KPLC Hot Topic

Hard Rock Casino

     St. Garbiel Downs... the group that wants to bring a Hard Rock Casino resort to Lake Charles... unveiled their plans before the City Council last night.  The 254 thousand square foot facility would be located on property just west of the old Harrah's site.  Though there would be 38,000 square feet of gaming, the casino would be more than just a casino.  It would also include 200 hotel rooms, a Hard Rock live venue and amphitheatre, restaurants, bars and retail shops.  City council members and many in the audience at the Civic Center last night seemed impressed... but cautiously optimistic.  Of course, the Hard Rock proposal is still up against three other developers competing for the 15th riverboat license.  What do you think of the Hard Rock Casino proposal as presented by St. Gabriel Downs?  Would you want to see a casino on the lake front? 

Social Security

     Bad news for 58 million Americans.  They likely won't get a cost of living increase in their social security benefits... for a second year in a row!  Experts predict the government will announce the second straight freeze later this week, because of a lack of inflation.  This would be the first time since 1975 that there was no cost of living increase for people on social security in back to back years.  What's your reaction to the possibility of yet another pay freeze?

Mardi Gras Boardwalk

     We've heard this before... a developer with big plans for the lake front.  But this group explained to the Lake Charles City Council Thursday night,  why it would be different.  The developers behind Mardi Gras Boardwalk outlined their plans to dramatically change the lake front.  Their plans include four blocks filled with retail, nightclubs, condos, and restaurants.  All done in a southern mardi gras theme.  It would be located north of the civic center and unlike the Cypress Group's plan, the Mardi Gras group's plan needs no HUD funding.  The shops and restaurants that would occupy the boardwalk will contribute their own financing.  Developers say sixty days is all they need to line up businesses.  But the Mardi Gras Boardwalk is just part of the plan.  At one end of the property would be a 7500 seat amphitheatre, a 92 feet tall lighted ferris wheel,  and a large scale roller coaster stretching out over the lake.  The city council is expected to vote on the proposal on October 20th.  What do you think of the Mardi Gras Boardwalk proposal?

Where's The Fire Truck?

     A man's home catches on fire.  He called the fire department for help, and they said no.  It happened recently in Tennessee.  Gene Cranick said he begged the city of South Fulton to send firefighters to put out the fire.  Cranick lives outside city limits and chose not to pay the yearly 75 dollars for city fire protection... so the city fire department did not respond.  However, firefighters did show up when the flames spread to a neighbor's property who had paid the fee.  Police say Cranick's son was so angry, he later went to the firehouse and punched the chief. Do you think it was right for the fire department to not respond to the man's call for help?

Jindal Staying Out?

    We're in the final stretch of the political campaign.  Voters go to the polls on November 2nd to decide who goes to Washington.  But why is Governor Bobby Jindal not endorsing his own fellow republican in the U.S. Senate race?  It looks like for now, the Governor is staying out of the campaign for Senate.  He's not endorsing anyone so far.  Even though on Monday, he did endorse a senate candidate from Kansas.  While visiting Southwest Louisiana on Tuesday, we asked him why he has not endorsed fellow Republican Senator David Vitter.  Jindal responded, "Obviously, if we get involved in the election we'll let the media know.  But we don't get involved in every race.  The reality is I don't think endorsements win elections.  I think voters are smart enough to decide for themselves."  What's your reaction to Jindal not coming out and endorsing fellow Republican David Vitter?  Do you find it odd that he would choose to get involved in the election of a candidate in another state... But not get involved in the race that will decide who represents his own state of Louisiana?

MSU student hit

   McNeese State University freshman Ashlea Richard is still listed in critical condition after being hit by a car while crossing the street to go to class yesterday.  Police say she was struck around 7:30 Monday morning near the intersection of McNeese and Common, an area no stranger to the constant battle between pedestrians and drivers.  Students are often seen darting across the roadway, in between cars... trying to make their way to classes.  Many motorists say it's been an "accident waiting to happen for years."  And now unfortunately, it did. Motorists say students should use the crosswalks, rather than jaywalking, putting themselves in danger.  But most students say it's not that simple, pointing to the extreme parking problems on the MSU campus, and the lack of adequate cross walks.  What do you think can be done to avoid such accidents in the future?  

Calcasieu tax propositions

     They're trying again... When Calcasieu voters head to the polls on Saturday, two tax propositions they previously rejected, will be back on the ballot.  But what happens if voters reject the propositions again?  As for as the courthouse and jail maintenance tax... if it fails again, officials would have to get the money from the Parish's general fund, which means less funding for other services.   The other proposition, which is a one and a half cent road improvement/ garbage collection tax for unincorporated areas... It's failure Saturday would mean residents in unincorporated areas would be forced to pay 16 to 20 dollars per month for garbage collection... up to 240 dollars per year.  Neither of the propositions are tax increases; Rather they are continuations of the taxes residents are already paying.  How will you be voting on the tax propositions?