Under Jindal’s Dome: Pay to (watch them) Play?

One of the hottest tickets in the new Governor’s administration is a seat on the Louisiana Board of Commissioners Stadium and Exposition District or, as it is more commonly refered to, the Superdome Commission. An appointment that just so happens to come complete with its own luxury skybox for all Superdome events. After the jump, The Box takes a look under the lid.

New Orleans–In this gold standard age of reform in Louisiana, when tickets to football games and other events have become a burning symbol of patronage for average Tigers and Saints fans, an appointment to the Superdome Commission continues to be the best political favor money can buy or sell. And as Legislators grapple with the hot button issue of free tickets, access through Jindal’s appointed few may end up being the best game in town. So just how did these guys get under Jindal’s Dome? A quick look at Jindal’s new appointments (and their campaign contributions) tells the story.

J.E. Brignac of Prarieville–$15,000

Part owner and director of Acadiana Cable Advertising and KDCG Television in Opelousas. Chairman of Imperial Fire & Casualty insurance company, also based in Opelousas. Member of the Louisiana Insurance Guaranty Association’s Board of Directors. Owns other businesses and serves on several other state boards and commissions.

Brignac donated the maximum of $5,000 to Governor Jindal’s campaign. His insurance company also donated $5,000, and his wife, Arleen Brignac, follwed suit with her own $5,000 donation.

David Chozen of Lake Charles–$5,000

Owner and manager of Chozen Business Services. Serves on the Southwest Louisiana Chamber’s Board of Directors. Member of the McNeese Foundation Board of Directors.

Bill Windham of Bossier City–$5,000

Self-employed real estate and investments agent.

Julio Melara of Baton Rouge, $3,500

Melara is the President of the Baton Rouge Business Report, published by Jindal campaign treasurer and transition leader Rolfe McCollister. Melara, who bills himself as a motivational speaker and author, is also publisher of 225 Magazine, a Baton Rouge lifestyles publication.

Melara’s boss at the BBR, McCollister, recently announced that he is forming a 527 political group called “Believe in Louisiana” that will raise money for the purpose of supporting the new Governor and his policies.

The only non-donor in the bunch is Ron Forman, who will serve as chairman of the Superdome Commission. Many say that Forman’s reputation, built on his record as head of the Audobon Zoo, brings strong name recognition and experience to the post.

Whether the Commission members will be allowed to grant Louisiana legislators access to the Superdome skybox is likely to become part of the overall debate on banning free tickets for legislators during next month’s special session on ethics reform. But as for the ability of Commissioners to invite potential donors and other favored friends to join them in the Superdome skybox, so far, the Dome’s the limit.

Next up. Diveristy at LSED. An all (Republican) boys club takes over for Blanco’s mix.