Posted on 08/16/2005 10:17:15 AM PDT by Bogey78O
BATON ROUGE, La. -- Improvements to Lt. Gov. Mitch Landrieu's office in the Capitol Annex and creation of his apartment and office at the Pentagon Barracks have cost taxpayers $955,000 since he was elected in 2003.
His staff said the spending is a critical part of efforts to improve the state's image. Others point out that the state already had a $263 million backlog on its list of critical repairs to other buildings and property.
Public records show the Pentagon Barracks work added up to $419,000, and the improvements at his main office to $536,000.
Most of it went for basic materials and labor. But the projects include better carpeting in the executive suite, a decorative glass partition in the reception area and $10,000 for an interior design firm. Residential renovations include a new spiral staircase connecting the second and third floors and commercial-grade kitchen appliances.
Landrieu declined to be interviewed about the construction projects but issued a written statement that they are consistent with his efforts to create a more polished image for the state.
Landrieu's can't help but be Landrieu's.
"Well, we were going to put a company there in Louisiana, but then again, that Lt. Governor's office is a bit dingy. Guess we won't."
Does anybody doubt that they would have put the "R" next to his name if he was a Republican?
As far as I know, every statewide executive is a Democrat. The last Republican in the executive branch died after slipping and breaking his neck.
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