January 12, 2011

Today I attended the Jefferson Parish Council Meeting at the Joseph S. Yenni Building in Jefferson, LA. I was accompanied by reporters from the Times Picayune East Jefferson Bureau. I shadowed Rich Rainey, a government reporter in Jefferson Parish. Jefferson Parish is the largest parish in the state of Louisiana, as its population is close to 450,000 people. It is also one of the most affluent and conservative areas surrounding New Orleans. Unlike St. Tamany Parish, which is recognized as a rapidly growing community, Jefferson Parish's population has remained stagnant and relatively stable.

Attending my first parish council meeting was an interesting learning experience. Beginning with the Pledge of Allegiance, roll call of the council members, parish president, and directors of departments, the meeting lasted for four and half hours and covered a myriad of topics.

The twenty-paged program agenda addressed 175 notices, reports, and ordinances to be discussed, approved, or denied. Controversial issues like prostitution and underage drinking in Fat City were discussed at great length. Fat City is a particularly seedy part of Jefferson Parish that many politicians hope to refurbish and rehabilitate. Councilwoman Cynthia Lee-Sheng has taken measures to prevent illegal activity and inappropriate behavior in the area.

To read more about Councilwoman Lee-Sheng's influence on Fat City issues, click below: http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2011/01/jefferson_parish_council_crack.html

At the meeting, zoning issues were discussed, as a few residents expressed concern over Candlewood Suites,  a hotel planned to be built approximately 150 feet from their backyards. Issues over residential areas vs. commercial/industrial areas arose, and I was shocked to see how passionately the residents spoke about their concerns. Mr. Michael Rodriguez and his wife, Mary, appeared before the council to discuss a "Splash Car Wash Business" that is 35 feet from their property. The couple filed complaints about the noise that interferes with their quality of life, as a result of the customers' subwoofers and the automated noise created by the car wash business itself.

Another issue pertaining to noise disruption that was brought to the council's attention was presented by Jackie Madden, a resident of Palm Vista Drive in Kenner, LA. I am currently staying with my aunt and uncle, Dorothy and Jim Creely, who also reside on Palm Vista Drive. The council was informed that a construction project for hurricane protection on  Lake Pontchatrain has created unnecessary and aggravating sound for residents. The nuisance has proved to be unbearable for the inhabitants of Palm Vista, and they are determined to bring the project to the government's attention. Apparently, FEMA and the Corps, the leaders of the project, have been insensitive to their complaints.

Unfortunately, the internet at the building was malfunctioning, and the reporters were unable to connect to the internet, so I learned from how they successfully adjusted to their situation. Once again, flexibility proves to be a valuable and vital trait for those in journalism.

Lastly, I met and conversed with Mr. Drew Broach, East Jefferson Bureau Chief. Mr. Broach explained to me the role of the East Jefferson Bureau, as it covers local news for Kenner and Metairie. The Times Picayune has five different "zones," each with a bureau that covers local news specific to that area. Therefore, every day there are five different "editions" of the newspaper that are printed. I learned a great deal from Mr. Broach, who first became interested in journalism while living in Washington D.C. He spoke with me about the importance of covering local news and relating news back to the general public. Although international and national topics are critical coverage for readers, the Times Picayune specializes in local news and caters to people interested in learning more about the happenings in the New Orleans area.

I really enjoyed spending time in Jefferson Parish, and I am so grateful for Mr. Broach's time with me today. More tomorrow!