Submitted Photo
Patterson State Bank recently made a donation to the 23rd Annual Dragon Championship. This year’s tournament was Saturday at the Berwick Civic Center. Sunshine Rutledge, assistant vice president, presents the donation to her son Raymond Rutledge, Cho Dan Bo Preliminary Black Belt of Silver Dragon Taekwondo Academy, on behalf of Patterson State Bank.
After five years, nearly 400,000 claims and more than $9 billion in payment offers, BP’s massive settlement program may be coming to a close within the next five months.
“We will have decided all of our determinations by the end of this year,” Pat Juneau, the court-appointed administrator, told LaPolitics last week.
While the work related to the private claims will likely continue past December, due to appeals and other legal maneuvers, the work of Juneau, a Lafayette attorney, will be concluded by the time New Year’s Day rolls around.
The claims process was established in the wake of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion and oil spill that killed 11 people and littered Gulf of Mexico beaches with balls of tar.
The closing of the curtain couldn’t come sooner for executives at BP, which is experiencing an earnings slip as costs associated with the oil spill continue to weigh on balance sheets, according to reporting from the Associated Press.
The numbers tell that particular story:
— One measure of profit suggests BP’s second quarter standing dipped to $684 million, compared to $720 million during the same quarter of 2016
— BP had to escrow $347 million in the second quarter for the claims process and other expenditures connected to the spill
— That makes for $63.2 billion expended on the disaster thus far and $39.8 billion in net debt for the company, which was higher than expected
“While net debt rose primarily due to Gulf of Mexico payments, we expect this will improve over the second half as these payments decline and divestment proceeds come in towards the end of the year,” Chief Financial Officer Brian Gilvary told the AP.
Lawsuit challenges booze tax
A civil district court hearing has been scheduled for this week to explore the constitutionality of what is being called a gallonage tax on alcohol. And it’s taking place in a city known for its booze consumption — New Orleans.
The tax, according to critics, directly impacts alcoholic beverage dealers and indirectly touches consumers, restaurants and retailers.
The lawsuit, which was originally brought by the Beer Industry League of Louisiana in December and later joined by the Louisiana Restaurant Association, actually seeks to invalidate two taxes in the city of New Orleans.
Plaintiffs expect to move for a ruling on the other tax, a processing fee, soon after the Aug. 8 hearing. Attorneys for the associations are describing both taxes as “unconstitutional overreaches.”
Judge Clare Jupiter has the case, which will first focus on the gallonage tax, which is imposed on alcohol based on the volume sold.
The plaintiffs call it a “property tax” that violates state law, while the city contends its home rule charter exempts it from all current state and constitutional limits on taxation. It raises interesting questions about whether the 1921 version of the constitution guides the way for the city on this issue, or if the Legislature is vested solely with taxation authority.
The so-called gallonage tax was adopted last year, went into effect in the spring and is currently being paid under protest.
The other tax, which has been on the books for more than seven years, is actually a $1,000 processing fee for restaurants and other establishments that are required to obtain a liquor license.
The fee is charged in addition to the cost of a license, which ranges between $135 and $500.
Attorneys for the associations argue that state law specifically limits the amounts a municipality can charge for liquor license fees, and that the city is attempting to skirt those limitations by calling the $1,000 charge a “processing fee.”
Political History: A
booze-free Louisiana
Last week marked the 99th anniversary of Louisiana ratifying the 18th Amendment, which established the prohibition of alcoholic beverages in the United States.
Ruffin Golson Pleasant, a Shreveport native, was the governor at the time, and he waited an additional week before making the ratification effective. According to Samuel Hyde’s “Prohibition,” which was produced for the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities in 2010, “Louisianans
quickly perfected numerous methods to circumvent it. Indeed, some have argued that drinking liquor became even more popular in Louisiana after it was declared illegal.”
In New Orleans local elected officials fought to have alcohol declared a food supplement and rumrunning became a major industry in the state.
“Smugglers brought so many shiploads of illegal liquor to Louisiana that the price actually began to decline,” Hyde wrote.
Even Louisiana’s top elected official during the last stretch of prohibition was willing to look the other way.
“When asked by the mayor of Atlanta what his administration was doing to enforce prohibition, Louisiana governor Huey P. Long famously responded ‘not a damn thing,” Hyde write. “Scores of Louisiana residents, whether they consumed alcohol or not, simply resented the intrusion of government into what they perceived as private affairs. Thus, they refused to support enforcement of the law.”
