October issue The Drum by The Drum Newspaper

THE DRUM BECAUSE COMMUNITY NEWS MATTERS

THEDRUMNEWSPAPER@GMAIL.COM

Tommy Davidson headlines Comedy Fest Comedian Tommy Davidson will headline the Baton Rouge Comedy Festival Nov. 9, 8pm, at the Baton Rouge River Center, 275 South River Road. Davidson has a career that has stood the DAVIDSON test of time and genres. Best known for the indelible characters he created on the iconic variety show, “In Living Color,” he is the ultimate all-around performer selling out venues from coast-to-coast while bicycling between television and major motion pictures. He stars on Adult Swim’s #1 series, “Black Dynamite” which continues to garner impressive ratings and critical lauds. For more, go to: www.TommyDavidson.net

OCTOBER 2012

Nurturing Our Roots Fine Arts Gallery opens in Amite AMITE—NURTURING OUR ROOTS FINE Arts Gallery opened its doors for the first time earlier this month to scores of friends, family members, and well wishers. The gallery located at 191 West Oak Steet in Amite, features the work of local artists and photos of families. It will be the site for teaching and entertainment programs. Founder Antoinette Harrell said the non-profit gallery was established to address the need for Black children and youth to see positive, uplifting images of Black people and for the community to have a place to train young artists that can continue that tradition. Harrell is a genealogist whose work has exposed modern slavery and peonage in current date. “There is no gallery or cultural center here in Amite. We live in a parish where sports is the leading entertainment. Those youth who do not take part in sports are left with all those talents of music, drama, film, and all these things

Outside mural of the Nurturing Our Roots Fine Arts Gallery. Drum photo by EDDIE PONDS we want to expose the children to,” said Harrell. The gallery will attract national and international artists and offer art

THE DRUM earns NAACP award BY CRYSTAL JENKINS

THE DRUM Reporter

Gulf oil spill workers sought for study THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF Environmental Health Sciences is making another push to get people who worked on the BP/Deepwater Horizon oil disaster cleanup to enroll in a longterm health study. The agency said the goal is to have 35,000 – 40,000 people signed up before December 31. The study looks at how the oil leak cleanup work affects physical and mental health. To participate call (855) 644-4853 or visit www.gulfstudy. nih.gov.

INSIDE

THE DRUM NEWSPAPER AND PUBLISHER Eddie Ponds received the paper’s first NAACP award, Oct. 18, during the Baton Rouge Branch of the NAACP’s annual Freedom Fund Dinner. For the first time, the chapter presented a Media and Journalism award said president and Baton Rouge attorney Kwame Asante. Ponds started the Ponchatoulabased paper in 1987 and has expanded to serve 30,000 readers in Hammond, Amite, Baton Rouge, and Baker. The 2012 NAACP Baton Rouge Chapter Great Award Winners were: Herman Brister Jr., principal of McKinley Middle Magnet School; State Rep. Edward “Ted” James II, District 101; Erin Monroe Wesley,

Bless your Sole, page 7

Felder in Business, page 15

senior vice president of government affairs for Baton Rouge Area Chamber Please see HONOREES, PG 7

classes, performing arts, and homework assistance.

SULC ranked No. 1 in faculty diversity SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY LAW CENTER IS ONE of the nation’s most outstanding law schools and is ranked number one in most faculty diversity, according to the education services company, The Princeton Review, which features SULC in the new 2013 edition of its book, “The Best 168 Law Schools.” The Princeton Review does not rank the law schools in the book on a single hierarchical list from 1 to 168, or name one law school best overall. Instead, the book has 11 ranking lists of the top 10 law schools in various categories, such as “Most Diverse Faculty,” in which SULC gets the top ranking; “Most Chosen By Older Students,” in which SULC ranks #2; and “Best Environment for Minority Students,” in which SULC ranks # 3.

Candidates predict first six months BY EDDIE PONDS

NOI, SU Ag Center meeting, page 3

NUMBER 429

The Drum publisher

PONCHATOULA—MORE THAN 200 community leaders across East Baton Rouge and Tangipahoa parishes have stepped up to the challenge of seeking elected office. With push cards, website, photos, emails, and billboards promoting their campaigns, many voters are unsure of the changes they will see after the election. To help in the decision making process, THE DRUM staff polled subscribers to find one question they would like all candidates to answer. More than half of the people polled wanted to know what would be the first changes the candidates would make in office. Letters were mailed asking all candidates in the two parishes “What will be the major changes your constituents will see within the first six months if you were elected or re-elected?” Here are their answers: (Candidates

who did not respond by press time, were omitted from this list.) U. S. REPRESENTATIVE 1st CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Gary King: “My pledge: For OUR district to benefit from my radio show research team. It take special skills and time for in-depth research, we will inform you of each bill and what it REALLY means to us locally, knowledge is power and we will sharpen our swords in the information war. Knowing is half the battle and we will be fully aware of what we are taking on TOGETHER. I will bring your concerns to Washington.” Vinny Mendoza: “I will work hard to expand Free Trade Agreements with Latin America, to end the Cuban embargo and to bring Japanese investors to improve the Port New Orleans and Port Fourchon’s infrastructure thus creating

GARY KING

VINNY MENDOZA

up to 50,000 new jobs. I am not going to turn my back against any legislation that benefits the people of the 1st. District. When75,000 people lost their jobs in our district, Rep. Scalise voted NO to block the Jobs Act; when10,000 people lost their homes, he voted NO to extend the Home Affordable Mortgage Program; Scalise supports to turn Medicare into a voucher program. He voted YES to keep U.S. troops in Afghanistan and supports Israel’s strike against Iran’s nuclear Please see CANDIDATES, PG 8

THE DRUM

OCTOBER 2012

Having a Baby? Get the care you need. LaCare wants our mothers-to-be to have a healthy baby. Early prenatal care is the best way. As soon as you learn you are pregnant, make an appointment to see a doctor. If you are a LaCare member, call us to share your good news, too.

Start Now for the Health of Your Baby Call LaCare at 1-888-913-0327 (TTY 1-866-428-7588) for more information about the Bright StartSM* program or log on to lacarelouisiana.com. *The Bright Start program is available to LaCare members only.

BRIGHTSTART Helping Families and Communities Stay Healthy

OCTOBER 2012

THE DRUM

STATE Nation of Islam talks farming following Farrakhan’s SU visit BY BILLY WASHINGTON THE DRUM reporter MINISTER

LOUIS FARRAKHAN a variety of issues when he spoke at Southern University’s F.G. Clark Activity Center that ranged from the expected —religion and education—to the more surprising, agriculture. “Agriculture is the foundation to any nation, Farrakhan said. “When you have land you have the basis to independence. A wise man learns how to love land and care for land. Farmers are the smartest people.” TOUCHED ON

Despite being on the same night as the first presidential debate, the Nation of Islam leader drew a crowd of about 1,900 students, university leaders and members of the community. Larry Muhammad, dean and national director of Muhammad University of Islam, visited members of Southern University’s AgCenter to develop a partnership between both entities following Farrakhan’s arrival. “They (Nation of Islam) have an agricultural program Please see SHAW, PG 11

. Photo by SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY AG CENTER.

Experts explain how to get political opinions heard StatePoint FOR MOST AMERICANS, POLITICS can feel like a spectator sport, especially in an election year when so much news is devoted to the horse race. But there are many ways average citizens can take active and engaged roles in local, state and national politics. “We can’t just watch from the sidelines,” said Loren J. Enns, author of, The Sword of Liberty a new novel which tells the story of an America where the government has been compromised by a cabal of debt-addicted politicians who must be stopped by regular citizens relying on the power of the Constitution. “Our founders gave us the emergency authority to reign-in the federal government.” Here are some ways you can make your political voice heard: Vote: According to Census statistics, only 63 percent of citizens ages 18 years or older voted in the last presidential election. Every election you should go to the polls and take your children with you, so they learn an important civics lesson. Learn: Read history books to gain perspective and insight. Study the Constitution thoroughly and know your rights. Use Internet search engines to read up on everything from our founding fathers to current issues. “In fact, a long forgotten clause in the U.S. Constitution, Article 5, can be used to reconvene the Constitutional Convention of 1787 in order to bypass our government and ratify amendments,” said Enns, who is advocating for a new Constitutional Amendment to establish a national initiative process by which citizens could vote on federal legislation and a national recall process by which they could remove congressmen, senators and even the president from office. Meet Your Politicians:

Did you know many politicians host open office hours when citizens can visit and have questions and concerns addressed? Find out when visiting hours are and make an appointment. Prepare by writing out what you plan to say. If meeting in person is not possible, write, call or email. Stay Informed: Be an educated activist by keeping up with current events. Get news about the economy, health care, taxes and other issues that affect you from a variety of unbiased sources. “For example, today our national debt is skyrocketing toward $16 trillion,” said Enns. “And every taxpayer’s share is $139,000, with many therefore believing the government is driving America towards bankruptcy.

And regular citizens actually can help change this.” Organize: There is strength in numbers. Get your friends together and start an organization. From the Occupy Wall Street movement to the Tea Party, recent years have seen grassroots organizations rise to national prominence. You can use online resources like Facebook and Twitter to quickly and inexpensively disseminate information about your events and issues you care about. “Years from now, when history books are written, what will they say about you?” said Enns, whose new novel The Sword of Liberty is being published in paperback and as an eBook, available as a free download through Nov. 6 from

Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble and www.theswordofliberty. com/purchasebook.htm. “If you don”t like the

status quo, don’t be a passive complainer. Get involved and make a difference!”

Election Day Voting Reminder

When you go to the polls to cast your vote, be sure to take a driver's license, a Louisiana Special ID, or some other generally recognized picture ID that contains your name and signature. You may get a FREE Louisiana Special ID at the Office of Motor Vehicles by showing your voter registration information card. If you have misplaced your voter registration information card, contact your registrar of voters for a new one. Voters who have no picture ID may bring a utility bill, payroll check or government document that includes their name and address. The voter will have to sign an affidavit furnished by the Elections Division in order to vote. Should any problems or questions, the principal office of the registrar of voters in each parish will be open 6am - 9pm election day.

