How to Do Something About Legislator Tickets

Reading the thread concerning LSU ticket policy, I had an idea about confronting the legislator ticket give-away. Granted the legislators love their entitlements even more than an alcohol-fueled bimbo fest at Ruth's Chris, and there is little support for overturning this policy, I do believe there is a way for those of us who pay for this welfare policy to respond.

If it were possible to attain seat assignments via a Freedom of Information Act Request, citizens could know where the gravy train set is sitting. Throughout the game, honorable citizens of this state could then pay a visit to these seats and offer a word or two about this entitlement. Given enough unfavorable attention, I'm sure no one would want these seats. With the state likely to fall $3-4 billion in the hole, how can anyone other than our Capital gang feel comfortable accepting tax-payer funded seats.

 

For free tickets to LSU games, I'd listen to 100 people complain about whatever they want.

 

That is one thing I have never earned, free tickets. That must be nice.

 

I believe they pay for those tickets now...

 

Yes they often have the right to buy seats, but get front in line spots. Do they pay the TAF add-ons and all associated fees? Do they make donations that most anyone else must make to get such access?

 

Red is correct. In the past, state legislators frequently had tickets available for football and particularly midweek basketball games. I've had between the 40s seats in Tiger Stadium several times courtesy of a State Senator. Have also seen many a game in the PMAC this way.

Funny thing, in the early 80s, my source called and offered me tickets to see LSU-Tennessee(I think) basketball. Great. Tickets in the mail. Don Redden hits a buzzerbeater baseline jumper to win something like 61-60. The tickets, mailed plenty in advance, arrived in my mailbox 2 days after the game. Damned postal service.

 

Can someone please explain what game tickets have to do with being a legislator. And how many opportunities are available - LSU, Superdome, etc.? The governor and mayor, fine. Those are administative leadership positions where official public appearances are important. But when members vote for themselves to obtain scarce economic goods as a perk, it borders on legalized graft.

And what about those legislators who routinely vote against adequate funding for LSU? I bet they lined up just the same for 2003 NC tickets.

Simply because friendly overtures brought you into the good graces of a state senator or rep who offered tickets doesn't make this policy right. If Ray Nagin had looted Sewell Cadillac, as opposed to NOPD elements, and offered you a car, would you take it, too?

 

First, I said nothing about "friendly overtures." I didn't say the ticket giveway practice was right. I said it was real. No, I wouldn't accept a stolen car. Yes, I did (and would again) accept free (legally obtained and rightfully owned) tickets. And FWIW, I never contributed one dollar or anything inkind toward the political campaigns of the giving legislator. I just happened to have a relative who worked for him. I did not make the rules. I can not change the rules. Whether or not this practice should continue is a decision for folks way smarter and higher up the food chain than me.