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Jindal Ducks Questions on Sinkhole Visit

Frank Barnett, WRKF News

 Gov. Bobby Jindal evaded directly answering questions about whether he'll visit the site of a massive sinkhole that has swallowed nine acres of land in swampy Assumption Parish at an unrelated press conference Wednesday afternoon.

Some residents of Bayou Corne have been under a mandatory evacuation since August. They’ve publicly criticized the governor for having never traveled to see the sinkhole or speak with the families, according to the Associated Press.

The governor did say he hasn’t ignored the situation. “We get constant updates, I’ve directed state police, Wildlife and Fisheries, DEQ, DNR, and several other agencies to make sure that they’re doing everything possible,” Jindal said.

But he didn’t say whether he’d visit. So the reporter asked again, “Do you have any plans to go down there in person?”

Again, the Governor dogded the question. So the reporter asked again, “Any plans to go down there in person? Just a simple answer.”

Then the governor’s press team moved the conference on to the next question. Environmental activist Erin Brockovich will be making a visit to the sinkhole. She’ll host a community meeting for area residents this weekend.

Kelly grew up in Baton Rouge. She started out in radio at Baton Rouge High where she was first on air at WBRH and KBRH. While studying film and politics at Hendrix College, she reported and hosted for KUAR in Little Rock, AR. She then moved on to KUT in Austin, TX. She misses the dry air, live music at Studio 1A and breakfast tacos, but is happy for crawfish and non-ironic use of Mardi Gras beads.