THE DRUM

OCTOBER 2012

BY CAMERON JAMES THE DRUM Reporter

HAVE YOU

FOUND Me?

Me-TV Baton Rouge showcases classic shows from the 50s through the 80s. You will see some of the best shows ever made for television, all in one place. © 2012 CBS STUDIO S, S I NC . ALL RIGH TS RESERVED. R - D IC K VAN DYKE © C OURT ESY Y CALVADA PRODUCTIONS

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OCTOBER 2012

THE DRUM

Miss Black Louisiana to be crowned in Baton Rouge, Nov. 10 MISS BLACK LOUISIANA USA WILL host its 3rd Annual Pageant on Saturday, November 10, at 5 PM. The pageant will be held at the Louisiana State Police Training Academy located at 7901 Independence Blvd, Baton Rouge, LA. Contestants between the ages of 7 and 25 will be competing in the Little and Miss divisions. The contestants will

compete in the following categories: Evening Gown, On-stage Question, Personal Interview, Talent and Sportswear. This year’s entertainment is New Orleans’ own R&B sensation, Princess Denisia. Tiny Princess 2013, Jay'Lyn Chancellor and Miss Black Louisiana USA Talented Teen 2013, Saretta A. Wilson will be

crowned during this event. The judges are members of the community who have been chosen to act as an impartial body responsible for selecting the most elegant, talented and community services oriented queens who will represent the organization throughout the 2013 year. Miss Black Louisiana USA and Talented Teen 2013 will go

onto compete for the national titles next summer. All fees and travel expenses associated with the national competition will be covered by Miss Black Louisiana USA. General admission tickets are $30 online at https://www. wepay.com/events/who-willrock-the-crown-mbl-2012scholarship-pageant.

after his address. Ja’el Gordon, Baton Rouge native and SU Student Organizations coordinator was in that session. “We were given the opportunity to ask three questions and one of the questions he answered concerned economics,” Gordon said. “He mentioned that we give so much to other countries, but we don’t care for ourselves at home.” Students also gained a better understanding of the religion of Islam and the controversial teachings of the Nation of Islam. Farrakhan noted the Bible

says God created man in His image which means man has the same potential to grow into Him. Farrakhan said this is the type of thinking students should bring to school. “Farrakhan expressed that the land that we live on and the food we put in our bodies should be important to us and the way we live,” said Tyler Mickens, a Varnado, La., native and SU ambassador. Other students said they believed the speech was empowering, enlightening and a rare opportunity to hear the legend Farrakhan speak. “I think the speech was empowering to all in attendance, SGA President

AGRICULTURE cont. from page 3 for the students of their schools and they offered for us a collaborative,” said Bridgette Udoh, SU Ag Center communications specialist. The Nation of Islam has bought property across the country, including an acre in Chicago, for Muhammad University. Farrakhan also lauded the progress of NOI’s vegetable crops during his address, which includes beans, spinach and okra. Farrakhan said education is the key to the future for African Americans, and education is required to make people more productive in a society based on white supremacy. Blacks

need a superior education not an easy education because a proper education will make a productive people, he said. “We have a garden curriculum center here that we use to equip kids with gardening skills and we also promote diet awareness,” Udoh said. “We also plan to share our curriculum with Muhammad University.” Udoh said she was impressed with the NOI’s focus on youth. She discovered more about how the organization is dedicated to teaching children the fundamentals of gardening. Farrakhan engaged a smaller Q&A dialogue group

Willie McCorkie said. “If you (those in attendance) paid attention to what he was speaking on you wouldn’t take offense to anything he was saying because it was all in good faith.” Farrakhan, 79, has been the Nation of Islam leader since 1975. It has been more than a decade since had a Baton Rouge appearance. “This was a once-in-a-lifetime-opportunity to witness the Malcolm X of today’s time,” McCorkle said.

Study finds high poverty causes higher inflammation in children NEW RESEARCH FROM THE PenningtonBiomedicalResearchCenter demonstrates that children who live in high poverty have higher levels of inflammation, a definitive marker for heart disease in adults. In a new study published today in PLOS ONE , researchers at Pennington Biomedical have determined that children living in high poverty or high crime neighborhoods have elevated levels of C-reactive protein, a marker of inflammation and, in adults a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. "This research suggests that children's cardiovascular health may also suffer from chronic stress associated with living in certain neighborhoods," said Stephanie Broyles, Ph.D., lead

author of the children's research study. "Until now, research has mainly focused on pathways to obesity and disease involving neighborhoods with low access to healthy food or opportunities to be physically active." "This new finding provides more evidence that where we live can impact our health status," says Broyles. "It shows that we need to think more broadly about environmental factors that elevated cardiovascular risk. For example, we have laws that protect people from environmental exposure to second hand smoke because of disease risk. As we think about ways to lower disease risk and health care costs, we need to continue to pay attention to the ways that our neighborhoods shape

disease risk," said Broyles. The study included 385 children ages 5 to 18 years from 255 households within 101 census tracts in Louisiana. Analyses compared children's inflammation levels greater than 3 mg/L to those with levels of 3 and less mg/L across neighborhood environments. Results showed 18.6% of children living in higher levels of poverty or crime had elevated CRP levels, in contrast to 7.9% of children living in neighborhoods with lower levels of poverty and crime. In addition, children from neighborhoods with the highest levels of crime or poverty had 2.7 times the odds of having elevated CRP levels when compared to children from other neighborhoods, independent of other factors such as weight, educational

attainment or behavioral differences. According to the research team, there are no guidelines for screening children for elevated C-reactive protein. Yet, prevention and early disease screening may have the greatest impact when targeting children living in neighborhoods with high levels of poverty or crime. "Most work in this area has been done in adults and we wanted to study if there was evidence for neighborhood's promoting stress in children. C-reactive protein isn't a direct measure of stress, but it is part of our body's cascade of responses to chronic stress and an important marker for disease risk in adults that tracks from childhood to adulthood," said Broyles.

next two years. The project will make the company’s Baton Rouge plant the world’s largest producer of finished lubricants, which are used in motor oils, gear oils and greases. Officials said the expansion has been in works since 2009 and the state will provide a $1.8 million modernization tax credit payable over five years. Exxon is also expected to use the state’s enterprise zone and industrial tax incentive program.

vocational training, mentoring, mental health treatment, re-entry programs, midnight basketball, fighting blight, fixing streetlights, and sending “violence interrupters” into neighborhoods to prevent retaliation murders. Chevron’s Gulf of Mexico business unit presented NOLA for Life a $1 million check for education and job training. The city hopes to raise a total $1 million. New Orleans entrepreneurs will sell NOLA For Life-themed items, giving part of their proceeds to the initiative. The project is a partnership between the city, Lee’s ad agency Spike DBB, and the urban League of New Orleans.

BRIEFS Amtrak service to Dallas a real possibility SHREVEPORT—A group of elected officials and transportation commissioners from Shreveport and Dallas-Fort Worth are moving forward with plans to Amtrak to establish what could be a 300-mile rail service between the two cities including small and large cities in Texas, Louisiana, and Arkansas. The line could extend from Shreveport to Meridian, making a connection to Southeastern Louisiana feasible. With proper federal and state support, Amtrak service to ShreveportBossier could be operational in 18 months, sooner than the completion of the I-49 north route in 2016, according to State Rep. Roy Burrell. The Shreveport Sun reported the estimated build-out would cost $60 million to

build out the rail into the state.

‘Gumbeaux Magazine’ endorses Boustany LAKE CHARLES—Calcasieu parish’s oldest Black newsmagazine, Gumbeaux Magazine, and publisher Lawrence Morrow have endorsed Congressman Charles Boustany (R-Lake Charles) in his bid for re-election. Boustany was also endorsed by The American Press, the city’s daily newspaper.

ExxonMobil to expand La. chemical plants PORT ALLEN—ExxonMobil officials said a $200 million project to expand its chemical and lubricant plants in Baton Rouge and Port Allen will begin at the end of the year. The project is expected to bring more than 400 construction and fulltime jobs to the state of the

Spike Lee joins N.O. murder reduction team NEW ORLEANS—Filmmaker Spike Lee has joined New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu in launching NOLA for Life, a murder reduction strategy. The NOLA For Life initiative combines public safety with other approaches, including

THE DRUM

OCTOBER 2012

BR River Boat Bandits sacking violence and bolstering area communities BY LYNWOOD ALBERT JR. THE DRUM reporter

Baton Rouge, La. –Football is a rough and tumble sport, but it provides an outlet for young men and organizers of the semi-pro Southern American Football League hope it can curb violence while players are having fun and staying healthy in the process. SAFL Commissioner Joe Bean says the league is about commitment, accomplishment and community. “The league fills a void that has claimed the lives of countless young men in this community,” Bean said. The Baton Rouge River Boat Bandits are one of 12 teams from Louisiana, Mississippi and Arkansas in the SAFL. The SAFL is a minor league that has a major influence on young men between the ages of 18 to 35. “We have our kids covered from 5 to 18, but we're losing that gap from 18 to 26 to everything that's negative on the street,” said Bean. Bean, a former LSU player, said the goal is to give men another avenue and let them live their dreams. Assistant coach Eddie Kay, 44, a Baton Rouge native has a long football history. This is Kay’s 13th season with the team and he has been the assistant coach for the last eight years. Kay played both high school and college. “When I was younger I played football at Glen Oaks High School, class of 1986, and I also played linebacker at LSU from 1986- 1988,” Kay said. “One reason why I like doing this is the fact that a lot of these guys can still come to this league and play. Now, they don’t get paid but they can still participate in this league, go unto college and still play ball, some even come back after they get out of college and play and then go play for the indoor football league, NFL or CFL,” Kay said. Switching to the coach’s role has opened new doors of service for Kay. “The impact that it’s had on me is the fact that it gives me a chance to give back to the community,” he said. “Because a lot of young men need direction in their lives, a lot of them come out here and play with us; they don’t know if it’s something they can do, but they know it’s something that they really want to do.” “This football team gives young men in the Baton Rouge community something positive to do other than what they could be doing at 5 or 6 O’clock in the evening like drinking, running the streets, and doing drugs or other things that they shouldn’t be doing.” Kay explained that playing football for the Bandits also gets the players to focus on important life aspects such as teamwork, unity, family and community service. Playing for the love of the game comes with great benefits both on and off the field. In order to play for the Bandits or any other SAFL team, players must do community service and stay committed to family movie night. “We can’t stress that enough because family is very important and all of the guys out here are working to take care of their families,” Kay said. A lot of the guys are young fathers or recently married and Kay said he feels it gives him a chance to give back to them and show them that it’s more to life than just going to work in the morning, hanging out at the house, hanging out on the corner with some of your friends and getting into whatever you can get into in the evening. When describing the relationship between the coaches and players one word quickly comes to mind: family. “The relationship that I have with the players is good; we all hang out,

