Ethics

From We Saw That: Questions over Jindal executive counsel Jimmy Faircloth’s dealing with the Coushatta tribe and a Texas law firm find their way into court.

From the Advocate: Adding to the issues of transparency in the Governor’s office and the standard by which ethics charges are prosecuted is Governor Jindal’s opposition to legislation that would take away the Governor’s powerful control over “capital outlay” projects and the control over state legislators that comes with it.  

From the Advocate: While leaving the standard of proof for prosecuting ethics charges, Senate panel limits gives the ethics board better tools.

From the Times Picayune: In his ongoing effort to shield the Governor’s office from the type of transparency Governor Jindal campaigned on, Senator Bob Kostelka, a Jindal ally, cast the tie breaking vote to kill legislation that would provide fewer exemptions for public records requests.

Times-Picayune: “U.S. Attorney Jim Letten is expected to announce this afternoon that 4th District Assessor Betty Jefferson, an elder sister of U.S. Rep. William Jefferson, has been indicted on fraud-related charges by a federal grand jury.”

More here…

From the Associated Press

From the Baton Rouge Business Report

Shreveport Times lays out some key changes that are needed to effect meaningful ethics policy in state government.

From the Times Picayune: Under fire from Democrats, Bob Kostelka, Jindal’s key ally and sponsor of the amendment to weaken ethics enforcement standards, renews his vow to thwart efforts to undo his handywork.

Meanwhile, the Advocate slams Governor Jindal for his lack of enthusiasm over what was once his signature issue.

From the Advertiser: Over the objection of good government groups but with the backing of the Jindal administration, Senator Bob Kostelka pledges to kill attempt to revert standard by which ethics charges are judged to “substantial evidence.”