Southern students optimistic about Jindal’s future

With Republican Bobby Jindal taking oath last Monday at the state’s capitol becoming Louisiana’s 55th governor, Southern University students are hoping he will fulfill his vision of a “New Louisiana”.
A “New Louisiana,” where incompetence is not a synonym for government was one of the many issues the first elected Indian-American governor in the United States spoke on during his 15 minute inaugural address, which was viewable through the Louisiana Public Broadcasting and through the governors website.
“Our goal is a New Louisiana where success is shared by all Louisianans,” said Governor Jindal.
Jindal precedes Democrat Kathleen Blanco as governor who defeated him in 2003 and was highly criticized for her handling of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005.
The newly elected governor hopes to shed the states corrupt image and to reverse what he called “decades of failures in governments” according to an Associate Press report.
Students like freshmen mass communication major from New Orleans James Jackson are glad to see someone new in office.
“I feel that he should have won the first time,” said Jackson. He has a lot of good points and he’s a cool dude.”
President of Southern’s Student Government Association Carey Ash sees Jindal’s recent inauguration as a peaceful transition of authority.
“I feel that Louisiana has just experienced the peaceful transition of power,” said Ash. I hope him well and hope he does the same for the state also.”
Ash is hoping to gain an audience with the newly elected governor in the coming weeks to discuss the future of Southern.
“One of his main priorities need to be education,” said Ash. ” Louisiana ranks at the bottom of everything except murder and that shouldn’t be.”
According to Baton Rouge newspaper The Advocate, Jindal will call a special session before regular session begins March 31 to spend the $1 billion state government surplus and to advance tax breaks for businesses which should help businesses both new and those still struggling after the hurricanes.
Thomas Brown, freshmen Business management major from Baton Rouge is happy with the governor’s plans for the state’s money.
“I think he’ll be a good governor because he’s using Louisiana’s money for projects that’ll better the state,” said Brown.