The Times from Shreveport, Louisiana • Page 18

4B SUNDAY, JANUARY 7, 1 996 The Times Opinion THE TIMES New Era A new governor, a Legislature with new leaders, and some new and some old statewide officials take office Monday in what voters hope is the beginning of the reform era for Louisiana. The state would live up to that promise if these issues are addressed with these solutions: itol agenda Can tmA EL--- i A Newly elected Gov. Mike Foster CRIME Local communities will gain the most ground in the war against crime and drugs, but the state should supply support: a state police force dealing with traffic enforcement and fighting criminal activity, including drug trafficking, rather than gambling regulation; an enlarged prison system complete with drug treatment centers; and other prevention programs. RACE RELATIONS Louisiana still is too divided according to race when it comes to voting, professional development, educational excellence and social advancement. State leaders could help overcome differences with efforts to include diverse citizens in the reform movement and with morettacks on discrimination and bigotry.

Unity must become the watchword for new leadership in Baton Rouge. SECURE PLAN Reinventing state government is the guiding principle of the credible plan from the Select Council on Revenues and Expenditures in Louisiana's Future. Many candidates in last fall's election endorsed the plan's principles; now they should put them into action. About $3 billion in state spending could be saved under the plan's redesign of state government. And its recommendations for fiscal reform would mean more balance in the state's tax structure.

INSURANCE New restraints on legal actions and suffer enforcement of current laws would lower auto insurance rates. Continued professionalism of state regulatory agencies would renew confidence and trust both within and outside the industry. Costs to business for orkplace insurance, such as workers' compensation, should be reduced. HEALTHCARE While the state's Medicaid crisis received a federal reprieve last year, the need for major reshaping of the health-care system remains critical. Plans that shift management of state health systems to the private sectof are most attractive, and auditing and oversight to reduce fraud and abuse must be expanded.

State spending on less essential services, such as transportation and rehabilitation, will have to be TOURISM Northwest Louisiana's new surge in tourism should be championed on the state level through support for projects, such as the Sci-Port Discovery Center, and for bringing more state conventions here. This region also deserves better presentation in state-funded advertising and promotion. EDUCATION Better schools and colleges must become the top priority for Louisiana if it wants to gain economic and social success before the next century dawns. Leaders in Baton Rouge would do their part in meeting this goal by shifting more state funds to teacher salaries, instructional materials and classroom equipment. Bureaucratic red tape must be cut, and local initiatives, such as charter schools and school-to-work programs, must be encouraged.

Early child development programs should complement the education reform drive. Institutions of higher learning should be run under a single governing board replacing the four current boards. They also should be funded with a stable, permanent, dedicated source of revenues. POLITICAL AND ETHICS REFORM Anti-corruption rules should be strengthened: no state business whatsoever for state officials, including legislators, and their immediate families; a single ethics board, replacing the current two boards, with its own investigative and enforcement powers; campaign finance rules requiring more disclosure and even smaller contributions; lobbyist rules that reduce gifts and spending on lawmakers; merit selection for judges; lower retirement benefits for lawmakers and top appointees. Mike Foster should fulfill his pledge to bring voter initiative and referendum to Louisiana.

JOBS Business and industry need to know, more than anything, that the climate for investment in Louisiana is favorable and fair. Political reforms would go a long way in improving the forecast. But more must be done: Establish liability laws with balance between consumer and producer, employer and employee. Bring more balance to the state's tax system, which overburdens business. Reduce regulation through clarifying rules and simplifying penalties.

Encourage small business creation through financial incentives. Promote the state's highly productive work force and abundant natural resources in the global marketplace. GAMBLING Take much of the political shenanigans out of gambling regulation by strengthening regulations and allowing appointed boards to operate on their own, without the governor's fiats. Give voters the chance to decide on various forms of gambling not just statewide but in local communities. Ensure local and state governments receive fair shares of gambling revenues.

Push gambling operators to invest in communities both through related facilities and through good citizenship. Newly elected Lt. Gov. Kathleen Blanco Re-elected Secretary of State Fox McKeithen Re-elected Attorney General Richard leyoub House Senate Sen. Randy Ewing, a Democrat from Quitman in Lincoln Parish, is expected to take over as Senate president.

Rep. Hunt Downer, a Democrat from Houma in Terrebonne Parish, is expected to be chosen speaker of the House. Newly elected Treasurer Ken Duncan 1 Re-elected Insurance Commissioner Jim Brown t's time to vatch Foster's style unfold Frank May he imts Founded from weekly newspapers published since 1839; published as The Shreveport Times and The Times, daily and Sunday, since 1871. Views expressed in cartoons and columns do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Times. Editorials reflect the views of The Times Editorial Board.

Members are: Martha Fitzgerald. Frank May, Richard Stone, Eleanor Ransburg and Mike Whitehead. Richard R. Stone President and publisher Mike Whitehead Executive editor Bob Bryan Managing editor Frank May Editorial page editor now, on the eve of his inauguration as the governor who will carry Louisiana to the next century. It's difficult, despite more than a year in the statewide spotlight, to figure out Foster.

Maybe there's nothing to unravel or expose; he's certainly all there in terms of his mind and personality when he's meeting with people or chatting with them in small, private settings. He listens well. He analyzes sharply and picks up the point quickly. He's decisive and confident, neither passionate nor We called his immediate predecessor Fast Eddie; the previous predecessor, Roemer the revolutionary. What will Mike Foster become known as in the governor's throne? What specific trait or overall style will garner him a reputable nickname or unwanted label? It's hard to tell even Whatever we may try to call him or however we may depict him.

expect Mike Foster to be one thing and one thing only in most every situation: himself. At about noon Monday, hell become our governor, the leader of Louisiana. Living up to that label would probably be just fine with most citizens for four whole years. Frank May is editorial page editor for The Times. His column appears Sundays on the op-ed page.

He may be reached at 459-3281. The e-mail address Is Ietters9thetimes.com 222 LAKE STREET SHREVEPORT, LOUISIANA EDITORIAL WRITERS Wiley Hilbum Frank May, Martha H. Fitzgerald Epilogue A.