Jindal to meet Assumption officials in BR

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Amid criticism for declining displaced residents’ request for a sitdown, Gov. Bobby Jindal will meet with Assumption Parish officials in Baton Rouge Monday about the Bayou Corne sinkhole.

“The Governor is meeting with local officials from Assumption Parish and state agency directors on Monday to determine what more can be done for citizens affected by this event,” the governor’s press secretary, Sean Lansing, said by email.

Assumption Parish Police Jury President Martin “Marty” Triche said he got a call from the governor’s staff on Thursday, a day after Jindal sidestepped media questions about when he planned to meet with residents impacted by the sinkhole.

About 350 residents are under a now-seven-month-old mandatory evacuation order after a Texas Brine cavern underwent a sidewall collapse, allowing rock to fall into the brine-filed cavity. The shift in the earth caused a sinkhole.

“I’m anxious to meet with (the governor) on Monday whether it’s in Baton Rouge or in Bayou Corne,” Triche said.

He said he wants to talk to the governor about continued support for oversight and technical analysis as well as leaning on Texas Brine about residents’ requests for buyouts.

State Rep. Karen St. Germain, D-Pierre Part, said the governor’s staff has been “very involved” in the sinkhole response. The governor could illustrate his involvement by making a trip to Assumption Parish at some point, she said.

“It’s a great idea for him to go. He can dispel the fear that he really has not been on top of it,” St. Germain said.

Sinkhole activist John Achee Jr., who owns a camp in the impacted area, said Jindal needs to give residents 15 to 20 minutes of his time.

“While we are pleased that after seven months he has chosen to grace our officials with his presence, we look forward to seeing him March 19 at our next community meeting on the Bayou Corne sinkhole in person,” he said.

Lansing said the governor tasked the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, Louisiana State Police, the state Department of Natural Resources, the state Department of Environmental Quality and the state Department of Transportation and Development with responding to the sinkhole.

He said: “The DNR has said several times that Texas Brine should consider buyouts for residents in the evacuation area who want to leave.”

Comments

1) Comment by twinkie1cat - 09/03/2013

Piyush does not care. His constiuents from Assumption and surrounding parishes need to demand his resignation or impeachment.

2) Comment by twinkie1cat - 09/03/2013

Still won't go down there, will he! Is he afraid somebody will push him into their sinkhole and he will sink down into the hell he needs to go to? Piyush is such a coward. I hope Assumption is a whole parish that has learned about the problems of voting for Republicans and will tell their legislators to oppose every bill the governor wants in the session this year. Sounds like a good group to go bi-partisan and cooperate with the Democrats.

3) Comment by gary - 09/03/2013

All the trips he made to north Louisiana to attend church with the good folk up there, you would think he could at least spend an hour in Bayou Corne. Noel hit the nail on the head, it will be a PR nightmare for his chance to lead the party of stupid.

4) Comment by louisisanared - 09/03/2013

Big deal he is going to meet with officials in Baton Rouge. What is wrong with you "Bobby", you too good to go visit your constituents. These people were displaced just like victims of hurricanes, etc. You have definitely disappointed me and I voted for you. For the past year your decisions and actions have made me regret voting for you. You have now insulted these people. First, by not going already to visit Assumption victims; two, dodging the question from reporter; three, still not going to see these people after dodging the question; and four, by making these people come to you.

5) Comment by Bouncer - 09/03/2013

A Carole King song comes to mind....."But it's too late, baby, now it's too late......"

6) Comment by spqr - 09/03/2013

Piyush was simply shamed into going by the incredibly negative press he received and deserved nationwide. He doesn't care about the sinkhole or those affected people. The helicopter rotors will be turning the entire time Piyush is there so he can make a hasty exit...to Georgia or Iowa or Nevada or Massachusetts or Tennessee or...

7) Comment by Bighug - 09/03/2013

The meeting will probably be short. I'm sure Jindal has a plane to catch.

8) Comment by Noel Hammatt - 08/03/2013

You can bet your bottom dollar that the national campaign people in government offices across Louisiana (paid for by our tax dollars but there for one reason, to get Jindal to DC) are terrified at the thought of photos of Jindal at the sinkhole. I mean, come on... can you imagine other candidates having a field day with that one? Now, had he gone on day 1 or 2... another story. But now? I'm sure Jindal is feeling this one... that deep sinking feeling you get when you know you REALLY blew it.

9) Comment by morellok2 - 08/03/2013

Still does not possess the moral fortitude nor the courage to face the residents of Bayou Corne. God forbid that he should hear how the people are being impacted. This little tyrant cannot stand to hear anything that might be considered a criticism of his edicts or actions.