Bret Allain

The "new age of ethics" in Louisiana sometimes does not seem to be that different from the old ways. Despite new ethics and disclosure laws, insufficient enforcement and too much confusion still exists. We need a system to enforce ethics laws quickly, fairly, and transparently. We also need to have the persons involved in the process working together, not fighting for turf.

I fought for transparency while serving on the State Mineral Board and will continue to fight for it. Citizens are entitled to know what their government is doing, and this information should be available at no cost to them. However, we are still struggling to gain access to meetings where the people's business is being discussed. Morevover, we are still seeing too many personal favors and back-room deals that decide what happens in government.

This underhanded method of governing must change.

I will make ethics in government a priority, push for enforcement of existing laws, and support new ones when needed. I will ensure that those writing the laws are not just protecting their turf. I will defend the citizens' right to know about matters that affect their lives. Louisiana needs and deserves leaders who are serving their state, not themselves nor their re-election campaigns. The time is now.