Candidates vying for the position of governor dealt with issues ranging from economic development to the progression of historically black colleges and universities in Louisiana at a public forum sponsored by Southern University in conjunction with the SUBR Center for Energy and Environmental Studies.
Six of the twelve candidates were present on the SU BR campus. Elections will be held statewide on October 4.
Here’s what the candidates had to say:
Kathleen Babineaux Blanco
Lieutenant Governor
“HBCUs play an important role in Louisiana. It is time for us to not only nurture and encourage these universities but give them a fair playing field so that they would have equal consideration for funding.”
Randy Ewing
Former President of the La. Senate
“In order to draw new industries to Louisiana, you have to be proactive. I would go to these business and tell them of the great opportunities that are available in Louisiana.”
Richard Ieyoub
Attorney General
“It’s time for us to plug up the migration of our most productive and progressive minds to cities like Houston, Dallas, and Atlanta. It’s time to take immediate action on this problem and come up with an effective economic development plan.
Dan Kyle
Former La. Legislative Auditor
“It is time for the State of Louisiana to live within its means and get rid of the “Good Old Boy Politics” we have created over the years. We cannot bring new industries to the state if we don’t erase the political corruption.”
Claude “Buddy” Leach
Former U.S. Congressman
“We should place taxes on foreign oil that is refined in Louisiana and sold to other states. We should take that money and pay our teachers at the national average.”
David Treen
Former Governor
“It’s alright to try the voucher system to see that it can improve the quality of education for a child but it is the job of the BESE board to take over schools that are failing and turn them around so that all students can receive a quality education.”
