RAY GAROFALO
1. Why do you believe you are the best person for this position?
I’m a father and a grandfather, I’ve been in the legislature for 12 years, I’ve started several successful businesses, and I’ve been an attorney for over 30 years. On every metric, I’m the best qualified candidate for Senate District 1. Much more info about my accomplishments can be found at www.VoteRay.com.
2. Do you plan any state action to address the library controversy involving sexually explicit books?
I’ve already acted. With Reps Hollis and Amedee, I filed a bill last session that would explicitly tell the local Council that they can remove a Library Board member before the end of their full term. Rep Hollis and I argued the bill in committee, but unfortunately the committee nonetheless killed the bill.
3. Are you in favor of a restricted section for sexually explicit books (described in Act 436) at the public library (meaning a need for parental approval to view, not just putting books in the adult section that is still accessible)?
Absolutely. Our children should not be exposed to the adult subjects depicted in these materials. God willing, as soon as I’m elected Senator, I will file another bill to accomplish the efforts from this year, as well as any other bill to ensure that these materials are inaccessible to minors.
4. What will be your top priority in Baton Rouge?
Crime. Because of my experience as a former reserve deputy, an attorney, and serving on the Criminal Justice Committee, I have a unique perspective regarding deterring crime. I will continue to work with law enforcement leaders to monitor and correct the justice reinvestment initiative that has resulted in higher crime rates.
5. Your second top priority?
Education. As the former Chairman of the House education committee, I know that a solid education (based on facts, not political indoctrination) is the foundation of everything in life, especially crime prevention. Further, to keep and attract business, we must provide an educated workforce along with a solid system to educate employees’ children.
6. What can you do to reduce skyrocketing homeowner and flood insurance rates?
This year I authored bills to strengthen the Insurance Fraud Authority, require insurers to tell policyholders about the Fortified program participation discount and apply the Fortified program to multi-family buildings, establish a pre-tax Catastrophe Savings Account, and suspend the 10% “above-market” rate requirement for Citizens policyholders. There is more to be done, and I have a plan to accomplish it.
7. Bio Info:
Member of the State Bar Association, St. Bernard Parish Chamber of Commerce, St. Tammany Parish Chamber of Commerce, East St. Tammany Business Alliance, and former member of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, and National Federation of Independent Business. Graduate of Holy Cross High, Loyola University and Loyola University College of Law. My wife Joan and I have three successful adult children, and three grandchildren.
ROBERT ‘BOB’ OWEN
1. Why do you believe you are the best person for this position?
My motto is “Governing with intelligence and integrity.”
With the correct leadership, I see a bright future for Louisiana. However, political divisiveness and party politics are keeping us from realizing our potential. As a businessman and State Representative, I have made a name for myself as a consensus builder. Yet, I know how to stand my ground when making tough decisions.
2. Do you plan any state action to address the library controversy involving sexually explicit books?
Yes, I was a co-author on HB25 by Paul Hollis, which would have given more authority to local governing boards over appointed library personnel. My opponent added an amendment that killed the bill in committee.
3. Are you in favor of a restricted section for sexually explicit books (described in Act 436) at the public library (meaning a need for parental approval to view, not just putting books in the adult section that is still accessible)?
I, unequivocally, agree that sexually explicit images and pornography should be restricted. I do not want to ban some books with descriptions of sex since I would not have become interested in politics if I was unable to read “1984.” We know there is more graphic information on the Internet, but why can’t our libraries be a place where our children can take a respite from the world, which is forced upon them daily?
4. What will be your top priority in Baton Rouge?
I truly believe that Louisiana cannot move forward without a Constitutional Convention. In simple terms, we are still stuck with Huey Long and Edwin Edwards era policies that are killing us as a State. The only way to make a significant change is with a Constitutional Convention.
5. Your second top priority?
Further, I am tired of the divisiveness in the Republican Party. Republicans should be able to unite behind a common goal.
6. What can you do to reduce skyrocketing homeowner and flood insurance rates?
We can do two things to reduce homeowner insurance rates: 1. Reduce regulations to encourage more companies to enter the marketplace, and 2. Fund the grant program for Fortified Roofs. Flood insurance is subsidized by the Federal Government, which means that we need to lobby our Louisiana delegation in Washington to continue funding for the program.
7. Bio Info:
Age: 47 years old
Lifelong Resident of Slidell
Graduate Northshore High School, B.A. in Communications, Manship School of Mass Communication at LSU
I have a background in Political Communications, Tourism Marketing, Broadcast Television, and am a former restaurateur. However, since Hurricane Katrina, I have devoted my experience to our family medical businesses.