The INDsider -> Nathan Stubbs MON, OCT 5 9:24AM by Nathan Stubbs

White tie, top hat and tails for Durel

Public officials cannot use campaign funds to purchase new clothes for themselves or pay travel expenses for their spouses. That's the opinion Lafayette City-Parish President Joey Durel received last week from the state Ethics Administration. Durel had recently requested clarification on the issue from the ethics board, writing, “I have not and will not reimburse any of these expenses until I get your response." The advisory opinion, which has not yet been posted on the Ethics Administration's Web site, was reported in yesterday's "Political Briefs" column in The Advocate. The article reports:

The board cited past opinions in a number of cases that relied on a provision that the personal use of campaign funds is pretty much prohibited. One exception on the clothing front would be purchase of a tuxedo to wear to formal events — since it would be related to the holding of public office, the board said.

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written by Whiplash , October 05, 2009 - 03:28 pm

"purchase of a tuxedo to wear to formal events"

Putting on the Ritz! What about spats?

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written by Cajunhiker , October 05, 2009 - 06:27 pm

Is this the most controversial ethical question facing our Mayor-President? We should be thankful. Have you read the stories about NOLA Mayor Ray Nagin? I don't know what kind of corruption could involve campaign donations and expensive clothes. But this is Louisiana, don't be surprised by anything.
However, I haven't donated to his campaign, so what he does with the money is more for his donors to opine on. In general, when I give a campaign donation, the expectation is the money is to be used for the campaign now or in the future, whether it's advertising or clothes for campaign events. If the spouse has travel expenses because of the campaign, then so be it. Now, lets hope Durel remembers its not the clothes he wears that makes a good political leader.

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written by northsidian , October 05, 2009 - 09:21 pm

I have always wondered what the "golden egg" was for politicians to keep running for office. Well, I have finally found out. It is their campaign war chest. They milk it when they can. Just think how much the political yahoo's made before there was an ethics board. Evidentently the cajun emperor has no clothes and his wife evidently doesn't either. How can a Baton Rouge paper report something before the Advertiser? Go figure. WHAT SAY YOU BOY!!!!

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written by northsidian , October 05, 2009 - 10:23 pm

Cajun Hiker: This is something that I read and if was what i think a classic quote. It may be of interest to you and your friends. It goes like this: "In small countries and towns criminals, entrepreneurs, politicians, gangsters, old money, and new money all hang out it the same places, united by CASH, NOT CLASS." WHAT SAY YOU BOY!!!!

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written by Acadiana , October 06, 2009 - 01:23 pm

I'm not defending The Advertiser, but the Advocate has a capitol bureau, and has access to those kinds of things before Lafayette and Acadiana does.

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written by northsidian , October 06, 2009 - 09:52 pm

And why isn't it still reported in the Advertiser? Cuz, the free Youngsville Gazzette has more up to date news then them!

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written by NORTHSIDIAN SHOTGUN , October 07, 2009 - 08:56 pm

SOMEBODY !!!!! CAN DA COUNCIL GIVE DA "DAILY RAG" SUM PRINTING INK ???? IN DA INTEREST OH PROPING UP OUR LOCAL IMAGE TA DA RES OF DA WOILD! DAH DAILY RAG, WHAT IS MAKIN ALLUS LOOK LAK HICKSVILLE, U.S.A.
HAH- HA, DEY RAISE DA PAPER AH QUIDA AN DEY CUT-BACK ONS DE ,,, INK!

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