Says immigration and crime big concerns in town hall meeting
Levee improvements were a hot topic when U.S. Sen. David Vitter hosted a “town hall meeting” attended by residents and public officials at the St. Charles Parish Courthouse in Hahnville on April 9.
And just about everyone seemed satisified – or at least willing to suspend their sense of disbelief – when he promised to bring in “high-level Army Corps of Engineers officials” to spearhead improvements designed to protect parishioners from the flooding that any major storm would bring.
Vitter also addressed questions about how crime in New Orleans is affecting the economic growth of the entire region.
The senator went on to advise Orleans Parish voters to consider replacing New Orleans District Attorney Eddie Jordan, whose office in recent weeks, has been accused of botching criminal prosecutions.
“In my opinion that office is out to lunch,” Vitter said.
About 40 people attended the meeting.
Residents expressed concerns about the Davis Pond Diversion, which channels water from the Mississippi River into Barataria Bay.
Some wondered whether it should be closed off when a storm threatens, saying such a move might prevent a storm surge into Luling or Ama.
Also discussed was Vitter’s support for expansion of the so-called “Gulf Opportunity Zone Act,” which gives tax credits to parishes with homes that were damaged by either Hurricanes Katrina or Rita.
Vitter rounded out the meeting by voicing his belief that federal immigration laws ought to be strictly enforced.
“We have made a lot of progress in this area but we need to go further in terms of border security and workplace enforcement,” he said.
Questions? Comments? Email Shonna Riggs at shonnar@heraldguide.com.
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