Blanco’s efforts in education, economic growth applauded
Emily Nelson, Editor
10-31-2007
CHOUDRANT — North Louisiana community leaders filled Squire Creek’s clubhouse Tuesday to shower outgoing Gov. Kathleen Blanco with thanks and well wishes.More than 100 university administrators, state legislators and local government officials paid tribute to Blanco, who garnered their admiration and support for her role as the “education governor.”
The appreciation banquet event was hosted by Squire Creek Country Club and Louisiana Tech University.
“I think she’s the hardest working governor Louisiana has ever had,” James Davison said. “She’s done more for education than anyone, and you’ll see the results in years to come.”
Davison has worked closely with Blanco since the hurricanes of 2005 as a member of the Louisiana Recovery Authority.
Tuesday night’s speakers, including state Rep. Hollis Downs, state Sen. Bob Kostelka, GSU President Horace Judson, state Rep. Jim Fannin and Louisiana Tech President Dan Reneau, expressed gratitude for Blanco’s work for education and economic development, as well as her obvious commitment to addressing the needs of north Louisiana.
“She has been most helpful for northeast Louisiana, and I hope she’s set a precedent for the incoming administration,” Kostelka said.
In his address to Blanco, the senator said, “History is going to list you in the not-too-distant future as one of the greatest governors this state has ever had. North Louisiana will remember you with love and affection — our steel magnolia.”
Downs said Blanco’s initiatives have helped his district have one of the best years in its history.
“Certainly the economy and demography of northcentral Louisiana will never be the same,” he said.
Judson, a Louisiana resident for only three years, remarked on the significant change in the state’s reputation for education since Blanco has been in office.
“Those across the nation see us in a different light now when they think about education in Louisiana,” he said. “They’re impressed with the progress and the commitment you’ve shown.”
On a more personal note, Judson thanked the governor for the confidence she showed in his management of GSU.
“Your response and support for me and my administration has allowed us to stay the course,” he said.
Reneau reiterated Judson’s gratitude for Blanco’s dedication to higher education, specifically noting the $25 million she allocated for Tech’s research park, the creation of the Louisiana Optical Network Initiative and the new nanosystems engineering program.
“I’ve been around a long time; I’ve served under five governors, and never has this university thrived like it has under your administration,” Reneau said. “You have made the difference, you made the promise and have given hope that will carry on.”
When Blanco took the podium to address the crowd of her supporters, she said it was a joy to be in north Louisiana.
“I have had a blessed life and the opportunity to get to know some of the most beautiful people in the world — the people of Louisiana.
“I do love education, and I want to be known as the ‘education governor,’ ” she said.
“I set out to fund education because it has to be the No. 1 priority. If our people aren’t properly educated, other people will be recruited for those good jobs.”
In addition to her legacy as Louisiana’s first woman governor and as the “education governor,” Blanco said she wants to be remembered for energizing economic development and for investing more money in transportation than any governor in Louisiana history.
“I will smile proudly when I see the governors of the future sharing in the successes we started,” she said.
Once her term ends in January, Blanco said she plans to return to her home in Lafayette and enjoy some downtime as she works on writing her memoir. She also has been extended some opportunities both within and outside the state that she said she will carefully consider.
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