In the Katrina chaos, Jeff took property by storm (Aaron Broussard)

nola.com ^ | 11/05/05 | Kate Moran

[Ellesu]

Now some owners want parish to pay up :

When the 17th Street Canal levee crumbled, Jefferson Parish President Aaron Broussard couldn't go to the Home Depot to buy materials to staunch the flood encroaching from New Orleans. What he could do, under the sweeping emergency authority provided by state law, was raid the Lafarge Construction Materials plant at 3320 Airline Drive for sand, concrete blocks and heavy equipment to build a dam at Airline and Severn Avenue.

In the frenzied days after Hurricane Katrina struck Aug. 29, Broussard several times invoked his authority to seize private property when government resources alone could not handle the crisis or provide for the evacuees, relief workers and National Guardsmen swarming into town. He brought two public and two private hospitals under his control, conscripted vacant land from a private owner and gave law enforcement carte blanche to snatch food, vehicles and other supplies.

"I did not hesitate for a minute to commandeer what resources I needed to save lives or conduct rescues," Broussard said.

[Ellesu]

While Broussard had seen no invoices come across his desk, he said his administration would pass on any expenses to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

[satchmodog9]

Why does this guy still have a job. It infuriates me that he went on television and lied to further a political agenda. He was proved to be a fraud and a liar, yet he still has a job. I really hate government more and more each day when I hear things like this.

[Galactic Overlord-In-Chief]

For what it's worth, he's not very popular down here. One can look at all the "Lyin' Cryin' Time for Resign'" signs that dot the roads in Jeff. Parish.

[Ellesu]

I agree, but WWL 870 sure loves the guy. Every time I tune in he is mouthing off. He makes me sick.

[LA Woman3]

A week after the storm, the administration also claimed vacant land at New Orleans-owned Louis Armstrong International Airport to stow debris to cut down on trips to West Bank landfills. The airport received a courtesy call from a parish official before its land was taken and was willing to accommodate the government.

But airport officials worried that the size of the trash piles could interfere with aircraft that have trouble during takeoff or landing. The seized property was part of the buffer zone left vacant to support distressed planes.

Maggie Woodruff, Armstrong's director of community and governmental affairs, said the airport also was concerned that civilians would dump their own garbage on the site, possibly attracting birds that could get sucked into engines and cause problems for aircraft.

"While we understand the need and don't have a problem being helpful, our biggest concern is always the safety of the aircraft," Woodruff said. "That is the whole crux."

Is Bobby Boucher in charge?

[maggief]

[satchmodog9]

You don't know the rage I feel every time I see that.

[Ellesu]

No one is in charge. I think that has been our problem. All a bunch of stealing lying cry babies.

[Galactic Overlord-In-Chief]

I quit listening to WWL 870 some weeks ago. I've really heard enough, I don't think it needs to be centered on Louisiana coverage 24 hrs a day anymore. I just listen to Rush on 24/7 or Hannity's Insider.

[Ellesu]

[Ellesu]

Same here, I just tune in for a second now and then and the few times I have, Broussard is on crying about needing more money from the feds. 24 hours of blaming and complaining.

[nmh]

Looks like a windfall for all!

Who knows how many bogus claims will fly in.

[Galactic Overlord-In-Chief]

Yeah, the whole "United Radio Broadcasters of New Orleans" thing has been done to death. It's been going on for about two months, and it's time to move on.

[bayourant]

I usually can catch wwl pretty well at night up here. The problem I noticed is that they rarely have anyone in the opposition to this folks asking tough questions on. MAYBE its the time slot. Its amazing what they don't tell people either. Even though they are not letting it out in nola I am sure wwl's people know what the officials are not telling that the damage to sewage and water in most of nola was castrophic and is atotal loss.

[LA Woman3]

Yeah, the whole "United Radio Broadcasters of New Orleans" thing has been done to death. It's been going on for about two months, and it's time to move on.

Are they still broadcasting out of Baton Rouge?

[Galactic Overlord-In-Chief]

Yeah, but I think some of them are moving back to N.O. this coming week.

[ClaireSolt]

We are still in early stages of recovery from Wilma. Although it is well organized and has not attracted national attention, I definately think that we need to get citizens involved in this emergency response. There is way too much "police state" type activity such as what is mentioned here. Needs some checks and balances.

[WasDougsLamb]

All a bunch of stealing lying cry babies

-----Agreed

[Bogey78O]

The problem is they;'re friendly to the local politicaisn so they'll badmouth what's being done then praise the ones doing it in the next breath.