Comments for The NGOs at http://www.theind.com , comment 1 to 44 out of 20 comments http://www.theind.com Tue, 21 May 2013 05:36:04 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.3 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/4670#comment-2130 To Boomtown, I know your finance is involved with a few NGOs and you recieve a federal and state allowance/check as does your financee, he also should obtain a job . He could enter into politics / start with hands-on experience at Pet Smart; Start by learning what the price of fish food and bird seed ,excellent start if you want entrance to the LYPA This has been a start point for some illustrious , Local Yokels . politicos Let THE "Working Class Vote" - Ciano Leal Sun, 02 Aug 2009 21:14:38 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/4670#comment-1947 Ravin, You think people have moved out of the cities because of taxes? Hah! They didn't call it "tax flight." They called it "white flight" for a reason. Plus, no one is talking about defunding NGOs and then cutting taxes. They are talking about defunding NGOs and spending it on more bureaucracy (certainly in the form of more cops and firefighters because who could be against that, right?). And you talk about the permit processes in the argument against funding NGOs? Isn't that an argument FOR funding and letting them streamline at least some of the social programs without having to jump through the hoops of government regulations? A perfect example if the USDA buying all that ham for $1.51 a pound when most stores sell it at $.79 a pound. And since they were buying in bulk they should have gotten it even cheaper than that. You think FoodNet would have paid $1.51 a pound? Absolutely not. Look, I believe any program that can stand on its own should stand on its own. But if there is a program that adds to the culture of the area and it needs a little help from government, then it should get that help. Or if we think a social problem, like adult illiteracy, needs to be addressed, then why not fund VITA instead of creating a bureaucracy using twice the money with a quarter of the effectiveness. That seems like the smart, conservative thing to do. But no. Some people just see government spending and take the knee-jerk reaction that it must be bad. And probably 90% of the time, I would agree with that. I just want a little common sense to be injected into the mix. All the best, Soop - Soop Tue, 21 Jul 2009 16:23:29 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/4670#comment-1937 For the last 50 years, all over the world, middle class and rich people move their businesses and families out of the cities and out to the suburbs. You've never heard of that? Think LOCAL tax burdens and bureaucracy don't cause that? Or is 50 years too short to be considered history? Don't know what "unwieldiness" means? Go apply for a permit in New Orleans, Detroit, Memphis, Cleveland, Philadelphia, etc. The last thing their city councils will ever do is cut spending on social services or streamline LOCAL government processes. Just keeps growing. Conservative philosophy IS all about limiting the size of government. It is most certainly NOT about "milking the maximum good out of government"...not at any level. That's my whole point. Government is not the place for this. I called Don Bertand and had a long talk with him about this yesterday, and I listened to Joey Durel's comments on this on his radio show last week. Both would agree with me, to some extent, that getting the city out of this would be best for all concerned. Bertrand and Durel did change my attitude about the funding for these NGO's. I probably would not vote for this ordinance either. Don Bertand says that 3 years is not enough time to get them off the city's budget. I take him at his word on that. But if not 3 years, then how long? If LCG has a new approach to make the NGO's self sufficient with the help of the CFA, then that's great. Let's see it, in writing, and let's commit city government to that. How much money, for how long, and for WHAT REASON? But having some automatic annual outlay of money in the budget every year that is beyond reproach because of some mirky emotional appeal is completely unreasonable. Another problem with all this is that we're lumping together direct spending on social services, increased fire and police protection at parades/festivals, and tourism/economic development spending. 