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The Daily Review/
Diane Miller Fears
Hundreds of people from across south Louisiana attended the Second Annual Basin Brew Fest & Restaurant Crawl Saturday afternoon at the Morgan City Municipal Auditorium. Vendors were on hand to offer beer samples of area-brewed beers. It was followed by music by Driftwood.

BATON ROUGE — Beyond the budget, the two most contentious issues of Louisiana’s legislative session are shaping up to be guns and gambling. On both topics, Gov. John Bel Edwards has been noticeably quiet, seemingly hesitant to wade into new controversies when he’s still mired with old ones.
The Democratic governor has offered some tempered initial thoughts and says he’s studying the proposals. If legislation on the divisive topics gains traction, Edwards likely will get dragged into the disputes eventually.
About two dozen bills involving gun laws have been filed, most stemming from last month’s school shooting in Florida, in which a gunman killed 17 people. Louisiana lawmakers disagree about whether to widen gun laws or curb them in an effort to protect people.
Several Republican legislators are suggesting laws to allow concealed handguns at schools and the arming of teachers or other school officials. Democrats, meanwhile, are proposing bans on assault weapons and other gun restrictions.
Edwards nodded to the gun debate in his opening day speech to lawmakers, but he dodged taking a position on specific bills. Instead, he referenced the “national conversation.”
“Our priority is public safety for our children, and I know that we can have a constructive dialogue here in Louisiana over the course of this session and advance this cause,” he said.
Edwards spokesman Richard Carbo said the governor will be meeting over the next two weeks with educators, law enforcement officials, advocates and representatives of the National Rifle Association “to determine the best approach for Louisiana.”
“The ultimate goal is to ensure students can learn in a safe environment, while still recognizing and protecting an individual’s Second Amendment rights,” Carbo said in a statement.
It’s unclear what approach, if any, could gain traction.
Rep. Stuart Bishop, a Lafayette Republican and gun rights supporter, said he doesn’t expect most of the gun bills to go anywhere in the House. Republican Senate President John Alario said he’s also not sure if any of the measures could make it through his chamber.
“How do you best protect children in their schools? I think that’s what the discussion will be centered around,” Alario said. “I think it’s an issue that needs some debate.”
Beyond guns, lawmakers are diving into heated debates on gambling, a topic that had remained largely dormant for years in Louisiana.
About 30 proposals involving video poker, riverboat gambling, the New Orleans land-based casino, slots at horse racing facilities and sports betting have been filed. Most of the measures would expand gambling or lessen existing restrictions. One proposal would move a riverboat casino from Bossier City to a shallow river in Edwards’ home of Tangipahoa Parish.
Supporters say the proposals would keep gambling facilities competitive with their counterparts in other states, to keep dollars flowing to Louisiana’s treasury. Gambling, including the lottery, brings in about $900 million annually to state coffers.
Edwards sidestepped gambling in his opening day speech. His spokesman said the governor is still reviewing the bills.
But Carbo said Edwards is “generally supportive” of allowing riverboat casinos to move to land and redefining the limits on their gambling space. Carbo said the governor doesn’t believe those ideas expand gambling.
Edwards also supports proposals from Harrah’s to build a second hotel and expand its non-gambling footprint at the New Orleans casino.
“Harrah’s plays a critical role in New Orleans’ economy and this expansion represents their continued commitment to Louisiana. This expansion will create jobs and revitalize a major tourist attraction,” Carbo said.
Gambling lobbyists may have more immediate worries than whether Edwards is on board with their proposals — namely, the concerns of Alario, a powerful leader whose decisions can often determine a bill’s fate in the Senate.
“I am personally concerned about so many gaming bills being introduced in this session,” Alario said Thursday. “Every form of gaming has decided if somebody’s doing something they want a piece of action, and I’m not sure each of those things are in the best interest of the people. Further expansion of gaming I don’t think is very good for our economy as a whole.”
Melinda Deslatte has covered Louisiana politics for The Associated Press since 2000. Follow her at http://twitter.com/melindadeslatte

November 21, 1936- March 16, 2018
Adeline Aucoin Carlino, a native of Amelia and a resident of Patterson for the past 54 years, passed away at the age of 81 on Friday, March 16, 2018, at the Patterson Health Care Center.
Adeline dedicated her life to service of others, whether for family, her church, or anyone in need.
Those she leaves to cherish her memory include her three sons, Manuel J. Carlino Jr. of Patterson, David J. Carlino and his wife Christina of Schriever, and John A. Carlino and his wife Alison of Sugar Land, Texas; four grandchildren, Leia, Luke, Zack and Mikey Carlino; two sisters, Laura Lee Patureau and her husband Don, and Roberta Roberton; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and family members.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Manuel John Carlino Sr.; her parents, Robert Aucoin and Laura Lee Fields Aucoin; seven siblings, Catherine, Jackie (her twin), Robert, Al, Ed, and infant twins.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at Ibert’s Mortuary in Patterson on Tuesday, March 20, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., with the Holy Rosary being prayed at 7 p.m. Visiting will resume at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Patterson on Wednesday, March 21, at 9 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. Father Herb Bennerfield will be the Celebrant for the Mass, with Father Angelo Cremaldi and Father Keenan Brown concelebrating. She will be laid to rest with her husband in the St. Joseph Cemetery Mausoleum.
Family and friends may view the obituary and express their condolences online by visiting www.iberts.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ibert’s Mortuary, Inc., 1111 Lia Street, Patterson, LA 70392, (985) 395-7873.

BOY SCOUTS
Troop 41 and Pack 339 annual Barbecue Hamburger fundraiser 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, March 25, moved to Patterson Knights of Columbus Hall, 1215 First St. Ticket, $5, includes hamburger and bag of chips. For info or tickets call Frank Guarisco, 985-395-9351 or Melvin Vinning, 985-395-3537.

UNITY PRAYER
Area pastors host Community/Unity Prayer Service 6 p.m. Tuesdays. March 20 meeting at Mt. Era Baptist Church, 406 Lawrence St., Morgan City. Public invited.