Baton Rouge River Boat Bandits. Photo By SAF LEAGUE. laugh, and talk with each other, “Kay said. “We don’t go to clubs or anything like that but we do have some fun with each other out here, we care about each other – it’s family.” “Sometimes they would come to me about problems they’re dealing with like trying to find a job, I spent a few years as a Chase Bank vice president so people would come to me and ask, ‘hey, Eddie, do you know anyone that’s hiring or anybody I could talk to,’ so I try to help out any way that I can.” “You must have that opendoor policy to open up a line of communication with these guys because if you don’t things that they need from you they’ll never know to ask and when things go bad and they get in trouble you’ll always think back and say, ‘man, I could’ve helped them had I known.’ So, you have to make sure that they know upfront that they can come to you about anything.” Bandits head coach Emmanuel Howard has been head coach for the past 15 years. Howard played football in the 1970s as a player-coach for the semi-pro team Delavan Red Devils when he lived in Wisconsin. Later, he played for the Red Wings when he came back to Baton Rouge. “As coach of this football team I can say that this is a great outlet for the young men who graduate from high school and don’t go to college because I love coaching and helping point these young men in the right direction,” Howard said. “It’s all a part of the game and it gives them something that they love to do and enjoy.” “The rewards for playing on the team are extremely beneficial. These young men can come out here and further their football careers and most of all it keeps them off of the streets and out of trouble.” Kenny Dyson, a 27 year-old defensive tackle from Baton Rouge has been playing for the Bandits since 2008. Dyson said, playing on the football team has helped him bond better with other people. Dyson, an automotive mechanic, also played football for Belaire High School. D’ Jay Martin, a 23 year-old running back/kick returner from Brusly, has been playing for the Bandits since 2010. Playing for the Bandits has helped keep him focused and out of trouble, he said. “It also gives me something to do when I get off from work,” Martin said. Martin played football at French Settlement and appreciates this opportunity. “For most people like me, and a few other players on the team who

weren’t blessed with the opportunity to go to college, this gives us a chance to still play football.” “Coach Howard is like a father to me,” Martin said. Both players and coaches alike said participating in the SAFL is more than playing a football game and guys like Howard and Kay are more than just great football coaches – they’re great life coaches. SAFL player are not paid, but uniforms and travel are funded through

private donations and sponsorships, Howard said. The Bandits practice Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30p.m. at Kenilworth Middle School. The Bandits’ last championship victory was in 2008, but they hope they can eliminate violence and win another title. For more information about joining or supporting the team, email saflking@ yahoo.com. Visit the SAFL at www. safleague.org.

Paid for by the Committee to Re-elcet Reginald Brown City Constable

OCTOBER 2012

THE DRUM

DRUMROLL Bless your sole: BR girl moved to help others

AL RIDLEY

JUDEGE SHERAL KELLAR

The East Baton Rouge Parish Department of Juvenile Services presented a Patriotic Employe award to 1st Leutenant AL RIDLEY for his contributions to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America's National Guard and Reserve Force. Ridley has been employed with the East Baton Rouge Parish Department of Juvenile Services for 22 years. He has served the Army and National Guard. SHERAL C. KELLAR, the Louisiana Workforce Commission’s chief judge for workers’ compensation, recently represented Louisiana on an auspicious panel at the Second Annual National Regulators Roundtable in Orlando, Florida. She was one of only 12 participants from across the country selected for this honor. THERESE BADON and LAJUANA CHENIER, both of New Orleans, have been moved to oversee the fundraising efforts of the United Negro College Fund. Badon has been appointed vice president of development. In this capacity, she is fiscally responsible for generating and managing more than $19 million annually. The Dillard

University graduate is also a notary public in New Orleans. Chenier is the new regional development director in the UNCF New Orleans office. The Xavier graduate is responsible for the yearly fundraising initiatives in Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. UNCF is the nation’s largest private provider of scholarships and educational support for minority and lowincome students. CLAUDE JACKSON of Rodessa was appointed to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board as of August 17. Jackson is the former Water and Sewage Superintendent for the Town of Rodessa and the Town of Hosston. He will serve as a representative of the 4th Congressional District for the board which regulates public policy for the state’s gaming industry. Shreveport attorney MARY JACKSON was sworn in as a member of the Shreveport Airport Authority , a voluntary board charges with overseeing the operation and maintenance of the city’s downtown and regional airport. Keithville native DANIEL MCFARLAND was recently elected to the National Junior

JUDGE CARL STEWART

Angus Association Board of Directors during the 2012 National Junior Angus Show in August. McFarland is a sophomore animal science/ biology major at the University of Arkansas. He is the first Black elected to the board in the history of the American Angus Association. He is the son of Dr. and Mrs. Mairus McFarland of Keithville. Caddo Parish Levee Board’s new members are the REV. JAMES SIMS of Oil City and HAROLD WHITE of Shreveport. Sims is a pastor of Lake Zion Baptist Church and mayor-pro tem of the Town of Oil City. White is the former Finance Director for Feist-Weiller Cancer Center. They will serve as gubernatorial appointees in Caddo Parish. The levee district insures the integrity of the levee system. Judge CARL STEWART became the first Black chief judge of the Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, earning the position through the process of ascension based on age and tenure. Stewart becomes the second Black to serve on the appellate court. He earned his undergraduate degree from Dillard University in 1971 and graduated from Loyola University’s law school in 1974.

HONOREES cont. from page 1

of Commerce; and Sevetri M. Wilson, founder/ lead consultant for Solid Ground Innovations LLC. Other honorees were Eugene Brown of Brown and Brown Clothiers, winner of the Business/ Entrepreneur Award; Deborah W. Jones of United Health Care, winner of the Community Service Award; attorney Demoine Rutledge of East Baton Rouge School System, winner of the Education Award; Judge John Michael Guidry, winner of the Law and Justice Award; Dr. Melvin

M. Murrill, winner of the Medicine and Health Award; State Rep. Patricia Haynes-Smith and East Baton Rouge School Board Rep. Tarvald Smith, winners of the Political and Government Award; Pastor Raymond A. Jetson of Star Hill Church, winner of the Religious Service Award; and the late Rev. Charles T. Smith of Shiloh Baptist Church, winner of the Esteemed Rupert S. Richardson President’s Award.

EBRP Schools photo.

BY LYNWOOD ALBERT JR. THE DRUM Reporter SHAKERA SMITH, 8, HAS small hands, but her big heart now links lives from Baton Rouge to Imo State, Nigeria. The Redemptorist Elementary School third-grader received the WAFB’s “Hand It On” distinction and $300 for her project, collecting shoes for orphans in Africa. Shakera was inspired by a Disney Channel segment about a little girl who asked her birthday party guests to bring a pair of shoes instead of gifts. “The little girl then got with her parents, collected shoes and sent them off to orphans; and I was inspired to help others as well,” Shakera said. “I wanted to help people in Africa,”she said. Shakeramentioned the idea to her grandmother Cheryl Hawkins and asked if she would help her achieve a goal of collecting 500 pairs of shoes. The two of them began collecting shoes in June. Since that time, Shakerahas reached her goal of 500 pairs of shoes. Shakera, an honor student and member of the basketball team, said she plans on doing more things in the future to help others and wants to be a doctor when she grows up. Hawkins said she was touched that her granddaughter wanted to help kids in Africa.“I was elated, surprised, but very pleased that she has that kind of heart,” Hawkins said.

“My granddaughter is very clear about what she wants to accomplish, so I’m really amazed at the depth of her thinking and caring for other people at such a young age – she’s only8!” Shakera’sfamily and her church family, Living Faith Christian Center in Baton Rouge, and classmates also helped collect shoes.“Shakera has inspired me to go forward with some plans that I had for the community because she really helped me to see that one person can really make a difference,” her grandmother said. “I think that God wants us to see that in these times when things are very of difficult and challenging that if one little girl can make a big difference any one of us can. She’s challenging me in terms of those things that I would like to see done in the community so I’m very happy and proud of her.” The “Hand It On” series encourages giving and community spirit. Street Beat Reporter Greg Meriwether gives someone $300 in hopes that the person will “Hand It On” by giving it away to help someone in need. The recipient of the hand in this case will be the children touched by the Life of Faith Outreach Ministries of Imo State, Nigeria, where the shoes will be shipped. The non-profit ministry also has offices in Baton Rouge.

To be included in the DRUMROLL section, submit your accomplishment and photo to thedrumnewspaper@ gmail.com. Make sure your full name and details of your accomplishment are provided along with a contact phone number. Photos should be sent as .jpeg or .tiff 300dpi files.

