Contenders to be Louisiana’s next lieutenant governor gathered Thursday in Drusilla Place’s Bayou Room for a relatively tame candidate forum — save for a heated interaction between Democratic East Baton Rouge Parish Mayor-President Melvin “Kip” Holden and Republican state Sen. Elbert Guillory.
One of the questions directed to the candidates — who also included Republican former Plaquemines Parish President Billy Nungesser and Republican Jefferson Parish President John Young — revolved around a recent campaign ad for Guillory, who is African-American, which featured the n-word.
Holden, who also is African American, berated Guillory for featuring the slur.
“Only an idiot who had not seen my commercial would make the comments you made,” Guillory said.
“I’d rather be called an idiot than a n—–,” Holden fired back.
Apart from the dustup, the remainder of the debate was a calm question and answer session on state issues, including safety, retirement and tourism.
Young said the number one reason Louisiana is ranked 46th out of the 50 states in retirement is skyrocketing crime rates, particularly in the New Orleans area.
He said this year’s baby boomer retirees are the wealthiest the state has ever seen and noted that Louisiana’s lieutenant governor also serves as chairman of retirement for the state.
If elected, Young said he would consider phasing out the income tax for those aged 65 and over.
Nungesser said senior citizens, along with veterans and special needs children, were his top priority. He proposed creating a Louisiana Lottery scratch-off system in which the proceeds would go toward military veterans.
He said he would like to have a say in the state’s coastal planning and economic development, like he had at the parish-level.
“Plaquemines has created an economic engine,” Nungesser said.
He said appealing to the elderly during election season is important, but he also wants to cater to younger potential residents.
Young said Hollywood’s presence in Louisiana has created a goldmine for the state.
“People are flocking to West Monroe to see the places shown in ‘Duck Dynasty’,” Young said.
Holden said two service stations in the parish featured in a Hollywood movie made $1 million each.
Holden said the recreation and tourism industries took major hits following legislative budget cuts, and suggested reinstating the Lt. Gov.’s office secretarial position — previously cut by incumbent Republican Jay Dardenne.
Nungesser disagreed and said he would advocate for more communication among departments.
“I have a knack for cutting jobs and saving money,” Nungesser said.
As an Opelousas Police Department retired sergeant, Guillory said safety is his primary concern.
Though a formula is in place for reporting crime, he said it could be amended to include more coordination among law enforcement agencies.
“It’s important you maintain a balance in law enforcement,” Guillory said.
Young proposed adding new state troops, while Nungesser said he would crack down on ambitious politicos in law enforcement.
The candidates also reflected on Louisiana’s abundance of culture and strategized on ways to promote it.
Guillory said he was inspired by the promotional techniques Hong Kong used to market the Chinese New Year and draw in tourists. He said he has been everywhere in the world except Antarctica and sees patterns in marketing strategies.
“I believe we can market Louisiana internationally, and I believe I have the power to do it,” Guillory said.
Louisiana generated $11.2 billion in domestic and international visitor spending in 2014, according to a UNO Louisiana Tourism Forecast study.
Young has been to all 22 of Louisiana’s state parks and said he is interested in their preservation. Holden said Audubon State Park is his favorite because of its historical significance and connection to New Orleans — his hometown.
Nungesser said his volunteer work during Hurricanes Katrina and Isaac helped him see problem areas in the state, which he now thinks he can fix.
“If you care … you can make great progress,” Nungesser said.
Lt. governor candidate Elbert Guillory talks about his platform to an attendee on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015, during the LWVision 2015 Reality Check Luncheon at Drusilla Place in Baton Rouge.
