Editor of the Baton Rouge Business Report, Stephanie Riegel, takes time out of her busy day to join us in studio for the first half of today's show. She and Jim start off by discussing the recently developed feud that's emerged between Mayor Kip Holden and his one-time Chief Administrative Officer Walter Monsour, over funding for the Redevelopment Authority. Monsour, the RDA Executive Director, announced Monday his plan to refill the RDA's shrinking budget with $3 million from the city; a move that overruled Mayor Holden. And Holden, in retaliation, came out accusing Monsour and the RDA of reckless spending and an inability to work well with others; Holden also then criticized Monsour's annual salary of $350,000. Stephanie also discuss an article she wrote pertaining to the upcoming closure of Highland Coffees.
Also, two Tangipahoa natives and State Representatives from different parties join us over the phone for the last half of today's show: Rep. Chris Broadwater (R) and Rep. John Bel Edwards (D). They join us in a rare display of bipartisanism to discuss their efforts to help fix some of the problems surrounding the Office of Group Benefits since its funding has been depleted. They also discuss the upcoming Amendments on the November 4th ballot that deal with changes to Louisiana's hospitals and healthcare system.