THE DRUM

OCTOBER 2012

Candidates answer ‘what difference would power plants which will begin WWIII. I will protect all Social Programs that affect you—I got your back and you can trust me! David Turknett: “The first change I would work on is to the federal response to storms. After Isaac we were lucky and had cell service, other storms not so much. One of my first objectives DAVID TURKNETT is to provide temporary cell service after storms. There are what they call COWs (Cells on Wheels, Temporary cells sites that can be quickly deployed). There were 26 deployed at the last inauguration, if they can deploy 26 for a party they can deploy 26 in a disaster area. Communications would make life easier after storms and not make us depend on rumors, as we all found out rumors can be dangerous. This is one of many issues we have living in south Louisiana.” U. S. REPRESENTATIVE, 2ND CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT Cedric Richmond: “The people who live and work in the new parts of the Second Congressional District, including Baton Rouge and the River Parishes, will immediately see me shine CEDRIC RICHMOND a spotlight on job creation and strengthening our economy. I plan to do this on multiple fronts. To begin, when congress reconvenes, I will continue my vocal support for President Obama’s American Jobs Act, which could support the creation of approximately 19,400 jobs in Louisiana. Additionally, we must create a more promising future for our children by making sure that they are equipped with the education and technical skills needed to embrace opportunity and earn a better life than their parents before them. Caleb Trotter: “Within the first six months of being represented by Caleb Trotter, constituents can expect to see three big things. First, a federal budget that reflects CALEB TROTTER realistic spending without raising taxes on anyone will be presented. This can be done if both Republicans and Democrats are willing to come to the table and have honest conversations about our nation’s priorities. Second, you will begin to hear debate on how to lower Louisiana’s world leading incarceration rate. We need to rethink the war on drugs. Over $1 trillion have been spent to accomplish no reduction in addiction rates. Third, Caleb will be an outspoken advocate for entrepreneurs. All regulations should continually be revisited to insure they are not functioning as road blocks to starting businesses and creating jobs. With the resources and talents within Louisiana, there is no logical reason we should have the 2nd highest poverty rate in the country.

U.S. REPRESENTATIVE CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

5TH

R o d n e y Alexander: “Better solutions can found by listening to the wisdom and resolve of the American people. Through my travels RODNEY ALEXANDER and conversations throughout the 5th District, I believe the top concerns of our citizens are the following: stability for our small businesses, reduce the skyrocketing national debt, increase our energy independence, and continue work to dismantle the Affordable Care Act. These are issues I have been tenaciously fighting for and vow to keep at the forefront of the new Congress. During a time when so many Americans are still enduring the effects of a weakened economy, our country needs to implement ideas that will put us on the path to recovery. Our problem is not that the federal government taxes too little, but that it spends far too much. Government policies should promote opportunity by fostering job growth, encouraging entrepreneurs, and allowing people to keep more of what they earn. I think our constituents know better than most bureaucrats in Washington, and if we focus on their priorities the first six months, our country will find stable footing once again. U. S. REPRESENTATIVE 6TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT No response ASSOCIATE JUSTICE SUPREME COURT, 5TH SUPREME COURT DISTRICT John Michael Guidry: “As a Justice on the Louisiana Supreme Court, I will hit the ground running, because I currently work hand and hand with current Justices JOHN GUIDRY of the Supreme Court in a number of different areas …I will use this experience to push for more access to justice by fighting to keep down court costs. I will work for more drug and sobriety courts to address an underlying cause for crime. I will work to train and educate judges to not only to be competent but to always respect the dignity of every person that comes before them. I am on a committee now that seeks to train and educate judges on how to handle domestic violence cases in a manner that the victims don’t feel victimized by the court system. I will work to insure that cases are decided fairly, honestly and swiftly. I want to improve technology so that cases are handled more efficiently. What people can expect from me is an experienced, honest judge who will respect their rights to a justice system where they can walk away from any case knowing that they had a fair hearing and their case was decided based on the law and principals of justice and equality.” Timothy E. ‘Tim’ Kelley: “Becoming the next Justice on the Louisiana Supreme Court would also mean

TIM KELLEY

that I would be the newest on the Court. Perhaps it would be good politics for me to pretend that I would walk in and change the operations and procedures of the Supreme Court immediately. That would be a disservice to the very people I hope to serve. No freshman member can or should make empty political promises. I will, if elected, work hard - as I have done each and every day as your District Judge - not to make new laws, but to make decisions based upon the existing law. And, most importantly, to do so with consistency without prejudice or bias as to any political party, personal or corporate wealth or walk of life. That is what I do now. It is why so many people around the district are strongly supporting my campaign for the Louisiana Supreme Court.”

problems they are experiencing with companies regulated by the PSC. I want to convene a community forum for constituents and all entities regulated by the PSC to discuss issues consumers and businesses have and ways the community can come together to address the issues going forward. Lastly, I want to engage all stakeholders by convening town hall meetings in various districts and inviting all stakeholders to participate in meaningful discussions to improve our energy grid and protect the grid from cyber threats. It is my deeply held conservative philosophies that motivate my efforts. Consumers are entitled to affordable services and I believe that it can be accomplished and still allow businesses to earn a healthy profit. The two are not mutually exclusive.

JUDGE, COURT OF APPEAL 1ST CIRCUIT, 2ND DIST., SUBDIST. 1, DIV. B

Forest Wright: “As a Democrat and the only candidate with a proven track record lowering customer utility bills, if elected you will see a major change in priorities at the Public Service Commission. For FOREST WRIGHT the past seven years I have been a champion for the public interest with the Alliance for Affordable Energy, leading to successful passage of rules that require greater transparency and accountability from electric utility companies, while increasing investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency programs that create jobs and lower energy bills. None of my opponents have any prior experience with utility energy issues. By putting people first, demanding full financial disclosure on new power plants and rate hike proposals, and laying out a clear agenda for Louisiana’s energy future, I will end the passive accommodation that has let the utility companies control our fate for too long. History shows I can do so, and will do so.

Gideon T. Carter III: ”As the only Democratic candidate in this race for a seat on the First Circuit Court of Appeal and the only practicing attorney I have, for GIDEON CARTER III the past 28 years, represented clients from all walks of life, crossing all socioeconomic, cultural and racial barriers, including other lawyers and small businesses. I have represented and protected the interests of real people and developed lasting relationships with other lawyers throughout this State and Country. When I am elected to the Court of Appeal all parties coming before me on the bench will know that I possess the unique ability to understand exactly what’s at stake. No interest or concern will go unprotected. If voting Democratic is what you do then make no mistake, I AM THE ONLY DEMOCRAT IN THIS RACE. So you ask, “Why am I running for Judge?” My response is simply, Because Getting It Right Matters.

MAYOR OF TANGIPAHOA ‘Mike’ McDonald: “I have been a judge for 26 years; 16 years as a trial judge and 10 years on the First Circuit Court of Appeal. Prior to MIKE MCDONALD law school, I served on active duty in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War. I have been a youth and high school soccer coach and led the McKinley High School girls’ soccer team to the state championship in 2002. Judges should not have constituents. I swore an oath to uphold the laws and constitution of the state of Louisiana. Everyone who appears in court is entitled to and should expect decisions that are fair, impartial, and consistent. Justice should never be based on age, gender, race, or financial status. I will continue to be fair and impartial and make decisions solely on a competent, unbiased, understanding of the law as I have done for the past 26 years. It will be an honor to continue serving as your judge.” PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION DISTRICT 2 Sarah Holliday: “When I am elected Public Service Commissioner for District 2, I will establish social media outlets where consumers can post comments regarding

SARAH HOLLIDAY

Brenda Vernon Nevels: “I don’t claim to wave a magical wand and everything will be better or make promises I cannot keep, but I do plan to be committed to the community and dedicated to progress. Our town is in dire need of commerce, and I will do my best to BRENDA VERNON bring businesses into NEVELS the community and seek needed grants to help overcome some of the problems our town is plagued with. The major changes my constituents will see within the first six months if I am elected, will be cleaner streets, improved drainage and better leadership abilities. I feel that it is time for a change and I know I can make it happen.” PARISH COUNCILMAN DIST. 3 Gregory August: “If elected by the residents of Tangipahoa Parish, I will bring fresh thinking to address old problems that our parish faces. So often, a new set of eyes can find a solution to a problem that seemed unsolvable. My constituents will see improved GREGORY AUGUST communications

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THE DRUM

constituents see in your first six months?’ between them and their councilman. I pledge to respond to you within 24 hours via phone or email. My phone number and email address will be available to all of my constituents. My promise to you will be to speak with you about your concerns and give you a plan of action going forward. I’m not promising to fix your problem within one day, but I do promise to get to work on it right away. You have my word on it.” MAYOR-PRESIDENT METRO COUNCIL, CITY OF BATON ROUGE Gordon Mese: “If elected your next Mayor-President, in the first six months I would hope the people would see a smooth transition and a spirit of cooperation with the Metro-Council. I also would hope the process to GORDON MESE replace our Unified Development Code (UDC) would have passed the MetroCouncil and we would have formed a task force to re-write the UDC. The final major change the people would see is a mayor on the streets working hand-inhand with the police and community leaders to heal our city/parish. I can only hope you would give me the opportunity to make our city/parish a more inclusive, vibrant, and desired place to call home.” COUNCILMAN METRO DISTRICT 2 Corey B. Alfred: “Upon being elected as your district two councilman, a restoration/ unification will began to take place, with the immediate organization of a district advisory board (Alsen, Baker, Brownfields, COREY ALFRED Greenwood Estates and Scotlandville). I pledge to continue the work of the past administration, while fostering new ideas and approaches (with community input) to tackle the issues facing us. I also pledge to work from a short and long list, but as always, the voice of the citizens WILL TAKE precedence! Short list: Working with the community of Alsen for prompt resolution to the fire district rating issue; discussions with Sheriff Gautreaux, Chief White and Chief Knaps to provide resources needed for the protection of and service for District 2; Leland Annex transportation; and creation of a District 2 Advisory Board. Long list: district economic development; establishment of a permanent farmers market; and visit every recreational site and began immediate improvements Chauna Banks-Daniel: “If elected to the EBR Metro Council District 2 seat, I pledge to make constituent services the hallmark of my first six months and beyond. It is priority for to me to make sure the residents of District 2 have a full CHAUNA BANKStime district office and DANIEL staff that is available and easily accessible to them… Economic development, crime, zoning, environmental and infrastructure justice issues are concerns throughout District 2. I plan

