News -> News WED, OCT 6 12:00AM by admin2

Couillons On Da Loose

20101006-news-0103Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Lafayette City-Parish Councilmen William Theriot and Jared Bellard inducted into the 2010 Couillon Hall of Fame — and they’ve done so little to earn it. Written by The Editors

If rural residents of Lafayette Parish can’t understand the big move by many city dwellers to deconsolidate, they need to look no farther than the behavior of our newest inductees into The Ind’s Couillon Hall of Fame, councilmen William Theriot (District 9) and Jared Bellard (District 5 ).

They join the club along with former Opelousas Police Chief Larry Caillier, no slacker or stranger to the world of goofy government until he was unceremoniously de-throned by state and federal investigators. (Not familiar with Mr. Caillier’s couillon qualifications? See “Couillon in Chief,” The Independent Weekly, Aug. 11, 2004).

What motivates us to place these two elected officials in the august company of Mr. Caillier when they’ve served only three years in office? Because they’re putting the stink in distinction of public service. Take Theriot, who seems to style himself as the tall silent Clint Eastwood type, the mysterious Spaghetti Western gunslinger in the big hat, who sits squinty-eyed in the barroom corner chewing on a tooth pick, watching everything, saying little, but thinking very, very big thoughts. Or Bellard, who also plays the quiet, silent type — very, very quietly — like in the silence of Harpo Marx, if his performances at council meetings are the measure.

Their latest dubious achievement? Supplying last week the opposing 2 in the 7-2 council vote against City-Parish President Joey Durel’s winning proposal that funded the $500,000 down payment on the 100-acre horse farm and also funded the new and much-needed NGO formula for local arts and cultural organizations. Fortunately a clear thinking majority of the council did recognize the value and wisdom of the funding mechanism Durel’s proposal created. And passed it.

But their “no” vote on the horse farm/NGO funding was hardly an isolated example of Theriot and Bellard’s pattern of voting behavior. As best we could determine from talking with regular council watchers, over the past three years Theriot has voted “no” on every city parish operations budget submitted while proposing nothing as an alternative or substitute. Nothing. Or that Theriot has never introduced a single piece of council legislation in the entire time he’s been there. For Theriot doing nothing is enough. Or that two weeks ago they voted against a “go-cup” ordinance designed to bring a little sanity to the rowdy downtown Lafayette weekend bar scene. Both have routinely voted against funding the annual $72,000 subsidy for our great Festival International, but Bellard’s got no problem showing up to collect his three VIP festival passes — and enjoying the perks that go with them. Bellard’s voted “no,” without explanation, against Lafayette receiving a no-strings-attached $493,778 Louisiana Highway Safety Commission grant for DWI enforcement vehicles. Why? Who knows? He later said he meant to vote “yes.”

Or how about Bellard’s deer-in-the-headlights reaction to the deconsolidation movement that he and his podna have done so much to foster. Stunned by the city dwellers’ efforts to return to separate forms of government, he asked, with Lafayette receiving so much national recognition and many “Best Of” and “Top 10” awards, why we would want to break up such a good thing by de-consolidating. Blissfully oblivious, Bellard doesn’t recognize the very large dots that connect those national accolades with the mainstays of Lafayette’s quality of life — the cultural events, festivals, museums, and arts programs that others see but he wants to de-fund.

Rural residents of Lafayette Parish who don’t understand the anger and frustration driving the move to de-consolidate need to tune in to regular City-Parish Council meetings on Cox or LUS and catch these guys in, er, action. Meanwhile, Theriot and Bellard need a serious civics lesson about elected representation. Showing up to vote “no” isn’t what your districts elected you to do. Voters expect leadership, not laziness. — The Editors

Comments (33)add
feedSubscribe to this comment's feed
...
written by h , October 06, 2010 - 10:00 am
Well said, thanks
...
written by RCajunrunner , October 06, 2010 - 10:37 am
What? The IND doesn't like fiscal conservatives in government who believe in taking care of only real and necessary government services during a recession and reduced tax revenues rather than spending money on extras?

