Landry and Boustany agree on region’s needs

St. Mary Industrial Group President Bob Miller introduced last Monday’s speakers at the organization’s membership luncheon as candidates, but Congressmen Charles Boustany and Jeff Landry each resisted any official indication that they are or will be in competition when they are expected to face one another for political survival in the 2012 election season.

Instead, both elected officials blasted the Obama administration and status quo of Washington politics for economic downturns that have impacted the oil and gas industry and regulations that stall the advancement of business in south Louisiana.

Boustany (R-Lafayette), who currently represents District 7, went first as each of the two Republicans were offered floor time followed by jointly fielding questions from attendees at the Petroleum Club in Morgan City.

“There is a tremendous amount of uncertainty that this country is facing,” he said in terms of businesses and families wondering how to plan for their futures.

“As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee … I’m thinking what is the basic, fundamental issue here,” the congressman said. “The issue in my mind is that we have seen a massive erosion of American competitiveness. Whether you are a small business in Louisiana or a large American company, it is all about can [America] compete in the 21st century?”

In the course of his statements Boustany said the federal government should get a handle on spending, control debt and adopt a balanced budget amendment. “It will take more than just the Congress to do this. We need the American people to get involved and state legislatures around the country need to get involved in this,” he said.

“Fiscal discipline and controlling spending is not enough,” Boustany said. “We have to grow the economy. There are simple policy areas we need to look at if we are going to grow this economy.” He outlined energy policy, tax reform, trade and health care as the primary factors before Congress that require changes to boost the economy.

Landry said it seems unfair to feed people then talk about the federal government.

Representing Dist. 3, Landry, (R-New Iberia) spoke of successes including addition of a flood controlling barge in Bayou Chene and being able to work beyond obstacles including federal regulations. He then spoke in praise of the freshman class of Congress, of which he is a member.

“[Establishment Washington] didn’t believe [newcomers could] beat out many high powered politicians from both sides of the isle,” he said. “We started changing Washington. We started manning seats on committees that are supposed to be reserved for senior members.”

Landry said he sought serving on committees that were important to south Louisiana, including transportation and infrastructure, natural resources, wildlife and fisheries, and the Coast Guard. “I can’t think of four agencies that are more important to south Louisiana,” he said. “I want to impact the things that means the most to you all. I want to make sure that Louisiana has a voice when those agencies come to calling.”

Boustany and Landry both encouraged those in attendance to call their respective senators in an effort to secure regional needs and priorities, while acknowledging their points of agreement.

“I’m very pleased [that Boustany and Landry are] recognizing that fiscal responsibility should be a top priority in Washington,” state Sen.-elect Bret Allain said following the joint presentation. “They alluded to the problems and challenges we are going to have in the state legislature trying to find matching funds for the I-49 corridor. I’ve talked to both of them and they say they want to work with us [on Interstate-49] as an economic development tool.”

Landry chuckled when asked about the possibility of challenging Bousatany after District 3 is officially eliminated due to redistricting. “I’ve always said that if I feel like I’m going to sit home on my couch and be frustrated with how my congressman votes then I would be in this race,” Landry said. “We’ll see whether or not I feel like that will be happening. If not, I can tell you I’m not going to sit at home and be as frustrated as I was two years ago. If that’s the case, then I’ll be in the race.”

“We run every two years, but right now I’m focused on doing the job for my district and trying to solve some very difficult problems our country is facing today,” Boustany said when asked about the possibility of Landry running against him. “We have to turn this country around. American families and businesses are suffering. That is where I am focused right now. There will be plenty of time for politics in the future.”

Congressmen Jeff Landry, (left) and Charles Boustany share a laugh at the St. Mary Industrial Group membership luncheon. With the elimination of Louisiana’s third congressional district it is believed the pair will face-off next year for a single seat. MIKE NIXON