to be a lead voice calling for resolutions regarding these. The first six months after I take office, I will form a District Advisory Board composed of district residents representing the entire make up of District 2. I also plan to launch a District 2 website that will serve as an online office for constituents. Most importantly, I plan to hold regularly scheduled town hall meetings around the district. I want the residents of this great district to know that I am here to serve them, and that I will work diligently to do just that. Steven Cook: “During the first six months in office, we the community members of District 2 will inventory our resources and establish boards to govern our community, STEVEN COOK allowing us to drive development and growth in District 2, according to an agreed assessment of both resources and relevant need. These boards will manage our economic climate, educational related needs and infrastructure. Community cooperation and engagement events will be held at various points in this process to ensure we understand both the benefit and value of community. Classes dealing with family planning, budgeting and career services will be structured. This begins the process of preparing community members for inclusion in the various long term projects as they relate to the development of our home. Before we will be respected as a district that adds to the city of Baton Rouge, we must first acknowledge the facts, “we have value, and we shall be self-sufficient”. Leroy Davis: “The citizens will see Leroy Davis working hard on their behalf getting things done. An Economic Development C o m m i s s i o n and an Advisory Commission to Law Enforcement Agencies will have been established. There will be monthly meetings of constituents groups LEROY DAVIS throughout EBR Metro Council District 2. A news letter will be in circulation that provides information on activities, events, issues, concerns and problems in the District. A Cleanup Campaign will be under way. As Councilman, Davis will be attending all scheduled meetings, special meetings and committee meetings of the Metro Council. New businesses will be coming into the district and existing businesses will be expanding. Plans will be under way to improve the roads, streets, bridges and other infrastructure. The crime rate will be trending downward. The people will feel safer and feel better about the future of District 2.The pride in Scotlandville will have been restored. The various groups will be working together to listen to concerns and to solve problems.” Hillery Johnson: “Hillery Godfred Johnson, a 59-yearold Scotlandville native, is a candidate for Metro Council District #2. Johnson has several ideas ready for implementation

HILLERY JOHNSON

within his first 100 days in office. He will immediately organize “Boys to Men” and “Girls to Ladies”. These two units will serve to actively enrich the lives of local youth by teaching basic protocol, etiquette, vocational skills and educational expectations. He will also find monetary support for youth summer employment opportunities, and establish local forums for youth to express their various talents. These actions will serve to decrease crime and truancy. Other plans include, executing tax break programs for active retired professionals that tutor and mentor youth and adults. He proposes aggressive recruitment of businesses to develop the northern corridor, thereby creating the new “Scenic Valley”. While in office, he will identify blighted properties to increase property values of local owners, as well as, improve infrastructure and transportation. COUNCILMAN METRO DISTRICT 6 Edwin ‘PaPo’ Del Valle: “I’m running for metro council District 6. I’m 62 years old, US Army retired with 21 years of service and a retired correctional EDWIN DELVALLE officer with 20 years of service. I have lived in Baton Rouge for 40 years. If elected, I will work with local nonprofit organization and government agencies to address the concerns of the district. I will help the homeless and the poor by working with social service agencies to improve the job market and living conditions for low income residents. I am a volunteer with the American Red Cross, Restoring Hearts, the American Legion, and CASA. I, Edwin “PaPo” Del Valle, within the first six months will begin to work with local police and community organizations to decrease crime by increasing police protection and community involvement. My campaign is “People First, Politics Last”. Carolyn ‘Gee’ George: “A major change that I would like to see happen in District 6 is just having a feeling of safety in our community. CAROLYN GEORGE We must target restoring options for our youth and let them know that we as adults still accept our responsibility to help them with decisions that they make in life. If we can restore the home, then half the work is done. When a home has a solid foundation, the rest falls in place. Jobs, community events and a recreation center are some of the things that will help restore our communities. I have conducted Youth Empowerment Programs that give guidance to the youth on how to conduct effective job interviews, how to dress and how to accurately fill out a job application and 25 to 30 youth have been employed by way of this seminar. Our elderly should also have opportunities available to them. I truly have the best interest of the community at heart and will work aggressively to find solutions. Yes, we have crucial situations on hand but we must dive deeply enough to seek answers. I have not sat on a lot of boards or organizations but let the work I have done in the community speak for me.

COUNCILMAN METRO DISTRICT 7 Hazel Bradley: “As a Councilwoman of district 7 the major changes in which my constituents will see in the first six months HAZEL BRADLEY when I am elected is rapport. I want to be able to communicate with all citizens and by doing this I want to set up an advisory board for my district consisting of members of my district who can tell me what the needs are in the particular area in which they live, by doing this areas in my district want be left out and every citizen will have their fair share. I will reduce crime by partnering with the Chief of police Donald White, to build a police task force that will fight crime in my Community. Infrastructures and rebuilding of neighborhoods will be at the head of my agenda, working on demolition or removal of blight structure; tearing down old houses and replacing them with single & multifamily homes also providing housing for the homeless. Paul Brumfield: I believe that the proper function of a candidate is to do for the people PAUL BRUMFIELD those things that have to be done but cannot be done, or cannot be done as well, by individuals, and that the most effective candidate is a candidate closest to people. As a council member, I will focus my attention and energies on crime,traffic problems, affordable housing and other issues that impact district 7. I will work with churches, businesses and government agencies to address the issues. We will create a community-development efforts to increase business investment in at-risk neighborhoods in district 7. I will foster relationship with the EBR Parish School Board to offer incentives for high school graduation. Finally, I will encourage the citizens of district 7 to get involved in city parish government affairs. C. Denise Marcelle: “My constituents will see the addition of a youth center called the Baton Rouge Student Learning Center located at the corner of 40th Street and Gus Young Ave. The center has been created to address C. DENISE MARCELLE the urgent need for high quality tutors and mentors to help children struggling academically in the district. My constituents will also see the results of my past and current work that I am doing with the EBR Redevelopment Authority. I have partnered with the RDA to develop affordable housing for the district, both new construction and rehabbing existing blighted properties in the district. One of the highlights of this partnership will be the revitalization of the Piggly Wiggly Shopping Center on the corner of 38th Street and Choctaw. We have named this project the Choctaw Corridor. This project will beautify the area, attract additional venders and create jobs. The planned Green Space Walking Trail will promote exercising and a healthy life style in the community. Please see CANDIDATES, PG 16

THE DRUM

OCTOBER 2012

Public to vote on nine constitutional amendments statewide LOUISIANANS WILL VOTE ON NINE constitutional amendments. Here is a list and short description of the proposed amendments as they will appear on the Nov 6 ballot. Proposed Amendment No. 1. Act No. 873 Senate Bill No. 82, Regular Session, 2012: “Do you support an amendment to prohibit monies in the Medicaid Trust Fund for the Elderly from being used or appropriated for other purposes when adjustments are made to eliminate a state deficit? (Adds Article VII, Section 10(F)(4)(g)) “ SUMMARY: This amendment will prohibit money in the Medicaid Trust Fund for the Elderly from being used for other budgeted purposes when adjustments are made to the state operating budget to eliminate a deficit. Proposed Amendment No. 2 Act No. 874 Senate Bill No. 303, Regular Session, 2012 : “Do you support an amendment to the Constitution of the State of Louisiana to provide that the right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental right and any restriction of that right requires the highest standard of review by a court? (Amends Article I, Section 11) “ SUMMARY: This amendment provides that the right to keep and bear arms is a fundamental right, and any restriction of that right will require the highest standard of review by the courts. Proposed Amendment No. 3 Act No. 872 Senate Bill No. 21, Regular Session, 2012: Do you support an amendment to require legislation effecting any change to laws concerning retirement systems for public employees that is to be prefiled to be filed no later than forty-five days before the start of a regular legislative session and to require the completion of public noticerequirements regarding legislation effecting such a change no later than sixty days before introduction of the bill? (Amends Article III, Section 2(A) (2), Article X, Section 29(C), and Article XIII, Section. SUMMARY: This amendment increases the number of days legislation affecting public employee retirement systems must be filed before the start of any legislative session from 10 days to 45 days. Proposed Amendment No. 4 Act No. 875 Senate Bill No. 337, Regular Session, 2012: Do you support an amendment to exempt from ad valorem taxation, in addition to the homestead exemption, the next seventy-five thousand dollars of value of property owned and occupied by the spouse of a deceased veteran with a serviceconnected disability rating of one hundred percent who passed away prior to the enactment of the exemption? (Effective January 1, 2013)(Amends Article VII, Section 21(K)(1)) SUMMARY: This amendment will allow the spouse of a deceased veteran to retain a special homestead exemption On jointly owned property if the veteran dies before the property exemption was granted. Proposed Amendment No. 5 Act No. 868 House Bill No. 9, Regular Session, 2012: Do you support an amendment to provide for the forfeiture of public retirement benefits by any public servant who is convicted of a felony associated with and committed during his public service? (Adds Article X, Section 29(G))

SUMMARY: This amendment will authorize the forfeiture of public retirement benefits of public servants convicted of public office or position. Proposed Amendment No. 6 Act No. 869 House Bill No. 497, Regular Session, 2012: Do you support an amendment to authorize the granting of ad valorem tax exemption contracts by the city of New Iberia for property annexed by the city after January 1, 2013? (Adds Article VII, Section 21(L)) SUMMARY: This amendment will allow the city of New Iberia to grant property tax exemptions on property annexed by the city after January 1, 2013. Proposed Amendment No. 7 Act No. 870 House Bill No. 524, Regular Session, 2012 : Do you support an amendment, relative to the membership of constitutional boards and commissions that have members who are selected from congressional districts, to retain the existing number of members and to provide for implementation of membership from reapportioned congressional districts by filling vacancies first from underrepresented districts and then from the state at large? (Amends Article VIII, Sections 5(B)(1), 6(B)(1), and 7(B)(1) and Article X, Sections 3(A) and 43(A); Adds Article VIII, Section 8(D)) SUMMARY: This amendment will allow membership of certain boards coinciding with congressional districts to remain at their present size even when the number of congressional districts is reduced. Proposed Amendment No. 8 Act No. 871 House Bill No. 674, Regular Session, 2012: Do you support an amendment to authorize the granting of

ad valorem tax exemption contracts by the Board of Commerce and Industry for businesses located in parishes which have chosen to participate in a program established for the granting of such contracts? (Effective January 1, 2013) (Adds Article VII, Section 21(L))

special district would be authorized to impose and collect a parcel fee within the district, whether the parcel fee will be imposed or may be increased without an election, and the maximum amount of such fee? (Amends Article III, Section 13)

SUMMARY: This amendment will authorize property tax exemptions for qualified non-manufacturing industries that locate in an area if local authorities approve of granting the exemption.

