By MARSHA SHULER
Capitol news bureau

Gov. Mike Foster wants to build a fence around the Governor's Mansion.

The House Ways and Means Committee learned Monday that the Legislature's plans for State Capitol construction includes a $250,00 appropriation for the fence.

Only $250k, read on

"Is it to protect the people from the governor or the other way around?" asked committee chairman Rep. John Alario, D-Westwego.

"The other way around," responded House Clerk Alfred "Butch" Speer, who was detailing legislative capital outlay spending plans.

Later, Foster said the fence project "is just a possibility."

Beginning to look like someone riding the fence before its built!!

"We had a rash of problems. ... A car was stolen, another time a bum had to be subdued and hauled away," Foster said.

How many other cars stolen in Baton Rouge, on that same night? The "bum" they had to hustle away wouldn't have been homeless, would he? Certainly not mentally impaired through substance abuse,or other reason, DHH "Booby" Jindahl and Mark Drrennnen, er Drennen don't think so!

Foster said various security options were eyed, and the fence seems to be the most cost-effective because inmate labor would be used.

Unions love inmate labor. Especially brick masons.

Foster said he feels "fairly secure" living at the mansion, which has 24-hour security provided by State Police.

Even though the car was stolen with this tough security, hmmmmm, what's wrong with this picture?

If there's no fence, a security system must be put in place so "people can't just wander up to the place," Foster said.

Like the "bum" and the other "people" as Mr. Mile and Alfred "Butch"Speer referes to above.

"It's not a done deal. It's an option we need to look at," Foster said.

Speer said a brick wall with a black iron fence between the brick columns across the front of the mansion is in the plans.

Yes a black iron fence so they can be safe from the "bums" and the "people that wander" in there.

Commissioner of Administration Mark Drennen said discussions were held with historical preservation groups to ensure the fence is appropriate for the time period in which the mansion was constructed.

What period would that be Mr. Drennnnen,er Drennen??? Early Early "Micro Management"Memo to the Troops ERA to "Spell his name right"?

But the idea didn't sit well with lawmakers. "I pass by there every day. It's pretty like it is," said Rep. Thomas Warner, D-Chalmette.

Sure is Mr. Warner, Maybe its another redecoration attempt to make a statement about the EWE sense of decor? Remember some people thought the stuff that was not "missing" was tacky?

"Is there any kind of security problem at the Governor's Mansion necessitating the building of a fence?" asked Rep. William Daniel, D-Baton Rouge.

"Is it going to look like the White House with security guards?" asked Rep. Mitch Landrieu, D-New Orleans.

Ah, Yes MS. Landrieu, an Imperial Palace on the Mississippi. Complete with armed guards, barracades, and razor wire to protect the people from the governor" certainly he needs no protection from the "bums" with the crack car protecting state police watching the security cable,er cams.

Speer said House Speaker Hunt Downer, D-Houma, and Senate President Randy Ewing, D-Quitman, agreed to finance the fence as part of security upgrades at the State Capitol.

The revelation of the fence project came as Speer outlined the Joint Budgetary Control Council's plans for spending $8.5 million. Of that amount, $6.5 million is cash spending.

Doesn't ANYONE else see something wrong with having the need to have 6.5 thats six point five MILLION dollars for "cash spending" What is that all about?

Lawmakers wanted to know what projects were in the legislative spending plan, which is put in the governor's proposed $1.8-billion state construction program on only a lump sum basis.

If the lump is BIG enough maybe someone will choke on it

Speer said other projects to be funded with the $8.5 million include:

· Exterior renovation of the Pentagon Barracks.

· Exterior security lighting for the State Capitol building and grounds and placement of security cameras outside the Capitol.

· Improving Memorial Hall lighting.

· Adapting Capitol Complex sidewalks for wheelchair accessibility.

Now how much of the 8.5 mil do you think a couple of wheelchair ramps are going to cost?

· Repairing leaks in the decking on the 27th, 28th and 31st floors of the State Capitol.

"And so it goes..........".

thanks linda e.

Your forgiveness Martha?