Tell me something I did not already know.
...
written by Compassionate One , October 06, 2010 - 11:04 am
Will next week be on Patin and Dore', who's only question at the CPC meetings is "Now how are we supposed to vote Joey?" LOL

KUDOS to the artwork!
...
written by Preaux Geaux Cup , October 06, 2010 - 12:06 pm
Compassion, the answer is No.

The IND likes those who vote lock-step with the Durel Administration. Remember, Donny Bertrand was the only council member to be given an "A" grade by the IND last year.

Bertrand is second only to Ben Berthelot as Joey Durel's biggest rear-smootchers.
...
written by Cadillac Cowgerl! , October 06, 2010 - 12:15 pm
Compassionate- you are severely miss informed! Haven't you heard-----
it isn't Joey he askes-- it's me! Please become a fan of "Let's Give 'em Something to Talk About" on FACEBOOK
...
written by justice man , October 06, 2010 - 12:21 pm
A great big Amen. These guys are serious idiots. I have never seen two more lost souls in all my life. There is a lesson here to be learned: This is what happens when good people don't get out and vote! Both of them are accidents that , hopefully will be corrected next time around. Coullions? You bet!
...
written by The Holy Goofus , October 06, 2010 - 12:34 pm
Idiots in the guise of politicians...or is it the other way around?
...
written by Conservative , October 06, 2010 - 12:47 pm
Actually the editor of this story needs to be on the cover of Dumb and Dumber...........just because individuals do not vote how you want them to...........really I like the job they are doing and agree with them..........
...
written by Taureau , October 06, 2010 - 01:19 pm
Hey William and Jared, keep it up the majority of Lafayette is behind you.
...
written by Cadillac Cowgerl! , October 06, 2010 - 01:23 pm
Compassionate- You are severly misinformed. Haven't you heard, Patin doesn't ask Joey- he asks me. Please become a fan of "Let's Give Them Something to Talk About" on FB!
...
written by ragin_cajun , October 06, 2010 - 02:20 pm
I agree with Conservative. I've never talked to Bellard, but I've spoken to Theriot several times. He is every bit as intelligent, articulate, and well informed as Don Bertrand, who I've also spoken with several times about the issues facing the council.

Theriot, like Joey Durel, is more direct, whereas Don Bertrand is long winded and chatty. Theriot is more organized and consistent in his thoughts and positions than Bertrand. Theriot has a much better command of more issues than Don Bertrand. Theriot understands the complexities of city v. parish taxes and all the taxing authorities, too.

Theriot also asks very penetrating questions that cut to the heart of the debate while at the same time expressing his position in that debate. One that I was very impressed with was during a council debate over NGO funding. Theriot asked==if the funding went to so many charities in so many different parishes, how many of those parishes contribute tax dollars to the NGO's? That question went unanswered, but it spoke volumes about why Theriot opposes Lafayette funding of NGO's. Don Bertrand, on the other hand, was not nearly as eloquent that night.

So it seems to me that if Don Bertrand deserves an A from the Independent, then Theriot deserves at least an A if not better. The only reason Theriot didn't rate as high was his stance on the issues, a difference of opinion between Theriot and this publication.

So keep that in mind when you read articles from the Independent. They are thinly veiled opinion pieces with a strong ideological slant. The Independent is to journalism as cotton candy is to food--fun to eat, but not very substantive.

I'd encourage all of you to call William Theriot on the phone and talk to him. He's easy to reach. You'll see he is nowhere near as crazy as Larry Caillier, or as vindictive as the editors of this publication.




...
written by Anonymous , October 06, 2010 - 02:42 pm
What does NGO stand for? I thought it meant Non Governmental Organizations. Is that right? If it is then why is the Government funding them? The new "much needed NGO formula" is exactly what again? Is the $500,000 for both the horse farm and the NGO's? From what I understand didn't Mr. Dural put Boy Wonder Ben Berthelot in charge of creating a committee which will now decide which NGO's get the money that was going to the general fund for projects in our city, but now will go towards funding these NGO's. So this new formula you state is basically taking money from our general fund and giving to NGO's which the committee feels deserves governmental funding..Please correct me if I am wrong!!!