3 different types of spending with 3 very different purposes. - ragin_cajun Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:13:06 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/4670#comment-1936 No Money for NGO's Go Earn it! The Nanny State must end! - Fedup Tue, 21 Jul 2009 10:01:42 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/4670#comment-1928 Ravin Cajun, Your question as to the limit of government: "Or will the only restraint be the "wisdom" of the councilmen and mayors we elect--trust them to decdide on a case-by-case basis?" The simple answer is yes. Conservative philosophy is not about just saying no to everything at the national, state and local levels. The conservative philosophy is as much power in the hands of the people and not "government." The place to milk the maximum amount of "good" out of government is the local level. Most people get all worked up over the Presidential election and could care less about local council elections. But when it comes to improving our every day lives and building a better community, the local elections are where it is at. Most people will never meet the President and even out of the ones that get to "meet" him rarely get more than a few seconds. But your councilmen/women? You can meet them at the store. Even Don Bertrand posted above and practically begged for you to give him a call. Your points are more suited to be directed at the federal government, not local government. You've got the right fix but have it aimed at the wrong problem. I'm still chuckling at your comment that "history" should be our guide. As if history is replete with examples of LOCAL governments funding NGOs have lead to tyranny or "unwieldiness" (whatever that means). Or that bloated local governments have led to anything! All the best, Soop - Soop Mon, 20 Jul 2009 18:12:31 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/4670#comment-1920 Soop-- I understand your point, and I agree with it mostly. I just don't think that LCG should do the investing. Not in duck hunting, ULL Football, or anything listed under "Direct Funding by Agency". It's not the money, it's not the NGO's or what they do that's the problem. The problem is that government is hampered and complicated by this. Government needs to have a very clear purpose, and very clear goals and objectives. History shows that governments that operate outside of those goals and objectives get unwieldy. For us to ignore history and do what feels good because we think we know better is arrogant. LCG has alot of irons in the fire, and to propose that LCG trim the budget and simplify its mission is a good idea. What is the limit? Does LCG even have one? Or will the only restraint be the "wisdom" of the councilmen and mayors we elect--trust them to decdide on a case-by-case basis? - ragin_cajun Mon, 20 Jul 2009 11:36:47 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/4670#comment-1919 I am so amazed at the level of paranoia in some of these comments. It is comical. Keep it up - it really helps your point. :) - Lucius Mon, 20 Jul 2009 10:29:06 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/4670#comment-1917 I think the article and the comments are really interesting because they indicate our uncertainty about what a good government is supposed to be. Should it be as simple and efficient as possible so as to avoid interference and corruption or should it be intertwined with the cultural life of the community, intermingling with it in every corner? My vision of "good" is usually independent of governments, so my opinion about this sort of thing changes more than I like to admit. But I would like to add two things. First, NGO stands for Non-Governmental Organization. Often times they are created specifically to effectuate functions that government should not or cannot effectively accomplish. Nevertheless, the good in them has often convinced us to cross the line and fund them--at least in small amounts. In fact, the biggest NGO supporter in the world is Uncle Sam. Second, I think this shows the beauty and risk of democracy. I do believe a simpler and purer government is usually best, that the community will still come together for its extra-governmental needs on its own terms. Nevertheless, I think if a majority of the community wants the government to involve itself more with NGOs, then that's what it should be--like it or not--that's what we signed up for in this country. Best to all of you, my neighbors. - J Mon, 20 Jul 2009 08:26:00 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/4670#comment-1915 Ragin, First, there are only 6 programs that LCG funds that meet even the minimum level you suggest for your troubled teen duck hunt. With the levels most programs get, your adventure would likely get about $5000. Since I believe kids that hunt don't commit crimes, then yes I would go for getting more troubled teens into hunting. Despite the bad example you used, let's chase that rabbit. If someone said let's vote on the paved state roads that lead to your duck camp, I think the majority of Louisianians would vote no. Directions to my duck camp already include "turn off the paved road" just as yours probably does but I wouldn't want to drive all the way from Abbeville to my camp on dirt roads (assuming LA would approved paved roads to Abbeville). The notion of "screw these programs," we will get them once we have enough people here to support them but not until then is just plain short-sighted. It reminds me of the line of thinking regarding the ULL football team: that if more fans came out and spent more money, then we would have a better program. With all due respect, that is just not how it works anywhere except Fantasyland. If you spend the time and treasure to build a better football program, then people will come, the money will flow and you get more improvements which hopefully push the