Bobby Jindal

Citizens pepper Jindal with questions

Citizens pepper Jindal with questions
By Greg Hilburn, Monroe New-Star
July 29, 2008

Gov. Bobby Jindal greeted a packed house here Monday with a speech about ethics reforms, business tax breaks and the revamping of Louisiana's labor department.

But when it came time for audience participation at Monday's northeastern Louisiana town hall meeting tour — he also held similar gatherings at Farmerville and Mer Rouge — many of the questions were deeply personal.

Angie Tyler, who raises chicken broilers in Lincoln Parish, was emotional when she asked if the governor would support legislation geared to help struggling poultry farmers.

Teenager Garrett Jonkheer, a Ruston High School student, wanted more recycling opportunities. "Can you do something about it?" said Jonkheer, 15.

One Jindal fan told the governor she hoped he would run for president — not vice president — in 2012. Others wanted their photo taken with the governor. Another asked about high-speed Internet service in rural areas. One woman even asked Jindal to pardon her husband.

"This is all about the people of Louisiana having a chance to talk to their governor," Jindal said. "It may be the only chance some of them ever get. They should be able to talk to me directly about their concerns. That's what these meetings are about."

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