If not for councilman like Mr. Bellard and Mr. Theriot we would not know any of the back door politics that goes on within our city/parish government. Thank you both...
...
written by ragin_cajun , October 06, 2010 - 03:15 pm
Anonymous--

Sounds like you understand it better than I do. The NGO meeting last year (or this year?) was so contentious, complete with crying women at the podium, that I'm sure all the movers and shakers around town were just adamant that it could never be repeated. Imagine--you have to stand up in public and defend your claim to the fruit of another man's labor--that just won't do.

So they played a bit of a shell game, and I can't really follow it. All I know is that the old $450K a year to about 15-20 things got all split up. So now there's some money going to NGO's, some money going to Festivals and block parties, and some money going to the Arts Center.

But! When you add the money for all those up, it's alot more this year than the $450,000 of last year. And it will continue to grow every year.

2 years ago, last year, they said "it's such a small part of the budget", "quit being so stingy", Durel said "it's less than 1% of the total budget". And now it's not. You add in the Horse Farm, it's REALLY not.

...
written by B. A. , October 06, 2010 - 04:22 pm
There is nothing wrong with Bellard and Theriot. Do you not like Clint Eastwood?! What's wrong with you? The real couillion is the one who can't speak proper English...glad he is going back to where he belongs........soon....

...
written by nolaf , October 06, 2010 - 04:48 pm
Apparently fiscal conservatism is absolute......no, no, no, no, etc. That sounds more obsessive than being sound judgement, and certainly requires no thought. Oops, there's that "no" word again!
...
written by Blue Bell , October 06, 2010 - 05:13 pm
Not supporting the Horse Farm and Festival International is respectively Dumb & Dumber!

...
written by B.A. , October 06, 2010 - 05:36 pm
There is nothing wrong with Theriot and Bellard. Don't you like Clint Eastwood anyway? What's wrong with you? : )The real couillon is the one who can't speak proper English. I don't have to spell out his name because you know who he is. Glad he'll be going back to where he belongs...soon....
...
written by Curious , October 06, 2010 - 06:21 pm
I didn't know that when a person voted not to fund something, but took the free passes to enjoy it and eat for free made that person a fiscal conservative. I thought would have meant that person would be in the category of being labeled a hypocrite. Could someone please set me straight?
...
written by BoFred , October 06, 2010 - 07:18 pm
I've always found name calling a technique used when the name caller has a problem articulating an argument. I find, in many cases, its a feeble gesture of a weak mind. I, personally, appreciate SOMEONE on the council questioning fiscal expenditures. I AM A SUPPORTER OF THE FARM PARK, but I HAVE A BIG PROBLEM TAKING THE MONEY OUT OF THE BUDGET. I absolutely believe there is a large number of people in this city who could fund the purchase through the community foundation everyone is always speaking of. Or have bond sales. OR ITS A PARK, TAKE IT OUT OF PARKS AND RECREATION. As monies dry up, I do not like taking that much money out of the general budget and I DON'T LIKE THE NAME CALLING AND PUBLIC HUMILIATION OF THE PHOTOS or the tone of the opinion. It reminds me of the bullying that has been in the news lately. Of course, these are men are more capable of ignoring nit picking by The Independent, but its bullying none the less. Ind might be surprised to learn not every citizen thinks govt dollars should be spent on NGOs and a lot of people support Bellard and Theriot in some cases.
...
written by Dwight S. , October 07, 2010 - 07:41 am
After sitting through too many city council meetings, this article nails it. These guys have no interest in Lafayette. All they want to do is pave roads and parking lots. "Just say no Theriot" doesn't understand the complexities of a city and Bellard doesn't understand anything. Thanks again to the Independent for calling these knuckleheads out.
...
written by "Rural Resident" who does watch Council Mtgs!! , October 07, 2010 - 09:25 am
I think that Theriot and Bellard are doing a wonderful job! At least they have the balls to stand up in what the believe in and aren't "puppets" like the rest of the Council Members who cater to Durel and the rich and famous of Lafayette! They aren't the ones who are idots here! William compared to Clint Eastwood... WOW...Editors what a wonderful comparison! Clint Eastwood is tough and gets the job done...just like Theriot!! P.S. Someone needs to step up to the plate and run against Durel!
...
written by "Rural Resident" # 2 , October 07, 2010 - 10:52 am
I love your comment "Rural Resident Who Does Watch Council Mtgs."
I agree with you 100% and so do others! I also think that the Council Members and Joey Durel's priorities are screwed up! Drainage/Roads should be taken care of! These should be first priority! It's time! Hats off to William Theriot! He is fighting for us! Yes, we do need to get rid of the "puppets" who cater to the rich (and Durel)!
...
written by Not Amused , October 07, 2010 - 10:57 am
How does someone "get the job done" without creating a single piece of legislation? How does someone "get the job done" by voting "no" when he meant to vote "yes" to a half-million dollar grant that would have made our streets safer?
...
written by Broussard Native , October 07, 2010 - 12:28 pm
"How does someone "get the job done" without creating a single piece of legislation?"

