the following letter has been submitted for publication to the editor of the era-leader, (washington parish, la.) as well as the 2theadvocate, the times-picayune and other newspapers:
Dear Editor,
Louisiana is continuing to pay a convicted felon millions of dollars a year while facing budget shortfalls and a struggling economy.
Michael L. Thompson a convicted felon and Washington Parish Reservoir Consultant was convicted of a Federal Crime on Jan 20, 2010 involving corruption at Poverty Point Reservoir.
Thompson continues to be paid $100,000 dollars a year per Reservoir for Reservoirs in Washington, Allen and many other Parishes. Thompson is currently under contract with D.O.T.D and political subdivisions of Washington, Allen, and many other Parish Reservoir Commissions.
Mike Thompson is the Brother of Sen. Francis C. Thompson, Creator of reservoirs in many Parishes and Legislation (ACT 523 in 2001) allowing sale of Land taken by Eminent Domain at Reservoirs.
Legislator Developer Sen. Francis Thompson is currently selling Lakefront lots as CYPRESS COVE AT POVERTY POINT LLC.
Mike Thompson and Reservoir Engineer Terry Denmon of Denmon Engineering face more Federal Indictments of corruption involving Property at Poverty Point Reservoir.
Denmon Engineering also continues to receive millions from many Reservoirs in La.
Washington Parish Reservoir was created by Sen. Ben Nevers in 2003.
Sen. Nevers and Francis Thompson highly recommended and promoted Mike Thompson as the man for the job.
Was Sen. Nevers and his Commission misled and duped by the Thompsons or have other reasons for his selection?
Does the relentless pursuit by the Reservoir Commission for a permit involve reasons for personal gain?
Should the State continue to spend millions for Unwanted and Unneeded Reservoirs ?
A convicted felon should not continue to be paid by the Washington Parish Reservoir Commission or the State of La.
Under LOUISIANA REVISED STATUTES 39 CHAPTER 17. LOUISIANA PROCUREMENT CODE R.S.39:1672.Authority to debar or suspend; The causes for debarment include the following:
On January 22, 2010 I contacted about 20 people with D.O.T.D Concerning D.O.T.D's Existing Contracts and Distribution of funds to Reservoir Consultant Mike Thompson.
(2) Conviction under state or federal statutes of embezzlement, theft, forgery, bribery, falsification or destruction of records, receiving stolen property, or any other offense indicating a lack of business integrity or business honesty which currently, seriously, and directly affects responsibility as a state contractor;
I have not received a reply to my Emails.
After Thompson's Sentencing on May 24 will the state mail his checks to Federal Prison?
In light of recent developments, and as a show of good faith Sen. Ben Nevers should stop wasting State Money, dissolve the Reservoir Commission and repeal the Legislation creating the Reservoir.
Taxpayers need a complete Investigation and Audit of all Reservoirs and Reservoir Commissions that the Thompsons were involved with in the State of Louisiana.
The State needs to stop wasting money and paying "Convicted Felons" millions of dollars a year to continue to run a Reservoir scam.
James Moore
