St. Tammany Parish, located in metro New Orleans, boasts a reputation for wealth and affluence. The parish is one of the wealthiest in the state, with high incomes and beautiful neighborhoods. It also receives significant state funding for education. Despite these advantages, the public schools remain only average. The root of this paradox lies in the rampant public corruption that has plagued the parish for decades.
Convicted Officials in the Last 20 Years
Over the past 20 years, several elected officials in St. Tammany Parish have been convicted of serious charges, revealing a deep-seated culture of corruption. In fact, St. Tammany is the most corrupt parish in Louisiana.
- Jack Strain (Sheriff, 1996-2016): Strain’s fall from grace was dramatic. In 2020, he was convicted of federal bribery and kickback charges related to a work-release program. He received a ten-year federal prison sentence.
- Mike Lorino (Councilman, 2006-2018): Lorino embezzled public funds. In 2019, a court sentenced him to six years in prison and ordered him to pay restitution.
- Brenda Reine (School Board Member, 2010-2018): Reine fraudulently awarded contracts to companies she had a financial interest in. In 2019, she received a four-year prison sentence.
- Peter Galvan (Coroner, 2000-2013): Galvan conspired to commit theft of federal funds and embezzled public money for personal use. In 2014, a federal judge sentenced him to two years in federal prison.
- Walter Reed (District Attorney, 1985-2014): Reed misused campaign funds and public money. In 2016, he was convicted of conspiracy, wire fraud, and money laundering, receiving a four-year prison sentence.
Officials Charged But Not Yet Tried
Several elected officials in St. Tammany Parish have been charged with serious offenses but have yet to go to trial.
- Patrick McMath (Parish Councilman): McMath faces charges of bribery and conspiracy related to a land development deal. His trial is set for later this year.
- Martha Evans (School Board Member): Evans is awaiting trial on charges of accepting kickbacks in exchange for awarding school contracts. Her trial date has not yet been set.
The Irony of Wealth Amid Corruption
St. Tammany Parish’s corruption is especially ironic given its status as one of Louisiana’s wealthiest parishes. The area boasts high incomes, expensive homes, and beautiful neighborhoods. Despite this affluence, the public school system remains only average, which is surprising given the substantial state funding it receives.
State Funding and Average Schools
St. Tammany Parish receives more state money for education than many other parishes in Louisiana. This funding is intended to ensure high-quality education for all students. However, the schools in the parish have struggled to rise above mediocrity. The corruption among school board members and other officials has diverted funds meant for educational improvements, resulting in a system that fails to meet its potential.
Impact on the Local Economy
The pervasive corruption in St. Tammany Parish extends beyond its impact on education. It also affects the local economy in several significant ways.
- Erosion of Public Trust: Corruption erodes trust in public institutions. Residents and businesses become skeptical about the fair use of public funds, leading to decreased civic engagement and investment.
- Misallocation of Resources: When funds are embezzled or misused, essential services and infrastructure projects suffer. This misallocation can hinder economic development and reduce the quality of life for residents.
- Increased Taxes: To compensate for the financial shortfalls caused by corruption, local governments may increase taxes. This can place an additional burden on residents and businesses, stifling economic growth.
- Stunted Business Growth: Corruption can create an uneven playing field, where only those who engage in unethical practices succeed. This environment discourages honest businesses from investing and expanding in the parish.
- Lower Property Values: The reputation of corruption and the resulting inefficiencies in public services can lead to lower property values. This affects homeowners’ wealth and the attractiveness of the parish as a place to live and work.
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St. Tammany Parish is a stark example of how corruption can undermine the benefits of wealth and state support. The convictions and charges against numerous elected officials over the past 20 years highlight a pervasive culture of corruption. This corruption has not only betrayed the public trust but also hindered the potential of the parish’s public schools and local economy. The irony of a wealthy parish with average schools and economic challenges due to corruption is a powerful reminder of the need for accountability and transparency in local government. Only by addressing these issues can St. Tammany Parish hope to fulfill its promise and provide the high-quality education and economic opportunities its residents deserve.