SUMMARY: This amendment will require cities creating special neighborhood anticrime districts to give proper notice and provide detailed information on legislation that is enacted to create the district. September - October, 2012

Proposed Amendment No. 9 Act No. 876 Senate Bill No. 410, Regular Session, 2012 . Do you support an amendment to provide that no law relative to the creation of a special district, the primary purpose of which includes aiding in crime prevention and security by providing for an increased presence of law enforcement personnel in the district or otherwise promoting and encouraging security in the district, shall be enacted unless three separate notices of the proposed law are published at least thirty days prior to introduction of the bill, which notice shall set forth the substance of the proposed law and whether the governing authority of the

LOCAL OPTION ELECTION Within Tangipahoa Parish School District: Shall the number of terms of office that any member of the school board may serve be limited to three consecutive four-year terms?

BESE’s Carolyn Hill on quest to Rickey Smiley to appear in mend school reform efforts Bayou Classic Fan Fest BY CAMERON JAMES THE DRUM Reporter WHEN CAROLYN HILL RAN TO become a member of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, she championed school reform. Last year, while campaigning to replace Linda Johnson, Hill told Swagher Magazine she had the combination needed to make a difference. “We need strong voices on BESE to champion the needs of the children, provide better educational opportunities to the community and promote core values of our district,” Hill said. Hill now disagrees with the education reform she supported in her campaign. Almost a year into her position as BESE’s District 8 representative, Hill tried to “champion the needs of children” by writing a letter announcing her disappointment in the state’s current education reform efforts. “I believe in education reform, but I believe that the education reform policies being put forth [for Louisiana] are examples of irresponsible reform.” Hill said. BESE is comprised of 11 members, three named by the governor and eight selected by vote. BESE sets policies for an estimated for 668,000 schools in Louisiana. Hill said the voucher program is misleading parents into believing they have privileges they do not have and it lacks transparency. “The voucher program doesn’t allow a student who is attending a failing school to be automatically taken out and placed in a charter school or private school” she said.

NEW ORLEANS– FOR THE FIRST time the 2012 Rickey Smiley HBCU Tailgate Tour will be landing in at the Bayou Classic in New Orleans. Rickey Smiley is set to be a part of the Bayou Classic Fan Fest being held pregame on Saturday, November 24, 10 am - 1:30 pm. Smiley, who is best known for his comedic work as host of BET’s ComicView, as well as appearances on HBO’s Comedy Jam and Snaps, will be a new addition to the 39th Annual HILL Bayou Classic in an effort to make the game and events more

fan and family friendly. Smiley will be signing autographs and addressing the crowd at Fan Fest all in anticipation of his new radio show coming to New Orleans in January. The Bayou Classic brings the fans and alumni of Southern University and Grambling State University to New Orleans for a celebration of football said officials. Last year, the two schools split $1.32 million in proceeds from the series of Bayou Classic events.

Parents were first misled when they were told they would be given choices.

Hill said parents were first misled when they were told they would be given choices. Parents who may want to transfer their student to a different school, under the voucher program, would be denied that right. Unlike public schools – where parents can transfer their children at any time – parents, who wanted to transfer their children, were told they would have to go through the Department of Education. “If a student is in a scholarship program that isn’t meeting their needs they should be able to transfer to another program if seating is available,” she said. “Right now they don’t have that right.” When Hill gets complaints as a BESE member, her first step is take these problems to

OCTOBER 2012

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Oct. 31 7pm “Am Evening with Rance Allen” at Higher Ground Outreach Ministries, 3730 N. Sherwood Forest. Free. Nov. 1 5:30pm Outreach Program for Small Businesses hosted by Mayor-President Melvin “Kip” Holden’s Office of Business Development at the Scotlandville Branch Library, 7373 Scenic Highway. Topics of discussion will include the Small Business Opportunity Program and the Small Business Recovery Loan Program, a lending program created in the wake of Hurricane Gustav that still has funds available. The five targeted areas are Northdale, Scotlandville, Zion City, the Choctaw Corridor and Melrose East. Nov. 2. 6pm Louisiana Democracy Project community meeting at Allen Chapel AME Church 6175 Scenic Highway, on chemical spills which occurred in Baton Rouge this summer.

Nov. 9 - 11, 6pm Second Annual Youth and Young Adult Empowerment Conference for ages 13-35 Greater First Church Baptist. 46474669 Groom Road, Baker. Speakers: Jonathan Hill, Fairview Baptist Church, Ethel, LA; Willie McCorkle, III, President, Student Government Association, Southern University; Steffen Lewis, President, Men’s Federation, Southern University; and Charles Burris, Jr., Pastor, Greater Morning Star Baptist Church, Baton Rouge. Conference topics include healthy relationship, bullying, and listening to God. Mentor recruitment, community service activity and meals. Free. Contact: (225) 778-4788 Nov. 9, noon “A Cause to Remember” informational session. Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area, 3772 North Blvd.. One-hour informational session designed to increase awareness of the programs

and services provided by Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area. After a light lunch, guests will take a tour of our award winning adult day respite center, Charlie’s Place. Then they will learn all about volunteer opportunities and how to become an ambassador for the organization by sharing the information with others who may need our support, services or resources. Guests will not be asked to make a donation. Reservations are required. Special sessions for groups are offered upon request. Free. Call (225)334-7494. Dec. 15, 2pm and 7:30pm “Soulful Sounds of Christmas” presented by New Venture Theater and Gamma Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Tickets are $35. www.newventuretheatre.com. Submit December event information to news@thedrumnewspaper.info.

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BUYTHEBOOK

Book answers question on tithing BR experts debunk HCG Diet BY CANDACE JOZEF SYNDICATE

J. SEMIEN

RONALD L. LEWIS WAS BORN in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He is a licensed ordained minister, author, inventor, entrepreneur, and father who has published eight books. The Jozef Syndicate recently sat with Lewis to discuss his work. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your background? I was raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I graduated from Capitol Senior High School and the International Technical College in A/C & Heating. I became a young businessman in the early 80s and owned a lawn mower and appliance repair business for many years. After experiencing a near tragic incident, I closed my business. It was this near tragic incident that brought me back to God Almighty. I attended a word filled church for five years, and after rededicating my life back to God, I grew in the knowledge of the Word of God. It was during and after this time I ministered at many nursing homes, prisons, and community outreach meetings. I was also led of God to start a prayer and youth mission called The House of Prayer Mission for many years. I joined forces with a ministry team called Coming Together Ministry. There I met the late Pastor Stanley Meno, of God So Loved the World Ministry in Jennings, Louisiana. I worked in that ministry for many years. I was licensed there to carry out the commission and vision God placed within me. I am also an inventor with patent inventions, in the area of family and children games and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve be

publishing â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Do it yourselfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; books in the area of family fun project, and product designs. Where did the inspiration come to write, Is Tithing for Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s People Today? The inspiration came from the Holy Spirit, as he moved on me to write the first book on this subject called, The Vision, the Church without the Head: The Spirit of Faith vs. Tithes. I was inspired by others also to bring out more revelation concerning this subject. As God woke me between 2am and 3am, this book gave birth, as well as the one before this one called, The Origin Birthing of Faith. You are a pretty prolific writer. How many books have you published and in what time frame? I have written nine books, in which six have been published. I am working on the seventh book to be published called, No Tithes in Eden. This is the seven dominion book. These six books were published within four to five years. Do you have a certain goal that you are meeting? Yes, my goal is to reach half a billion Christians thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paying tithes under the curse of the law, which Christ has redeemed us from.

myths in new book TACKLING HEAD-ON THE myths and struggles surrounding the controversial HCG Diet, weight loss experts Patty Christopher and Geno Gambino of Baton Rouge have released their new book, The Real Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Guide to the HCG DietÂ¸ revealing everyday techniquesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;mixed with humor and recipes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Patty and Geno saved my life!â&#x20AC;? said Denise Taggart, who has Hashimotoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease and could not lose weight on any other program. She is one of more than 30 personal testimonies shared in the book from clients that have become the authorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; friendsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;who have all experienced great results on HCG. HCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin) was discovered by Dr. ATW Simeons as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;cureâ&#x20AC;? for obesity in the 1940s in Europe. Available in America in recent years it has become a very popular and effective weight loss

â&#x20AC;&#x153;These are real people, real stories, and real livesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; right here in Louisiana.â&#x20AC;?

solution. When taken with certain foods (outlined in the book), the HCG triggers the body to lose fat quickly: about a pound a day. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In the book and in our videos, we have stories from people who have lost 48 pounds in 50 days, and now they have their friends and family changing their lives too with the HCG Diet,â&#x20AC;? says â&#x20AC;&#x153;Please see DIET, PG 13.

Why so many? Because of the inspiration of the Holy Spirit to pull out of me Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plan, purpose and destiny, we serve an unlimited God, and I was fore- told by a minister about â&#x20AC;&#x153;Please see TITHING, PG 15.

