Louisiana Gov Jindal 's Success: Present Versus Future

Bobby Jindal, in Hammond Wednesday night at a “Meet and Greet” for Congressional Candidate Steve Scalise spoke glowingly about Louisiana’s accomplishments ever since he took office in January. After a major economic development victory Wednesday where he snagged a Fortune 1000 away from competitive states, he moves on to the National Press appearance on Friday. Some say he is making a national road tour (Leno included) for his own personal ambitions—VP possibilities. Others feel he is promoting the state and the Vice President “hopes” issue is just collateral.

However, along the way in what has been a substantial week for Jindal is a little matter called “Ethics Reform”. His signature legislation is being criticized by Public Affairs Research Council (PAR) who feels that the standard to prove the Ethics violation cases are too high and those accused will have an easier time at the hearings.

This can be worked out during the legislative session as PAR has suggested and obviously it is better to reach the gold standard of ethics by making it easier for those rightfully accused to be “prosecuted”, rather than making it harder. The issue is important because the only way to stop violations is to haul those justifiably accused in front of the Administrative Law Judges and win cases or engage in good and fair settlements that punishes and prevents further abuse.

The criticism by the Public Affairs Research Council is important for reasons besides the substance of the analysis. It shows that true success can really only be measured over time. For example, I believe Jindal’s Ethics package needs tweaking along the line that PAR recommends. Government is not a sport where the measurements are usually wins and losses over shorter periods. Administering a state requires careful retrospective scrutiny since successes really are very subtle, not easily definable and involves the crucible of many test cases.

Many of the current administration’s policies and much of the Administration’s legislation will get great reviews for many reasons including Bobby Jindal’s amazing ability to promote his own agenda. But, the proof of the success of the administration will not really occur until years from now when we can really measure results.

That does not mean that I do not believe that Jindal is not doing a very respectable job so far. Recruiting a Fortune 1000 company to Louisiana--in large parts based upon the past 100 days is a plus, in fact, a big plus. With Jindal on the road, it can build a real avalanche of companies wanting a good “look-see” at Louisiana. Convincing companies that Louisiana is a “clean slate” is Jindal’s challenge. Companies could instead say that they are not willing to invest until we get full funding to prevent major disasters such as Katrina.

Herein lies the paradoxes. While we will not know for certain how successful his administration will be until time passes, we can feel great momentum building. Yes, we have major issues that were made apparent due to Katrina and Rita--such as our wetlands, our coast and rebuilding parishes and cities. The onus now falls upon Jindal’s shoulders to prove the results and make certain that the “fixes” work.

While many of us are very enthusiastic over what we have seen so far, Jindal who has often talked in terms of “measuring results” will be held to that standard. Unquestionably, he has what it takes to revolutionize the state in a strong, positive way-- where now we can feel positive changes and years from now we can speak with more certainty about his successes. Now, we can look forward with rose-colored glasses and see what appears to be short-term wins and long term hope; Ultimately, the true reality are the results that are in our own mirrors.

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