Levee chief draws scrutiny: Post-storm contract, pay issue questioned

nola.com ^ | 10/20/05 | Frank Donze

[Ellesu]

Efforts by Orleans Levee Board President Jim Huey to steer two no-bid, post-Hurricane Katrina contracts to relatives and to collect nearly $100,000 in back pay for himself a few weeks before the storm has drawn the scrutiny of state officials and Huey's board colleagues, none of whom were consulted on the actions.

"I'm bewildered and deeply disturbed by what's happened," said Levee Board Commissioner Dan Foley, who said he learned about Huey's moves through newspaper accounts.

[Thrusher]

While I am saddened that it has taken something as horrible as the Katrina and Rita disasters to do this, I pray that they rest of the country keeps shining the light and turning over rocks down in Louisiana and New Orleans in particular, because there is a whole lot more of this kind of good ol' boy corruption that needs to be found and rooted out.

[The South Texan]

Bush's fault! No one in that city and state are to blame, before and after the Cane.

[Dahoser]

"I'm bewildered and deeply disturbed by what's happened," said Levee Board Commissioner Dan Foley, who said he learned about Huey's moves through newspaper accounts.

Given the corruption down there, you have to wonder if Commissioner Foley's dismay is because Huey didn't cut him in for a piece of the action. :)

[kipita]

"I'm bewildered and deeply disturbed by what's happened," said Levee Board Commissioner Dan Foley, who said he learned about Huey's moves through newspaper accounts.

....how could he do this without including me, my wife, sister, son-in-law, etc.....

[michaelbfree]

I am shocked, SHOCKED, that they are finding corruption in New Orleans...I mean Mayor Nagin and Governor Blanco said it was all FEMA's fault, and Senator Landruex said it was the government's fault also....they are fine and upstanding Democrats, they would obviously tell the truth - /sarcasm

[Roccus]

"Marine Recovery and Salvage LLC" formed a week after Katrina!

Ya gotta love it!!!!

[ncountylee]

Trust them with the money. LOL