team even higher. If you say, no we are not going to spend money until the program can sustain itself, then you get exactly what we've gotten the last decade of UL football. The same hold true for the NGOs. If the little bit of money invested by LCG makes the difference between success or failure of programs that benefit Lafayette, why not help them along? Especially when these programs can be pointed to by those persons pushing Lafayette as a business destination as a terrific example of our quality of life. All the best, Soop - Soop Mon, 20 Jul 2009 07:42:16 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/4670#comment-1914 While i fully support funding the NGO's, I can't imagine that after 23 years, the Festival needs 72k for the event. Whats the corporate sponsors for? I think the original monies were for seed money to get the festival off its feet. Now 23 years later it still needs money? I say just like any other business(which FI is), tighten itself up and lets use the monies for other more deserving NGO's. - Bruce Bernard Sun, 19 Jul 2009 23:07:50 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/4670#comment-1909 ragin_cajun: "Maybe what LCG should do is pass an ordinance that triples funding for NGO's, and mandates that every citizen MUST work for one of them for 10 hours a week without payment of any kind?" Yes, comrade, you are finally getting it! All Power to the Workers Soviet! Death to the running dog capitalist tax payers! - The fun in dysfunctional Sat, 18 Jul 2009 13:15:24 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/4670#comment-1906 That's really touching Gaywynn. But that still doesn't explain why funding for those programs should come out of taxpayers' hides. You're laying out what "our community" is, and saying that if "you don't want to participate in our community", then "perhaps this is not the place for you"? You're right. A socialist utopia is not the place for me. Maybe what LCG should do is pass an ordinance that triples funding for NGO's, and mandates that every citizen MUST work for one of them for 10 hours a week without payment of any kind? Would that better suit YOUR idea of what our "community" should be? Who do you think you are to tell people they don't belong in "our community" if they don't agree with YOUR idea of what it should be? Is that the attitude that "makes our community so vibrant"? You "welcome visitors with open hearts", but your neighbors can only stay here if they agree with you. that's so compassionate of you :) Who do you think you are to tell people they don't belong here? Who do you think you are to tell people how they should spend the money they have earned? - ragin_cajun Sat, 18 Jul 2009 10:46:04 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/4670#comment-1905 What makes our community so vibrant? Our rich cultural heritage- our food, music and art are rare in the vast landscape of America. We welcome visitors with open hearts, and they leave forever changed. We are a passionate and compassionate folk. That many of your families may not have been touched by special needs is a blessing. The life of my brother born with Down’s Syndrome was touched by the mission of L.A.R.C. My elderly father and widowed aunt receive a warm lunch during the week (I bring dinners.) Being “shut in” without the social interaction of earlier days of their lives, they look forward to seeing the volunteers who bring lunch. It takes a community/village to reach out to those around us. Perhaps this is not the place for you if you don’t want to participate in our community. - Gaywynn Gaude-Bertrand Sat, 18 Jul 2009 09:33:27 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/4670#comment-1904 To: rajun_cajun I would be glad to respond to any of your comments or questions. You want full disclosure just like everyone else, well have the courage to use your real name. I will go you one better, call me. Council Office: 337-291-8800 You can make an appointment to visit with me or leave me a number where I can contact you. Oh, and yes, I have had other ideas which require more information and input from others. But a "Kill Bill" approach is not what I am looking for. and yes, I do not mind if it is put on the ballot. I will even predict the outcome. City would vote for it and the parish would not. I beleive this ordinance is short-sighted, despite the fact that I give my fellow councilmen the respect for it being well intentioned. I have been educating myself for some time, I suggest you do the same. Call some of these agencies and find out for yourself. No, better still call all of them. They are listed in the phonebook. What I have learned, I have clearly stated. You may not agree and that is your right. I look forward to hearing from you or any other who would like to discuss the subject. - Don Bertrand Sat, 18 Jul 2009 09:18:26 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/4670#comment-1897 Commission on Needs of Women gets $3,600? I smell sexual bias. What about men? They need a commission too. - Frank N. Sense Fri, 17 Jul 2009 13:19:58 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/4670#comment-1892 Soop-- Nobody's