To whom do we write now?

OK, we've written to the 5 Parish presidents; is there anyone else we need to write? Well, yes.

Governor Bobby Jindal, for one. He recognizes there are huge transportation needs, as shown in the commitment in the last special session of the legislature and his appointment of a new secretary of the DOTD who has already asked his folks to look at new ideas for traffic.

Now go to Senators Mary Landrieu and David Vitter. There are federal dollars needed for this project, even with tolls. Senator Landrieu is a long proponent of Smart Growth and just last month helped welcome Louisiana mayors and others from across the country to a Smart Growth conference in Washington D.C., see http://www.newpartners.org/agenda.html .

But anyone else? One of the really wonderful things about this region is that there are some thoughtful and influential people who don't have to run for office, but care deeply about this region. And guess what? More than one of them is listed as a "stakeholder" in the Loop!

John Spain, Executive vice president, Baton Rouge Area Foundation - the BRAF has long been connected into Smart Growth and the future of our area; In fact, an article in today's The Advocate (fornt page) highlights the BRAF's current drive to look at the quality of life (including "lack of public transportatation"). Let him know what you think.

Stephen Moret, Baton Rouge Area Chamber of Commerce - The Chamber is all about attracting new business and you can't attract new business if you transportation system sucks (sorry, that's a southerner's legal term for "ain't worth a darn").

There are more, but this is a start.