yes, I believe leadership and administrative experience is extremely important for this position. But, I also feel that in order to BELIEVE the promises the candidates make, you must look at their track record. Chuck doesn't have one. All he has is proof that he has the tendency to go where he thinks "the grass is greener". Do your homework on the candidates, and I am optimistic you will see Major Slocum can back what he says with knowledge, experience, education, and track record.
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