trying to "punish others who choose to take an interest in other pursuits. Or who try to promote more cultural offerings which lures more people or tourists to the area." The goal is to have those who want to do those things pay for it themselves. I think that duck hunting is part of our heritage. It draws people from out of state every year to our area to spend money. It is an unquestionable part of Cajun heritage. And the federal and state government already give tax dollars to NGO's to support duck hunting. How about if I form a group of interested duck hunters, create a "marsh space", similar to a "green space", and take troubled teens duck hunting a few times a year. Think that LCG should give $20,000-$50,000 a year to that cause? - ragin_cajun Fri, 17 Jul 2009 10:28:34 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/4670#comment-1890 If we put the entire Consolidated Government Budget under the scrutiny we are giving to this particular .7% (I'm assuming the person that listed this figure was correct), then we could probably double funding for NGOs. Where we put our priorities says a lot about our community. If you want to sit at home watching Dancin with the Stars or demanding that Walter publish your comments quicker, then be my guest. But why punish others who choose to take an interest in other pursuits. Or who try to promote more cultural offerings which lures more people or tourists to the area. I am a transplant to Lafayette but grew up in a place not far away. The number one comment I get from people my age back home is that there always seems like there is so much to do in Lafayette. Why not continue to foster that image instead of trying to destroy it? All the best, Soop - Soop Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:24:04 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/4670#comment-1889 $381,837? Spend it on roads, water, etc. or reduce taxes. $20,000 for AOC? My goodness, do who have to bankroll the Kook Channel? - Robespierre Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:12:24 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/4670#comment-1888 Golfers earn their keep? How many NGO's do you think have held golf tournaments for charitable purposes? LCG does not offer reduced pricing to charities for their fundraising efforts, which ultimately reduces the burden on the community? In fact the cart fees, green fees, and the pro shop's take are all priced in to the entry fee for each player. Golf is probably the only sporting activity in Lafayette that charges ever higher fees whether it is for fun, practice, or competition. How much do you pay to play, or practice playing, tennis, basketball, soccer, or jogging around the Gerard Park track? Nothing is given to Golfers and you can't "walk on" to practice for no charge. Carts cost each rider $13, green fees cost $16, and soon these too will increase. I support the NGO's throughout the year and sometimes I even do it on the golf course. FORE!!!! - Muni Golfer Fri, 17 Jul 2009 08:45:22 +0100 http://www.theind.com/cover-story/4670#comment-1882 Here's the list in case anyone is interested. EXTERNAL AGENCY FUNDING ALL CATEGORIES FY 08-09 BUDGET FY 08-09 ADOPTED CATEGORY/AGENCY BUDGET 1 DIRECT FUNDING PER AGENCY: 2 Acadian Village/LARC 1 0,068 3 Acadiana Arts Council 6 9,409 4 Acadiana Symphony 1 0,068 5 Acadiana Youth Inc 1 1,617 6 Big Brothers/Big Sisters 9 68 7 Boy Scouts/America 1 ,742 8 Faith House 2 6,234 9 Family Violence Intervention Program 1 8,683 10 Festival Internationale 7 2,000 11 Girl Scouts Council 2 ,517 12 Healing House 1 5,101 13 Lafayette Catholic Srv Ctr - Share the Light 1 7,134 14 Lafayette Catholic Srv Ctr - St Joseph's Shelter 1 8,877 15 Lafayette Comm Health Clinic 3 1,461 16 Lafayette Council on Aging 3 8,722 17 Lafayette Mardi Gras Association 5 ,034 18 Lafayette Museum Assoc-Capital 3 ,872 19 Lafayette Teen Court 9 ,680 20 Performing Arts Society of Acadiana 4 ,840 21 SLERC/211 31,462 22 SMILE 4 0,000 23 SMILE-RSVP 8 ,200 24 VITA 5 ,034 25 TOTAL DIRECT FUNDED $452,723 26 27 IN-KIND BY LCG DEPTS: 28 Black History Parade - Police 5,000 29 Christmas Lighting - Utilities 25,000 30 Christmas Parades - Police , Public Wks 4,100 31 Crawfish Festival - Police 10,080 32 Festival Acadiens - Utilities & Police 23,800 33 Festival Intl - Police, Pres, Public Wks, Utilities 6 0,300 34 Greek Week - Police 11,200 35 Mardi Gras Parades - Police, Public Wks 225,000 36 Martin Luther King Parade - Police 12,000 37 TOTAL IN-KIND FUNDING $376,480 38 39 GOVT/NON-PROFITS CONTRACTUAL SERVICES: 40 Acadiana District Livestock Show (AG Center) 1 0,000 41 LA Crime Prevent Advisory Comm 4 ,750 42 Commission on Needs of Women 3 ,600 43 Soil & Water Consv District 2 5,000 44 Acadiana Open Channels 2 20,000 45 ARDD-Acadiana Regional Dev Dis 1 9,051 46 Lafayette Parish Service Officer (Veterans Affairs) 2 9,436 47 National Guard 6 ,000 48 Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program 4 ,000 49 Soil & Water Conservation District 2 5,000 50 ULL Grant Position (Federal Lobbyist) 3 5,000 51 TOTAL CONTRACTUAL SERVICES $381,837 - Denice C. Skinner Thu, 16 Jul 2009 22:53:33 +0100