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OCTOBER 2012

MISLEAD cont. from page 1 the Department of Education. But, she said parents who are not happy are forced to return to the public school system. “Parents are being misled into thinking once in the voucher program they can take their child to any school and they will be accepted,” she said. “This is not happening and this is not true reform.” Hill said some charter schools are selective entry, because they were grandfathered into the reform and did not have to make any changes to how they operate before reform was passed, and this forces some students back in the public school system. Since the voucher program is statewide, she feels every student who applies should be assisted. “When I look at reform, I look at it as an equitable playing field,” Hill said. “My view is that everyone has the opportunity to, at the same level, receive the same quality of education.” Hill said a new reform is needed because the current one is making things worse. She said that even on a national level no one knows how to approach the issue and Louisiana is no different. “The legislators who voted on the issue of reform didn’t have enough time to view

it due to a lack of preparation and understanding,” she said. Hill said that some of the schools also have been misled during the reform process. Every year the schools take the LEAP test. Schools were told their scores would determine how many students were eligible for the vouch program. The schools with the highest scores would be allowed to have more students in the program than those with lowest scores. The students were already divided up among the schools before the schools knew how well they did on the LEAP test. “Policies and laws have been implemented without providing the schools with accurate information is and that is a disgrace,” Hill said. Hill said educational reform in Louisiana needs to address the key issues such as poverty, health issues and community and parental involvement. Hill, who oversees 14 parishes, said West Felicia Parish has a model that she hopes can be expanded throughout the state. The have integrated early childhood education within the school. The school allows children as young as 3 months to begin school. The school also makes services available to

parents such as social workers and health centers. “Providing parents with services helps encourage parental involvement and also allows the system to track the students’ progress on health and academic from the age of 3 months, Hill said. Hill said that if Louisiana better allocates its funds, provides parents with services to aid with basic needs, and focuses on the specific needs of certain areas, the drop- out rate will decrease, children will take ownership of their education and teachers will be better motivated.

THE DRUM

DIET cont. from page 12 Patty, a former middle school teacher. “The names in the book have not been changed; they want you to know who they are. Our clients love us because we are not some sales person, we have lived the program too and understand the challenges of making it through one more day on a diet with chocolate staring at you.” The Real People’s Guide to the HCG Diet is an escort through the 50-day HCG protocol and includes testimonies, recipes, food list, and instructions

for taking HCG—mixed with humor. The book is a spinoff from a series of e-newsletters Patty and Geno sends to their clients at Waist Away Weight Loss Center to provide daily support and understanding. The Real People’s Guide (ISBN 978-0-9859880-2-9) is available at www.waistawayllc. com and on Amazon.com as a paperback and ebook. BuytheBook.

NOTICE OF REGULAR, SPECIAL MEETINGS AND ELECTIONS OF THE BATON ROUGE BRANCH OF THE NAACP Dear members, please note the following special meeting of the general membership of the Baton Rouge Branch of the NAACP to be held on Oct. 29, 2012 at 6pm at the MLK Ctr, 4000 Gus Young Ave, BR, La for the purpose of electing members to the nominating and election supervisory committees. Elections for all branch offices as well as the Executive Committee will be held on Nov. 19, 2012 at the MLK Ctr, 4000 Gus Young Ave, BR, La from 3pm-8pm. Please refer to the NAACP's by-laws for any questions about the upcoming elections.

Hope Community United Methodist Church 4260 Evangeline St. in Baton Rouge (225) 362-9698.

WT TAA 18-138 City of Baker School System Mr. Ulysses Jo oseph, Superinttendent Mrs. Elaine Davis, President P Invitation Contractors to o Bid Projject Name: Replaccement of Parking g Lot Pavement Scho ool: Baker Middlee School Projecct#: 068003-457

B will be receeived at the Vo Bids olkert, Inc., Attn: Clay Slagle, Program Manager, Telephone # 225-2 218-9440 3466 Drusiilla Lane, Suitee A, Baton Rou uge, Louisiana 70809 7 until: 2:00 PM, P LOCAL TIME, T TH OCTO OBER 25 , 201 12 “CIVIL EN NGINEERS NEED DED”

THE DRUM

OCTOBER 2012

OPINION

Vote ‘yes’ for Amendments 1, 3

THE DRUM BECAUSE COMMUNITY NEWS MATTERS

ISSN 1937-2019 Published monthly in Baton Rouge EDDIE PONDS, Publisher CARRIE PONDS, Assistant Publisher CORA LESTER, Managing Editor YUSEF DAVIS, Jr. Photographer REVOLUTIONARY RASCAL, Cartoonist Reporters and Contributing Writers ZENOBIA REED TENISE BROWN CAMERON JAMES EMMANUEL LEE CANDACE J. SEMIEN EDDIE PONDS KAMEKOTHOMAS CRYSTAL JENKINS ARTHUR VERRETT JR. LYNWOOD ALBERT JR. BILLY WASHINGTON MADA MCDONALD

News deadline: Mondays at 6pm The opinions found in the Opinions section reflect the ideas of the writer and are not endorsed by the editors or publishers of THE DRUM. Submissions to THE DRUM may be edited for space and clarity and are published at the discretion of the editorial staff. Phone: (225) 927-3717 Email: news@thedrumnewspaper.info www.twitter.com/thedrumnews Facebook: TheDrumNews Member of New American Media, Louisiana Black Publishers Association, National Newspaper Publishers Association, The Jozef Syndicate, and the Louisiana Press Association The Drum Newspaper is distributed, in part, to locations in Baton Rouge through Runner’s Courier Services. © 2012 Ponds Enterprises LLC

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EDDIE PONDS ON NOVEMBER 6, WE ALL WILL have the opportunity to vote. We will choose our future national leaders, including the members of the U.S. House of Representatives who will be

BY BILLY WASHINGTON THE DRUM columnist IT’S ELECTION SEASON AGAIN AND it’s our duty as American citizens to choose our leaders wisely; therefore, we must all ask ourselves “what makes a true leader?” Defining a leader is a difficult task nowadays. From my personal observation, it seems our current leaders are only celebrities that attend or organize community service events. What ever happened to those true leaders who actually attempted to tackle those so called impossible feats, such as poverty and the equal distribution of tax dollars? Our real leaders during the antebellum period faced slavery valiantly with rebellion and defiance. Leaders during the reconstruction period created

Church tutoring program seeks geometry and elementary math workbooks for adult learners.

the foundation for “negroes” access to education by establishing higher education institutions throughout the segregated south. Leaders during the late 50’s and 60’s went head on challenging the moral of Jim Crow laws. The common thread that connects the fore mentioned epochs of true progression is the fact that each of the events put leaders in an uncomfortable position; their lives were in danger. Today, leaders have become so complacent and content with doing the minimum such as reading to kids at a local school, registering people to vote, and cleaning up a trash ridden area in the community. Please don’t get me wrong, all of the fore mentioned are valuable to positive community

THIS AUGUST, A HAMPTON University dean banned its MBA students from wearing dreadlocks and cornrows. In an era of stark individualism, where anything can be said, worn or done, it’s refreshing for a university to set standards. Dreadlocks and cornrows have become staple hairstyles

particularly among millennials. Hampton University’s hair lockout will undoubtedly pit oldschool traditionalists against supposed wayward youth. But the politics of hair involve more than just conflicts between generations. This is about who gets to shape professionalism, gender and race. In his magnum opus, Souls of Black Folk, W.E.B. DuBois penned “How does it feel to be a problem?” DuBois believed he needed to see himself through the tinted glasses of racism as a Black man. He also found a need to see himself as American—the conflict of double consciousness. Wearing dreadlocks or

To help email news@thedrumnewspaper. info. If you have a need for donated items or services, let us help you. This is a free service to readers who need non-monetary help from within the “village”. To get help, call The Drum at (225) 927-3717 or send an email to news@thedrumnewspaper.info.

retirement system here in Louisiana. This proposal will give all of us who are engaged in the enhancement and protection of our public employee retirement plans additional time to study, digest and comment on potential laws that could impact your livelihood. We urge you to vote yes for amendment No. 1. If approved Medicaid Trust Fund for senior citizens will be protective from being used for other budgeted proposes.

progress but what happened to impacting the community and creating dramatic changes that the following generations can enjoy? Affordable housing isn’t enough and as we all know, the affordable housing campaign aligns within the gentrification arena, which I will leave for another column. Why our leaders aren’t addressing the plethora of liquor stores in our communities? Why our leaders aren’t addressing, creating or implementing strategies to eliminate the heavy presence of pay day loan companies that give predatory loans to our people? Why our leaders aren’t coming together to seriously tackle the effects of poverty and lack of economic development in our communities? Have are leaders

given up with attempting to gather people together and inform them our communities current status or are our leaders just not concerned about our situation at all? It’s obvious that to be a true leader, one must be able to be a selfless person and be willing to commit to making certain sacrifices and admitting to certain mistakes. I would like to commend Ms Carolyn Hill. I respect her honesty and I hope she receives the support she needs. We’re in a dire need of true leaders for our communities, those who are not interested in being a career politician, but rather one who is able to spark the flame to making a true change throughout our communities.