-----------------

Why wright up a bunch of useless laws if your constituents aren't requesting any? You prefer council members, state legislators, and Congressmen who make new laws and rules just for sweets and giggles?
...
written by Soop , October 07, 2010 - 12:28 pm
Local government is where real conservatives are supposed to favor government programs because that is where government can be most directly accountable to the people. Yet so many "conservatives" around here are more aptly described as conservative nihilists who basically only favor funding the police force and that is about it.

Kudos to Theriot and Belliard for their conservative tendencies but shame on them for not being willing to use their God-given common sense to recognize there are some things that will improve the quality of life here in Lafayette.

All the best,

Soop
...
written by POLITICAL OBSERVER , October 07, 2010 - 01:07 pm
I am a yellow dog Democrat (one who has voted Republican only three times and lived to regret those votes), but I respect the right of each councilman to question the administration and to vote against the administration if he sees fit to do so. The fact that these councilmen don't vote the way they are "supposed to" is not cause for ridiculing them.
...
written by ragin_cajun , October 07, 2010 - 02:58 pm
"Local government is where real conservatives are supposed to favor government programs because that is where government can be most directly accountable to the people. " That's one of the most ridiculous things I've ever heard. I actually wrote out all the dumb things I've heard in my life and ranked them the last time you made this ridiculous remark.

"conservative nihilists" -- yeah, I read that article, too. http://www.tnr.com/article/pol...m?page=0,0

I googled it the last time you called me a "republican nihilist", and I found it used in all the little liberal rags. New Republic, Joe Klein likes to throw that around, Mother Jones uses it ALL the time. Is THAT the kinda stuff you're reading to try and keep up in here? :)


...
written by Soop , October 08, 2010 - 07:06 am
Ragin,

With all due respect to whatever rags you've been googling, I came up with "conservative nihilist" all on my own although I don't have enough of an inflated ego to think I was the first person in history to string the two words together. I started to use "conservative anarchist" but didn't like the tone that presented.

I had no doubt you would not agree with the position ... because you are a conservative nihilist. The idea that any government program might have any redeeming value is repugnant to you.

But I stand by the thought ... true conservatives stand for the proposition that if we are going to have government programs, they should be on a local level. That is why for years conservatives (myself included) have been howling at the size and intrusion of the federal government. And what has usually been the battle cry for this position? "States Rights" as envisioned by the 10th amendment. And specifically arguing against the federal department of education, the argument has been this should be not just a state issue but a local issue.

So, do some more googling before you tell me this conservative position is news to you. This is largely what the fight has been about for the last 30 years.