They said it
“How do I fly an airplane looking backwards?”
— Micheal Glisson, South Louisiana Community College vice chancellor, explaining the value of prospective data, in The Lafayette Advertiser
“I just want the community to quiet down. I don’t need for this to be stirred up.”
— Clarence Mayor Tommy Evans, upon hearing the mounting complaints about his
administration, in The Shreveport Times
For more Louisiana political news, visit www.LaPolitics.com or follow Jeremy Alford on Twitter @LaPoliticsNow.
Believe it or not, there is finally some good news to report on the state budget front: Gov. John Bel Edwards is signaling that he plans to propose a detailed, specific plan to address the upcoming fiscal cliff. This change in approach from our elected leader is welcomed, timely and much needed.
Until now, the people of Louisiana were receiving very different signals.
Last session, the governor deviated from the fiscal recommendations made by the HCR11 Task Force (a group driven by members of his own team) and instead drafted and proposed a commercial activity tax (that was riddled with unintended consequences. The proposal met defeat by a wave of bipartisan opposition and the governor spent most of the remaining days of session asking the Legislature to take the lead. The House, in turn, requested spending cuts instead of new taxes, a suggestion which was not well received on the fourth floor. The session eventually ended with a balanced budget, but not much else in terms of budget or tax reform to prepare for the upcoming fiscal cliff. A special session to be called this fall or early next year, to decide what to do with the governor’s temporary taxes, seemed all but inevitable.
However, only a few short weeks ago, the governor sent a letter to the speaker of the House saying he may not call that special session after all, unless House leaders come forward with their own plan centrally focused on new revenue. Many were left scratching their heads on that one, considering that not calling a special session would require the governor to submit a budget later this year filled with cuts much deeper than the ones he refused to accept just last month. It was unorthodox to see an elected official, in essence, threaten himself. Knowing how unappealing that option must have looked in hindsight to the Administration, many folks in the legislature simply saw that letter as just an attempt to influence press coverage rather than begin the collaborative effort required to develop a comprehensive plan.
Thankfully, things have now changed. Concerns that the governor was not willing to offer his own comprehensive plan to solve the fiscal cliff appear to have been misguided. That plan by the governor now seems to clearly be on the way.
Will his plan extend the current three-year sales tax increase by two more years to mirror his original 5-year proposal? Will it instead propose new personal income taxes to replace the sales tax increase? Will it be new business taxes? If so, will it target specific industries like movies, agriculture, manufacturing, oil and gas or telecommunications?
Instead of new revenue, will it propose spending cuts, budget restructuring, entitlement reforms or the unlocking of statutory dedications to finally get more flexibility to use existing dollars more efficiently? Will the tremendous number of local subsidies used each year to supplement local government be replaced with more autonomy and authority for local officials, driving those decisions away from the special interests that dominate the Capitol and closer to the taxpayers back home who foot the bill? Will reforms to Medicaid or our legacy pension systems be included? Will budget transparency to show the public exactly how their tax dollars are spent finally be implemented to rebuild some of the trust lost by taxpayers over the years, which has led to growing opposition from them to invest in obvious needs like infrastructure and
education? Will it contain new ideas, old ideas or a mixture of both?
There are so many ways he can go with his plan and it will be interesting to see where his proposal ends up.
The governor has specifically asked over 20 different CEOs and business leaders to come to his office to “discuss tax reform and solicit recommendations from the business community about the best approach to stabilize Louisiana’s budget.” The written invitation from his office added that “the meeting will be closed to the press and not recorded, however, Gov. Edwards will put out a statement to the media immediately following the meeting to thank the business leaders for attending and offering constructive input. A list of attendees will also be released.”
The days of laying back, blaming others, relying on accusatory rhetoric and using the media to pressure others to bring him a plan appear to be over. The governor appears to now embrace the responsibility to develop his own comprehensive plan to solve the fiscal cliff, explain it to the people of this state and use his political capital to sell it to the best of his ability. That would be a welcome change of pace. That would be leadership, and leadership is exactly what this state desperately needs.
Stephen Waguespack is president of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry.
Jack Gary Trinco, Navy veteran, motorcycle enthusiast, wood craftsman, and avid reader, died peacefully in his home on the morning of August 7, 2017.
