Lt. governor candidates field questions at the Teche

Candidates for Louisiana Lt. Governor traveled to Franklin Thursday for a forum sponsored by the City of Franklin and the St. Mary Chamber of Commerce.
Baton Rouge Mayor-President Kip Holden, Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser and Jefferson Parish President John Young answered pre-selected questions that were provided to the candidates in advance.
Moderator Solomon Tention, SLCC Franklin Campus administrator, presented the first question after opening statements by the candidates: “What is unique about Louisiana and how would you promote it?”
Holden said the people of Louisiana are unique and represent many cultures. He said celebration of fairs and festival should be promoted, as well as fishing, hunting and sports. That asset has been augmented by television shows centering on Louisiana. The film industry is a big economic driver in the state, Holden said.
Young people are embracing their cultural heritage, he said, in music and language.
A stronger partnership between the lieutenant governor and small towns is needed, Holden said.
Nungesser echoed Holden’s thoughts on the unique culture, people and history of Louisiana. He said he would listen to tourism officials from around the state for their ideas, and help promote the smaller events in towns and parishes across the state, which are often overlooked.
One idea would be a “Fish Louisiana” similar to other states, Nungesser said, noting that Toledo Bend Reservoir was recently named the top bass fishing lake in the nation, and Venice has always been in the top tier of fishing destinations.
He believes Louisiana can also host horse shoes in its many arenas.
Young said international visitors may love New Orleans, but always want to take swamp tours. Fishing, Mardi Gras, music and other attractions differ from place to place across the state. He pointed to Morgan City’s Louisiana Shrimp and Petroleum Festival as an example.
The ancient Native American Poverty Point site is now a United Nations World Heritage site, he noted.
Young said “the Louisiana experience” needs to be sold. The people and abundant natural resources will draw visitors to Louisiana.
The next question: “How will you make sure the Louisiana Main Street Program has the funding it needs?”
Nungesser said the program’s success is evident in communities across the state. He said the program should further assist communities with revitalization.
State staff should be able to move applications through the process faster, Nungesser said, to alleviate local frustration with the program. “It sells itself and it’s something we can all be proud of,” he said.
Young said every dollar invested in tourism turns over $38 in return, and Main Street Program efforts return $28. He said the program uses tax credits to bring old properties back to vitality and onto local tax rolls.
Residences with historical designations also are eligible and improve communities, Young said. “We need to make sure that the lieutenant governor’s office is properly funded,” Young said, noting that the fund is raided every year.
Revitalization of blighted property also lowers crime rates, Young said.
Holden was head of the program for a time, and also noted the transfer of funds away from the program over the years and that it is critical for smaller communities, bringing in visitors and economic impact.
The program provides resources to allow smaller communities to move forward. He said those smaller communities can also band together to further their revitalization efforts.
“Show people how we work together to make better things together,” he said.
He promised to further the program’s reach as lieutenant governor.
Tention asked, “What are the three biggest issues facing the lieutenant governor’s office and what will you do about them?”
Young said all three issues are funding-related. The existing budget is $25 million but that funding is usually transferred out to fix the state’s budget holes.
He said the $835 million generated statewide by tourism should be kept in the lieutenant governor’s budget to promote the state’s events and attractions.
“We have to work with state and local law enforcement to combat crime or no one will come live, work, retire or invest in our community,” Young said.
Holden agreed that the budget is raided “at will.”
“You have to stop raiding the agency that brings more dollars into Louisiana than any other,” he said.
Holden said Republicans and Democrats must work together to protect tourism initiatives.
He said his work in Baton Rouge gives him the experience to bring in economic opportunities for the state.
Nungesser said “it all comes down to money.” He said infrastructure is in dire need of repair.
He said those involved in the private sector of tourism should meet with legislators to formulate long-term plans to fund repairs and maintenance.
“We’ve just got to listen to the people, roll up our sleeves and do the hard work,” Nungesser said. “Failure is not an option.”