If you believe State Sen. Gary Smith (D-Norco), then have I got a deal for you on your extended used car warranty. And just to sweeten the deal, I can put you in touch with this Nigerian prince I know who is eager to smuggle $40 million out of the country and into your bank account.
But first, of course, you’ll have to verify all your personal email account information so that your computer may be reconfigured.
After you’ve done all that, you will be asked to agree to the most difficult condition of all: the concept that the Louisiana Ethics Commission is doing a great job of keeping legislators toeing the line of ethical behavior.
It’s not that we don’t buy what Sen. Smith is selling (which we don’t). It’s just that we’ve seen this movie before and the ending is always the same for this stale formula plot.
Here are the undisputed facts:
- Brent Stevens, owner of a Los Angeles company called P2E, wants to move a defunct Bossier Parish casino to Slidell.
- State Sen. Sharon Hewitt (R-Slidell) has filed Senate Bill 243 to make the move happen.
- The bill was heard by the Senate Judiciary B Committee, where it was approved by a slim 4-3 vote.
- Committee Chairman Smith cast the deciding vote (how’s that for bipartisanship?).
- Smith’s wife Katherine is one of – count ‘em – 19 lobbyists hired by P2E founder Brent Stevens to push for approval of the move.
This is the same DIAMOND JACKS Casino in Bossier City that Stevens earlier tried to relocate to a site east of Hammond on the Tangipahoa River which is better suited to accommodating tubers and bateau boats than a floating casino.
But what is certain is that in just about any other state, legislators would never vote on a bill being LOBBIED BY A SPOUSE It just ain’t done.
Smith, when asked about the apparent conflict of interest, ethics breach, subterfuge and/or (pick one) Louisiana tradition, said he didn’t even know that his wife, a veteran lobbyist, was working on that particular issue.
“She didn’t tell me,” he sniffed, adding that her involvement with the bill “would not change my opinion that letting the people of that area vote on the issue is the correct vote.”
He said he does not discuss his wife’s clients or issues with her.
Perhaps they should communicate more so as to avoid such ethics questions in the future.
Seriously, if you buy that line, you’ve probably already purchased that car warranty, sent “good faith” money to the Nigerian prince and given up all your personal email information.
But if you have any money left to fritter away, you can always place a generous bet that the Ethics Commission will take decisive action in this matter.
Louisiana Voice 
Are you saying that a P2E lobbyist is going to bed with one of our State Senators? And whispering sweet nothings in his ear? Or that the deck is stacked in P2E’s favor? And that the Ethics Commission will roll the dice on the situation?
Tom, that looks bad, but not as bad as when a certain senator chaired a committee that heard nursing home legislation. This particular senate chairman had interest in nursing homes. Anyway, I looked at the makeup of the committee, 3 Dems. and 4 Reps. So a repub must have voted with the dems. Normally, chairmans do not vote, unless they vote to break a tie. It would be interesting to know how the secretary called the roll. Also, I am not sure if there is an ethical violation here. He does not benefit directly or indirectly from the legislation.
Well, maybe indirectly. But, that is a stretch. It will be interesting to see how he votes on the bill on the floor. He may vote no or not at all.
Actually, it’s Senate Bill 213. It’s also subject to a duel referral. After Smith’s committee reported it with amendments, it was then referred to Senate Finance. It’s up to that committee to send it to the floor. Also, the bill does not approve the relocation, it provides for a local referendum election, if the gaming board approves the relocation. Therefore, Smith did not vote for the relocation, he voted to allow the locals to decide. Which is often done as a courtesy to a fellow member.