Treen Stumps for LA Governorship in Alexandria

The Alexandria, LA, Daily Town Talk | 03-13-03 | Manuel, Suzan

[Theodore R.]

Treen stumps for governor's job in Alexandria Suzan Manuel / Staff Reporter Posted on March 13, 2003

Former Gov. Dave Treen talks of his plan for a Coastal Wetlands Environmental Levy during Wednesday's visit to Alexandria to announce his candidacy for governor.

Dave Treen, hoping to return to the Governor's mansion, officially announced his candidacy for the state's top office Wednesday.

The Republican candidate's Alexandria stop was one of four he made around the state Wednesday.

"I can hit the ground running," he said, citing his tenure as governor from 1980 to 1984.

That experience, as well as his integrity and having a specific plan to address the state's financial problems, distinguishes him from other candidates, he said.

Treen said he plans to implement a Coastal Wetlands Environmental Levy, if elected.

The CWEL would charge oil and gas companies for the transportation of oil and gas through pipelines that cross the state's coastal zone.

The plan calls for the state to charge 12 cents per thousand cubic feet of natural gas and 84 cents per barrel of oil. It is projected to generate over $1 billion each year, he said.

The increased cost to the Louisiana consumer, Treen said, should be no more than $10.40 per year for gasoline and $3 to $4 a year for natural gas.

In return, Treen plans to devote $310 million each year to education, including funding teacher pay raises, improving school facilities and providing additional money for higher education and technical training.

The plan also calls for $295 million a year to be spent attracting business to the state and $75 million to go toward attracting retirees.

Under Treen's plan, Louisiana would dedicate $100 million a year to improving roads, bridges and ports, including the completion of Interstate 49 to the Arkansas border.

Additionally, $140 million would be earmarked each year to restore the state's eroding coast. Another $30 million would go to toward Youth Environment Services, he said.

The YES money would go to programs that have volunteers in place, but lack building space.

Aside from Buddy Leach, D-Lake Charles, Treen said he is the only candidate with a firm plan in place to deal with Louisiana's issues.

"Vote for Dave Treen if you like CWEL," he said. "If you don't, vote for somebody else."

Official qualifying for the governor's election will take place in August, with the primary scheduled for Oct. 4.

Suzan Manuel: 487-6387;

[ken5050]

The headline writer obviously has a tongue in cheek approach this morning....