Born in Denver Colorado to Jack and Doris Rose Trinco (deceased), he was the middle child in a family of three. He is preceded in death by his sister Patricia Fowler, and his brother Larry Trinco.
As a young man, he met the love of his life, his “weed in a field of roses”, Lou Trinco, whom he adored for the next 57 years. Together, they raised five daughters, Linda Chapman (Johnny), Doris Bridges (Eddie), Gina Boudreaux (Kevin), Angelina Trinco, and Tricia Trinco (Tim). He taught them practical things like how to drive, how to change a tire, the value of hard work, and most importantly, to be thankful.
Jack was a strong man, but he had a soft spot for his 13 grandchildren: Brandon, Dawn, Jared, Veronica, Brittanee, Jodie, Justin, Tailia, Tania, Jeremy, Jack, Olivia, and Madelyn and his five great-grandchildren: Holland, Dylan, Ethan, Liliana, and Jeremy.
He didn’t smile often, but when you could catch him, it was sincere and extremely contagious.
A memorial service will be held at Westside Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home located at 5101 Westbank Expressway in Marrero Louisiana, on Friday August 11 at 6 p.m.
Louise Margaret Robert Singleton, 82, a resident of Siracusa, La. and a native of Houma, La., passed away on Wednesday August 2, 2017 at the Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans, La.
Visitation will be observed on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at the Church of God of Prophecy in Patterson, La., from 11 a.m. until funeral services at 1 p.m. Bishop James T. Whitney will officiate the services. Burial will follow funeral services in the Morgan City Cemetery.
Memories of Louise will forever remain in the hearts of her one son, Herbert G. Singleton of Patterson, La.; four daughters, Faye Johnson of New Iberia, La., Yvonne Morris and Gail Singleton, both of Morgan City, La. and Elaine Skinner of Patterson, La.; two brothers, August Roberts of Houma, La. and Warren Cocke of North Carolina; three sisters, Margaret Roberts and Earline Trosclair both of Franklin, La. and Linda St. Romain of Patterson, La.; eleven grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Louise was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, four brothers, and one sister.
Jones Funera Home, Inc has been entrusted with final arrangements. Condolences can be sent to the family by logging on to www.jones-funeral-home.com.
Oscar “June” Webb, Jr., a native of Franklin passed away August 4, 2017 in Alexandria, Louisiana.
He is survived by his siblings, Annetta Jack of Franklin, Shelia Francis, Tammy Jack and Wanda Jack all of Lawrenceville, Georgia, Bryan Jack and his wife, Erica of Jeanerette, Elvridge Jack, Sr. of Louisville, Kentucky and Tasha Jack-Parker of Houston, Texas; nieces and nephew, LaTrishia Francis, Kendra and Sade’ Borel, Janacia and Janae Jack and Daviasha and Elvridge L. Jack, Jr.; and a host of cousins and friends.
Oscar is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Maria F. Jack and Oscar Webb, Sr.
George “Pop Winkle” Washington III, 26, a resident and native of New Iberia, La. passed away Saturday, July 29, 2017 at 4:15 pm at Iberia Medical Center.
Visitation will be observed on Saturday, August 12, 2017 at Jones Funeral Home 1101 Main Street Franklin, La., from 8 a.m. until funeral services at 11 a.m. Pastor Keith Carter will officiate the services. Burial will follow funeral services in the Sorrel Community Cemetery in Sorrel, La.
Memories of George Washington, III or “Pop Winkle,” as he was known to many, will forever remain in the hearts of his parents, George Washington, Jr. and Shirley Ann Gabriel Washington of New Iberia, La.; four brothers, Peter Gabriel of Eagle Pass, Texas, Dontrell Washington, Jamarion Washington, and Rodney Washington; three sisters, Tracy Gabriel, Jessica Gabriel, and Lukala Washington all of New Iberia, La.; his grandfather, George Washington Sr. of Sorrel, La. and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.
George Washington III, was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather and both his maternal and paternal grandmothers.
Jones Funeral Home of Morgan City-Franklin-Houma-Jeanerette in charge of arrangements.
Visit www.jones-funeral-home.com to send condolences to family.