And as for it being the most ridiculous thing you've ever heard? Really? "Government Healthcare" or "President Obama" wasn't at the top of the list?

All the best,

Soop
...
written by City resident , October 08, 2010 - 09:57 pm
Rural residents #1 & 2,

You present a good argument for deconsolidation. You want drainage/ roads and have no tax base to support these, yet you get a voice in deciding whether the city residents get a new central park (and we do have the funds for this great endeavor.) My priorities are very different from yours.
Do you always vote angst me or do you compromise somewhere in the middle? I don't see the compromise, only a big divide forming. You can't vote against everything & expect consolidation to work. There is a much bigger picture to look at.
...
written by NORTHSIDIAN SHOTGUN , October 09, 2010 - 10:29 am
I vividly recall the day Ole Dixie died, the day the Indy became Jodu'nt cheerleading squad, with Walter, the head Pom Pom.
Like the procession line at Giovanni's Joint on Esplanade, aka Lil G's, with the Kitchen staff coming out of the kitchen beating on pots and pans, " no rhyme or reason, and the group of swarthy men in black suits with the wildest colored rayon shirts at the rear table, clapping and shouting in Italian, and one of the swarthy men leaving his table to lead the procession in and out of the patrons tables, and just as quickly as the outset of the festive madness, the line heads back into the kitchen and the large man with the black napkin tucked into his rainbow hued rayon shirt, returns to his table, hugs his compadres and shouts to the walter, Vino, Vino !
...
written by NORTHSIDIAN SHOTGUN , October 09, 2010 - 12:10 pm
Oh Pardonez Moi, Cowgerl, I would like to meet Miss Informed, just say Walter's couzan, Mr. Know It All, wants to lead .
Oh ! for the good old days, before Canned Biscuits and MicroWave Ovens, when "Men were "Men and "Women were Women.
Now days, no-one holds out for a reason, no-one has a cause, everyone rides their golf cart thru Rivefr Ranch, everyone has an excuse, everyone has a price, everything has a price tag, and every Politician sets on hold, don't make no waves, everyone and every allegiance goes to the highest bidder. The Blue-haired ladies go "La DEE Da at the ART MUSEUM, and the fat bald head men ride their golf carts thru River Ranch with a dixie cup to the brim with vino, sans finalit, summa cum laud, on a Diners Club, credit card. And now jodu'nt most glorious achievement, the gated entrance to the Ambulance Man's digs, " AKA, RIVER RANCH,. Ah !, the aroma of Pillsbury Grands wafts thru the air, awaiting their coat of SOS. How grand the technicolor Pelican, the Blue Haired L, and The Fat bald Headed men with the red Dixie Cup, to the brim with Vino,. It don't get no more better than this, Eh Kenny ?
...
written by NORTHSIDIAN SHOTGUN , October 09, 2010 - 12:49 pm
There are two types of men, in politics, (Oops, i should say could have been, as the doctor said, ah, er, uh, ummm, its a ..... Look here, EH ?
The ass Kisser's and the ass Kissee's" there cannot be one without the other, I'd say Bellard and Theriot, cannot be tagged with either of the labels shown above, unlike some on the council who carry their personalized jar of petroleum jelly, rehearsing their role in life, in life there are doers and dones, and Bellard and Theriot have nevah been done, this i know for a fact. I was there and the doc, "Did'nt Stutter !
...
written by NORTHSIDIAN SHOTGUN , October 10, 2010 - 11:42 am
In the end, it all smells the same, no matter whose it is, it don't smell like Roses !
A most profund thinker, generally falls right in line with the most popular opinion. So, as not to stand alone in a sea of couillions, scared to take a chance on being wrong, he instead spends his time on being the most politically correct of his peers, thereby still retaining his hold on most profund thinker, in a sea of dumbasses.
You must be logged in to post a comment. Log in using your Facebook account or register if you do not have an account yet.

busy 
LA LA Land
Advertisement
Most Read
Advertisement
Advertisement
in case you missed it