Reader: Time for incumbents to go

Reader: Time for incumbents to go

Dear Editor,

Elections are just around the corner, and as usual, there are a plethora of constitutional amendments for the voters to consider yet again this year. While I’m generally hesitant on supporting amendments–most of the state’s long list would be better served as statutes rather than protected as amendments–there is one in particular that deserves our support on Election Day.

If there is one thing Louisianans despise more than amendments, it is the diversion of funds away from their intended purposes. Amendment No. 8 falls into that category and would establish the Artificial Reef Development Fund and prohibit its money from being used for any purpose other than the program’s intent.

Eighteen million dollars was swept in 2009 from the “Rigs to Reefs” program to the Overcollections Fund and $26.6 million was swept in 2011 to the Medical Assistance Fund. In 2013, an attempt was made ! again to sweep these funds, but the Legislature was successful in getting these funds restored. These funds are still currently vulnerable to another diversion going forward if Amendment No. 8 fails.

The reason it is important to protect these funds is both economical and environmental. This program is funded by private companies whose rigs in the Gulf and onshore have been decommissioned. By law and in response to the BP oil spill, rig platforms must be removed one year after production stops if no future utility can be proven as part of the federal government’s “idle-iron initiative.” This is a very costly endeavor to undertake, especially as revenues from a particular rig are drying up. In 1986, the state created the “Rigs to Reefs” program to keep this type of idle-iron in the Gulf. Over the years, these rigs have become artificial habitats for various species of marine life. These reefs are the reason the waters off the Louisiana coast are some of the be! st in the Gulf for recreational fishing and diving. Now more than ever, this program is vital to Louisiana as half of the rigs in the Gulf are at risk of being decommissioned within the next five years. Without the help of this program, these artificial reefs could be lost forever.

In return for the ability to keep the rig structure in the Gulf, companies donate half of the money that would have been spent on removing the platform per the federal guidelines to the state. These dollars serve to maintain the reefs, administer the program, and facilitate the creation of other artificial reefs in and around Louisiana. Not protecting these funds endangers two critical aspects of the program.

First, what confidence does it give a company to know its donation for a particular purpose is not guaranteed to be used for that purpose? I believe a lack of trust in this program could cause many to second-guess participating in the program, thus stunting the progress we have mad! e over the years.

Secondly, as a state, we should be in the business of helping and enhancing our fisheries. This program is a proven way to do that. Anglers and divers from around the country come to Louisiana to enjoy the benefits of what this program has created.

This is not a situation where public funds in one area are being diverted to another. That happens all of the time in government and is something that must be done as needs are weighed and budgets are balanced. This is different. These private funds serve a noble and public purpose and should remain where they were intended.

On Election Day, the choice is simple. Protecting the “Rigs to Reefs” program is a win-win for both our bountiful resources and an industry that is vital to our economy.

I appreciate your support of this very important initiative for Louisiana. Please vote YES on Amendment No. 8.

Sen. Bret Allain,

District 21

Franklin, La.

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Nominees sought for veteran salute

Dear Editor,

Many veterans have made great sacrifices to protect our county and our freedoms through their service in the United States military. Many have continued to serve our community after leaving the military. All too often their efforts go unnoticed even though they have continued to help make our community a safer and better place to live.

With this in mind, the Houma Civitan Club will honor an outstanding veteran who has continued to serve our community. This is the second year this event will be held. Members of the public are invited to submit letters of nomination. Letters must be received before Nov. 1.

Mail entries to the Houma Civitan Club, P.O. Box 495, Houma, La. 70361.

Letter should include:

• Name, rank, branch of military service, as well as approximate dates of service.

• Honors and experiences as well as any other pertinent information.

• Ways in which the nominated veteran has continued to serve the community.

• Name, address and phone number of the person submitting the nomination.

Judges will be indiduals not affiliated with Civitan.

God bless America.

Clayton Guedry

Project Chairman