Commie Lee Turner, 75, a native of Brandon, MS and a resident of Houma, La., passed away peacefully at 9:47 p.m. on Monday, May 22, 2017.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until funeral time at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 10, 2017 at the Church of God Family Worship Center, 600 Marietta Place in Gray, La. Burial will follow in Halfway Cemetery.
He is survived by his son Jerome Turner of Franklin; daughters, Shavon Turner and Sabina Federick both of Houma; sister, Ernestine Turner of Houma; and a host of other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, and two sisters.
Arrangements entrusted to Jones Funeral Home of Morgan City-Franklin-Jeanerette-Houma.
Visit www.jones-funeral-home.com to send condolences to family.
Nettie Ann Murray, 78, a resident and native of Morgan City, La., passed away on Sunday July 30, 2017 at 4:36 a.m. at the Teche Regional Medical Center.
Visitation will be observed Saturday, August 12, 2017 at the Mt. Pilgrim Baptist Church 113 Federal Avenue Morgan City, La. from 8 a.m. until funeral services at 10 a.m., with Dr. C. F. Smith Sr. officiating. Burial will follow funeral services in the Morgan City Cemetery.
Memories of Nettie will forever remain in the hearts of her two sons, Vince Anthony Murray of Morgan City, La. and Stephon Jude Murray (Alida) of New Orleans, La.; one daughter, Thursula Murray Jacobs of Morgan City, La.; three brothers, Herman Murray of Morgan City, Chester Murray and Andrew Murray all of Los Angeles, Calif.; seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Nettie was preceded in death by her parents, a daughter, three brothers, and a sister.
Jones Funeral Home of Morgan City-Franklin-Houma-Jeanerette in charge of arrangements.
Visit www.jones-funeral-home.com to send condolences to family.
July 27, 1988 – August 5, 2017
Erin Michael DeMarco passed from this life on Saturday, August 5, 2017, at the young age of 29. Erin was born in Lafayette on July 27, 1988 and was a lifelong resident of Franklin. He was a loving husband, father, son, nephew, and friend who was also a great provider. If you knew Erin, you knew his passion for anything with a motor, especially his truck. He was a gifted mechanic and was always ready to help a friend with any car troubles. Some of his favorite pastimes included getting greasy with a set of wrenches in his hands, riding dirt bikes and four-wheelers, and just being outdoors. But his true passion in life was his family, which he truly loved and treasured spending time with at family gatherings. Even though taken from this life too soon, Erin definitely left his mark on all he came in contact with. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him, but will also be fondly remembered for his fun-loving ways.
Those he leaves to cherish his memory include his wife, Ashley Lynne DeMarco; his children, Kirsten Powe, Caiden DeMarco, Leelan DeMarco, Hollie Galentine, Patrick Picard, Nevaeh DeMarco, as well as his soon to be born son, Joseph Michael Leo DeMarco; his mother, Demara Lynn DeMarco; his step-father, Carl “Shorty” Blanchard; his aunts and uncles, Gay DeMarco, Angie DeMarco and her husband Richard Tabb, Joseph DeMarco, Donna DeMarco, Dwayne DeMarco and his wife Tina, Sandra B. Richard, Eric Blanchard Sr. and Carol B. Schultz; as well as numerous cousins, family members, and friends.
Those he is reunited with that have gone before him include his maternal grandparents, Joseph DeMarco and Jacqueline Robicheaux DeMarco; his paternal grandparents, Elton and Barbara Perez Blanchard; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and family members.
A gathering of family and friends will be held at Ibert’s Mortuary in Franklin on Thursday, August 10, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. and again on Friday, August 11, from 8 a.m. until time of service.
Funeral services will be held at Ibert’s Mortuary on Friday at 11 a.m. followed by burial in Perpetual Park Cemetery. Rev. Bobby Hodnett will conduct the services. Serving as pallbearers will be Dwayne DeMarco, Carl Blanchard, Richard T. Tabb, Ricky Faust, Jake Burke, and Alex Landry. Honorary pallbearers will be Caiden DeMarco, Leelan DeMarco, Patrick Picard, Lucas Martin, and Bryce DeMarco.
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., 1007 Main Street, Franklin, La. 70538, (337) 828-5426.
Franklin Banner-Tribune
P.O. Box 566, Franklin, LA 70538
Phone: 337-828-3706
Fax: 337-828-2874
Morgan City Review
1014 Front Street, Morgan City, LA 70380
Phone: 985-384-8370
Fax: 985-384-4255