Lil Wayne versus W.E.B Dubois ANDRE PERRY, PHD

Sometimes, it takes a village to get us where we need to be.

money for Medicaid. We will vote on nine amendments to the Louisiana Constitution. As you examine the Amendments (see page 10), you will note that some of the amendments deal with your personal and political belief, tax exemptions and some are specific to your local area. Amendment No. 3, if passed by the electorate, will allow 35 additional days to review any legislation introduced that affects any public employee

Black leadership lost in minimal work; we need more

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representing our interests back home. For the last four years, our electives officials have represent their own interests or the interests of their particular party. It is very important our elected officials represent the wishes of the people because the state of Louisiana is at the bottom of everything; our schools are constantly going down hill because of politics. Our fast talking governor is following the lead of other states by not excepting federal

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cornrows can be at odds with the assumptions of being American. I know this all too well. Unfortunately, police set the ticket price for proudly wearing my locks that ran down my back like rainwater. At least in New Orleans, Black and white people recognized my hair as part of the thug’s uniform. I saw it as being me. Institutions of higher learning see people as potential scholars regardless of hairstyle. Particularly at liberal arts institutions, hair should be considered a choice of individual expression. However, I believe that most who wear dreadlocks or cornrows are no more conscious of what they project or how they’re perceived than those who see it as thuggery. Many who wear dreadlocks are more likely to quote Lil Wayne than DuBois. In trying to understand what it means to be Black and American, too many find comfort in the superficial. Whether it’s the length of our hair or what the Notorious B.I.G. affectionately called “money, hoes, and clothes,” blackness has become more about style than about community. This is why historically black universities share a role in redefining what it means to

be an intellectual as a Black American. Clearly, there’s a danger in encouraging self-hate or assimilationism. This is the case for many public schools that enforce hare-brained uniform policies that are detached from their racialized social contexts. For these schools, to be a scholar is to have short hair and a Midwestern accent. Many schools don’t understand how hair can be used to develop cultural understanding and academic growth. However, as a higher education administrator, I see how students matriculate in colleges as if they were banks or supermarkets. Students enroll, get products they assume they need and then leave. Undergrads and grad students are seeing less of themselves as a part of a community, even less, part of a legacy. Community and legacy require standards. There’s enough diversity among our historically Black colleges that a few can set seemingly superficial standards of what it means to be a scholar. Bans on hair won’t make people any Blacker or smarter, but university policies should get us to think deeply about what is and what is not acceptable in becoming better human beings

OCTOBER 2012

Baton Rouge has seen a growth in the number of new monthly and bimonthly magazines. Here’s an introduction. The Baker Reporter a monthly newspaper published by The Weekly Press Norman Dotson Jr. is editor (225) 775-2002

THE BAKER REPORTER

EXPOSURE

exposurespotlight. com Express Magazine a monthy entertainment and fashion magazine Derrius Montgomery is publisher www. expressmag. com

TITHING cont. from page 12

IN BUSINESS

Exposure Magazine a quarterly entertainment and fashion magazine Theresa Perkins is publisher/ editor www.

THE DRUM

my twenty book. I believe my fifth, sixth, and seventh books, as well as many others, will be on the best selling list. What sets Is Tithing for God’s People Today? apart from other books in the same genre? It is my given assignment from God to be a global voice to the Body of Christ. Also, I think the topic of what is being said and the title stands out from other Christian books and it will free God’s people from this error, with biblical truth. Does Is Tithing for God’s People Today?, explore Old Testament belief of tithe and if it is necessary for Christians today. Yes, it covers just about every aspect of what the tithes was about and what it was for in the Old Testament, but it also teaches that Jesus redeemed us from the laws in the Old Testament and took the place of the tithe atonement in the New Testament by sacrificing himself and offering up his blood for our sin. Now salvation is free. It is not ten percent that we owe God; we owe our body as a living sacrifice, that’s why we are called the Body of Christ. The Christian today is free from the tithe offering. What we give today is, (The just shall live by faith) whatever the Holy Spirit leads us to give by faith, as in the book of Acts, the New Testament church. Is the message of this book exclusive to Christians or believers of the Bible? The word Christian means Christlike and to be like Christ. You

EXPRESS

Mature Woman Now Magazine a bimonthly women’s magazine Nicole E. Jones is publisher www. maturewomannow. com.

MATURE WOMAN NOW Swagher Magazine is a monthly women’s empowerment magazine and weekly online Francheska Felder is publisher http:// swagher.net.

SWAGHER

have to be in agreement with the word of God that said in Galatians 3:11-13, 11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.12 And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: The message is for all that believe in the word of God. Explain the cover of Is Tithing for God’s People Today. The cover is about Jesus the sacrificial Lamb of God that was offered up on the altar, with his blood to God on our behalf of our sin, in place of the tithe sacrifice of animals that were inefficient on the altar, for a temporary atonement for our sin in the Old Testament. Your book, The Vision: A Church without the Head, presents a man in a body of water with no head but outstretched arms. What does that illustration mean? The cover is about an urgent vision that was given to me by the Spirit of God. It represents the church as the Body of Christ operating without the head which is Jesus Christ. The large body of water likens a sea or ocean represents a mass volume of people in the church global, and the body without the head represents the church without Christ, Who is the head of the body. The cover fits with the message of the book because tithes is the area God showed me and it discusses how ministers are telling God’s people they

are cursed with a curse if they do not pay the tithes, in which Christ redeemed us from with his blood. It was my first book about tithes and the Laws in the Old Testament vs. New Testament faith offering Which one of your books should be in every religious leader’s hand? Why? I believe, Is Tithing for God’s People Today as well as, The Vision: the Spirit of Faith vs. Tithes should be in every clergy and Christian hands to understand that tithing is not for God’s people today and the people of God is not cursed for not paying tithes, because Jesus redeemed us from all the curses of the law, including the tithe. This book puts biblical foundational truth in their hands according to the word of God, and yes Abraham was under the laws of God, Genesis 26:5.( This is for the theologians that don t’ believe that Abraham was under the Laws of God. Where can the books be purchased? Books may be purchased on my website: www.ronaldllewis.com or at Sonlife Christian Book Store in Hammond and Denham Springs. What’s next for you? I am working on publishing my new book, No Tithes in Eden. This book is about there were no tithes in ‘Eden’ before the fall of mankind from God, and what the ‘Garden of Eden’ was like. This is a powerful book that will take you from Genesis to the book of Revelations.

THE DRUM

OCTOBER 2012

CANDIDATEScont. from page 9 COUNCILMAN METRO DISTRICT 12 Rose Carey: “BREAKING BARRIERS WHILE BUILDING A BETTER FUTURE. I will be a servant to the people. More policing to help fight crime. To move our district forward in a positive manner. Partner with city parish for job training programs and ROSE CAREY to work with the city for affordable housing.” ‘John’ Delgado: “I am running for Metro Council to make Baton Rouge safer and more prosperous. You will see me work together with the mayor and the council to move past politics and toward public service. I am proud to have been endorsed by the Baton JOHN DELGADO Rouge Union of Police. My plans are to fight crime through neighborhood policing and seizures of drug money to ensure that crime doesn’t pay in Baton Rouge. I will also work to bring jobs to Baton Rouge and improve economic development, and I am proud to have been endorsed by the Baton Rouge Area Chamber’s FuturePAC. I will reach out and bring together all members of the Metro Council. We must be united by a common goal - to work together for the betterment of all of Baton Rouge. By working together, we will achieve more. We can do better, together. JUDGE CITY COURT Joel G. Porter: “Porter has entered the race for City Court Judge because he’s tired of the lack of fairness being perpetrated on African Americans in Baton

Rouge. “For years, African Americans in this city trusted and accepted what was being enforced on them because White politicians said that our lack of representation at the table where JOEL PORTER goods, and services and even justice were being meted out was due to the small size of our population. Now, as the size of our population has grown, White politicians, like Mr. Porter’s opponent in his race for City Court Judge, are now fighting to deny African Americans the same access to constitutional mandates simply because, as they have said, “...its a matter of OUR (white Judges) survival.” The question we ask as a race of people is “Do we go forward or do we continue to be denied the rights we’ve already fought for?” When do the African American citizens of Baton Rouge get to experience “Fairness and Justice for all”? JUDGE CITY COURT Tiffany Foxworth: “Tiffany Foxworth, attorney, registered nurse, and 13-year Army Veteran faces two opponents, Suzan Ponder and Cliff Ivey who are both white and republican; for TIFFANY FOXWORTH City Court Judge, Section 2, Division E. If elected, Foxworth will be the first AfricanAmerican to preside as judge over Division E. Foxworth who is the only DEMOCRAT in this race, has a private practice law firm and has successfully tried thousands of cases in South Louisiana. When asked why she is running, she states, “I am in court everyday fighting for justice for my people, it’s time that the judges sitting on

the bench reflect the people they sentence everyday”. Foxworth who is a graduate of Southern University’s School of Nursing and School of Law vows to be fair, just and impartial with her rulings. Foxworth asks the people of Baton Rouge for their support and prayers in this pursuit of history in the making. CITY CONSTABLE CITY COURT, CITY OF BATON ROUGE Alester Jones: “With the highest crime and murder rate our city has more crime than a 10,000,000 populated country. We only have a few days, until we remove the boards and ALESTER JONES bars off our windows and doors, so that we can take back our city, from the apathetic law enforcement leader that has only served his career along with the perpetrators of some the most brutal and senseless killings. As your next City Constable of Baton Rouge, I will fight tirelessly until terror is removed and we have a community where the crime index is what average cities this size experience. Vote # 87. Thanks for your vote and support.” CHIEF OF POLICE IN TOWN OF AMITE CITY Jerry Daniels: “One of the many changes that my constituents can expect to see in the next six months are: addressing the drug challenges in our community, assisting JERRY DANIELS with school area traffic where needed, and lastly community safety. My goals are to be fair, firm, and persistent.”

City offices open Nov. 6 CITY-PARISH OFFICES WILL BE open for business as usual on Election Day, Nov. 6. While the state of Louisiana and some other government agencies routinely give their workers Election Day off when it falls on a Tuesday, the CityParish will maintain its normal office hours on Nov. 6. To avoid the long lines and lengthy waits that are common at polling places during a presidential election, voters can take advantage of the Early Voting period that begins Tuesday, Oct. 23, and ends Tuesday, Oct. 30. The East Baton Rouge Registrar of Voters has four locations where early voters can cast their ballots from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. every day during that eight-day Early Voting period except for Sunday, Oct. 28. East Baton Rouge early voters can also cast their ballots at the main Registrar of Voters Office in Room 201 at City Hall, 222 St. Louis Street; the Registrar’s southeast office at Court Plaza Building, 10500 Coursey Blvd., Room 203; the Baker office at the Motor Vehicle Building, 2250 Main St., Baker; and the satellite office at the Secretary of State Archives Building, 3851 Essen Lane.