HI.... This is from the Alexandria Daily Town Talk, Alexandria, La. March 11, 1998 (wednesday) By Melissa Gregory; Staff Reporter Tuesday night's event at the Rapides Parish Coliseum was a fund-raiser for state Sen. B. G. Dyess, but it could have been mistaken for a Louisiana State University at Alexandria rally. With Gov. Mike Foster as the guest speaker, members of the LSUA Student Government Association busily handed out "4-year LSUA NOW!" buttons to people waiting in the chillly temperatures to enter the Coliseum. Robert Cavanaugh, LSUA's chancellor, said the buttons would keep the issue in the public eye. Approximately 1,500 people paid $25 apiece for the chance to eat barbecue and to chat with DYESS. In addition to Foster, other state and local public officials like Speaker of the House Hunt Downer and Senate President Randy Ewing trekked to Alexandria for the event. Before the program, Dyess siad he was ready to run for another term. "I'm prepared," said Dyess. "I plan to run again. I know of no reason why I shouldn't". Dyess said he has heard from many people who have urged him to run again. He also said he was "flattered and honored" that people have asked him to run again. The senator said he has attracted different segments of the population. When asked about the Republican governonor's presence at a fund-raiser for a Democratic candidate, Dyess said it's "no conflict at all." In fact, he said that proves he appeals to a wide variety of voters. "In my own campaigns, I hav always had this cross-section," he said. In front of the Coliseum, LSUA supporters were rapidly running out of buttons. Shayne Bertrand, a member of the LSUA SGA, said this event was a perfect opportunity to hand out the buttons advocating that the two-year school be elevated to a four-year institution. He said Foster and a majority of the public supports the school's transition. However, he said it is the state Board of Education that opposes it. "I really don't understand what the opposition is," said Bertrand. "It would be good for the area financially." Bertrand said the school already draws students from the central Louisiana area. A four-year university might appeal to more people, he said. "We're sending our best and our brightest other places to go to school," he said. "They don't always come back. It's real detrimental to the area. It leaves a big hole in the middle of the state for higher education." Foster, who sported one of the buttons on his jacket, said the issue will be studied, but not during the upcoming special session. "This year we're not going to put them into that mix," said Foster. However, the governor said officials would take "a serious look and see if it's practical." "We understand the advantage of having a four-year college in an area that really has no other four year public school," he said. The governor said some of his goals for the special session include discussion of a new system for community and tehnical colleges, the reorganization of the state's Department of Transportation and Development, some "pretty tough" litter laws and local bills. Foster also said the session probably will deal with a bill that would restrict those between the ages of 18 and 21 from going into bars. He said that might include looking at lowering the state's blood alcohol level to .08 "because the feds are doing it." "A lot of odds and ends. These sessions are cleanup sessions," said Foster. "We have to ratify the New Orleans casnio contract or we'll be sued for the next three years in court if we don't because they've lived up to their obligation." ========== For those of you who do not know...there is a DYESS relative that is a Louisiana State Senator. He is B. G. Dyess, the son of J. B. (Joseph) Dyess, Grandson of Edmond Dyess, Great Grandson of Thomas D. Dyess, GG Grandson of George Dyess, and GGG grandson of John Dyess (the main *Papa* in Barnwell, SC) ========== Kaite.... http://www.kaite.com/ (webpage)