The future of the state of Louisiana hangs in the balance on Saturday.
This weekend’s gubernatorial election will decide whether the state continues down the “road to oblivion” or begins the turn-around needed to pull Louisiana out of the doldrums.
For too long, Louisiana’s citizens have been taken by the good ol’ boy political machine that has formed a political culture of corruption.
Our cultural “laissez-faire” attitude toward life led many to stand idly by as politicians selfishly milked the state.
This machine has taken advantage of Louisiana’s incredible potential with its unparalleled cultural and natural resources driving the state into economic peril and sentencing many families to a cycle of impoverishment.
With my graduation rapidly approaching, I have become all too familiar with the lack of economic opportunity in Louisiana.
Government waste, high-taxes, poor health conditions, corruption and an unsatisfactory educational system continue to drive opportunity out of our border.
It remains to be seen how much longer our beloved state can continue to plunge down this road before it reaches the point of no return.
If not turned around soon, it may be impossible even for the best and brightest to prevent Louisiana from becoming a permanent example of wasted potential.
We don’t need a governor who is merely a “nice” person. We need a leader with a plan. This leader that Louisiana desperately needs is clearly Bobby Jindal.
While Blanco has promised to hold summits and develop strategies upon being elected, Jindal has laid out a blueprint for Louisiana covering economic development, education, faith and values, coastal restoration, healthcare and government ethics.
Not only does Jindal have a plan, he has a proven record of accomplishment.
During his time as the secretary of the Department of Health and Hospitals, he reduced waste by $1 billion, stopping the department from going bankrupt.
Although he cut spending, he improved services, Louisiana escalated to third best nationally in healthcare screenings for children. Childhood immunizations soared by 90 percent, and he expanded services for the disabled and elderly.
He also has shown an ability to work with many who hold differing political views.
Jindal was the executive director of the Breaux/Thomas bipartisan committee on healthcare. Even traditional Democratic supporters have given their support to Jindal including New Orleans mayor Ray Nagin and Jefferson Parish sheriff Harry Lee.
Jindal’s support crosses racial divides.
He has made history as a Republican gaining the endorsement from the Black Organization for Leadership Development and the North Central Black Caucus.
“Bobby is more conservative than most candidates BOLD endorses,” said Doug Evans, President of BOLD. “Nonetheless his record on healthcare and education proves beyond a shadow of a doubt he has a big heart for all Louisianians, and don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise.”
Jindal’s election will be a shot heard across the economic and political world signaling that Louisiana is changing and no longer will tolerate the harmful policies of the old-political ruling class.
Even though his opponent has good will and the best wishes for Louisiana, she is not the leader we need to stop the state’s plunge down our “road to oblivion.”
Cast your vote for Bobby Jindal this Saturday and when you awake Sunday, it will truly be a new day in Louisiana.