225BatonRouge.com

The new year is a time for resolutions. This year, I propose that we junk the resolutions, opting instead to launch a revolution.

There is no more proof for this mandate of radical and fundamental change than the pathetic response to the dramatic events of the past four months. Make no mistake, a revolution is needed-one that is peaceful, but powerful.

The enemy is clear: the status quo, complacency, parochialism and good ol' boy political shenanigans. Equally crystal is the desired result: A strong and powerful Louisiana.

Some equate revolution with the overthrow of a government. Granted, it would be nice to storm the state Capitol, but the greater revolution that's needed is a drastic and far-reaching change in ways of thinking and behaving.

Yes, we desperately need the federal government to step up and do their part. However, state and local officials play an equally critical role, none more important than the guts and political will to reinvent, re-imagine and rebuild New Orleans and our state.

If our elected officials won't lead the revolution then we must put people in office who will. In this time of unprecedented challenges there is also a remarkable opportunity for a better future-but only if we act swiftly and decisively.

We demand action, not lip service; more leadership and less management; more passion, less passivity. We call for personal responsibility, not blame. We need transformation.

The window of opportunity is open, but closing quickly. Launch the revolution today or there won't be enough of us remaining to fight tomorrow.

Places to watch

While our cover story focuses on people to watch, we also should pay close attention to four places that will determine the economic, social and political future of our state for decades to come. these four entities will either transform Louisiana, or fuel its demise.

1. Baton Rouge - the city is teeming with new people and new opportunities. How will we adjust to the new realities? We must improve our quality of life, our infrastructure, and our schools. We must embrace new ideas and welcome newcomers and young people to the table of leadership. Elected officials must be held accountable for the people they appoint to boards and commissions, and responsibly spend the tax dollars we provide. We must support the Chamber and it's new leadership and vision.

2. New Orleans - Who will take the lead to resurrect this cultural gem? Elections will determine the next mayor, but there are other questions. Will people return? Yes, but slowly. Will locals realize the old New Orleans is gone forever and instead work to build a wonderful new city? Will businesses return, or continue to fl ee? What about the Saints, conventions, Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest? The answer to most of the above is dependent on this-the levees. Will George Bush and Congress fulfi ll their promises and provide the funding to protect one of America's greatest cities?

As Tom Peters, the Business and Leadership Guru, said: "It is the foremost task and responsibility of this generation to re-imagine all of our institutions, private and public."

Is there enough energy, innovation and political will to transform the Crescent City?

3. State Capitol - Will common sense prevail over good ol' boy politics? Will the governor and legislators take bold fiscal action to reflect the new Louisiana? Will they have the courage to consolidate the levee boards? Is it possible for our leaders to view our state as one, and not as political fiefdoms? If state officials in North Louisiana won't support aid for New Orleans, then how can they expect those in Congress to care?

4. LSU - It's imperative for everyone in this state to realize this is the flagship university and a remarkable resource for research, intellectual capital and economic development. We need bold initiatives to guarantee LSU fulfills its incredible potential, even if that means a complete overhaul of our higher education system. The challenges are enormous, but so are the possibilities