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Tony G - A Long Road, a Long Shot
Louisiana Conservative: What prompted you to run an independent candidacy?
Tony Gentile: I was prompted to run as an Independent based on my feeling that the GOP would back Jindal and the Democrats would back Blanco. I didn’t see the point running as a candidate without the endorsement of my party.
LC: So if you could have got a party endorsement, which party would you have preferred to get an endorsement from?
TG: Tough question now! I was a Republican. Although I was never really politcal in the sense that I voted the for only GOP candidates I have become dismayed with both parties. I was a Democrat until 1984. If I have to name a preference now it would be the Democrats. The Republicans have been very vicious towards me concerning my candidacy. Their antics have brought me to the point where I’ll never be a Republican again.
LC: What separates Tony G from all the other candidates?
TG: I am not affliated with any political party. My decisions will be based on what’s right for Louisiana first versus the philosophy of any party of the wants of any special interest groups. I’m just a common man with good common sense. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see or feel the woes of our state. I have been in an actual leadership role for the last twenty years. My salary is based upon my ability to make sound high impact decisons which lead to achieving positve results. My employer has no time for rhetoric and BS. I am accustomed to being a straight shooter and that ethic will remain.
TG: I know quite a few people in northern Louisiana. My main goal for the northern part of the state is economic development. The Northern part of the state has long felt like it’s another state continually being left out. That will stop immediately. I have a plan outlined for the different regions of the state on my website. Although not specific it does offer a direstion. I believe that Shreveport is a very important location for any candidate to acquire backing from. The area is growing and I’ll provide the opportunites to meet the needs. The whole I-20 corridor is prime for economic expansion, Dallas is way too over crowded, we should be able to swoon some of their business away and bring them home to Louisiana.
LC: Let’s talk about Tony G the person. Are you married? Have Children?
TG: Yes, I am married , this year it will be twenty six years. Karen and I were 21 when we came to Louisiana. I have two children, Marcus who will be graduating from Louisiana Tech next month and Darryl who is trying currently employed by Winn-Dixie.
LC: So you have children already, would you say government should do more to help children, or has government intruded too much into parenting?
TG: I think there arethings the government can do without intruding. Child obesity is a problem not lonly impacting Louisiana but the whole nation. As Governor I would like to appropriate up to two million dollars a year per parish to build playgrounds for our children. Within these playgrounds they will be managed and supervised by adults. If we can get children involved in physical activity that is validated by adults they will more readily buy in. The can be associated with after school programs or evening and weekend activities. Definitely a place in the summer such as camps, Kids needs to move around. I do worry about too much government in daily lives. However these children are our futre and we cam ill afford to have a lackidasical workforce that’s out of shape and ill prepared to meet some the physical demands of full time employment. By the way you’re the first to hear about my plan for physical activity for the children of our state
LC: Do you ever get around to reading political blogs?
TG: I read some poltical blogs. There are many people I find total agreement with. Others well we all have opinions. I learn many different perspectives from reading the blogs. Sometimes I wonder why some of these peope don’t throw their hats into the ring!
LC: So who are some of your favorites?
TG: Jeffrey Sadow, C. B. Forgotston, Jeff Crouere, and the guys a Louisiana Conservative! I make it a point to read all of these blogs at least once a week. If I could only write so well!
LC: Is there anything else you want me to ask you?
TG: Well I’m not sure!! Every candidate has pretty much the same platform, education , economic development, and coastal restoration . One day a fella came up to me and said him and his wife was going to vote for me. I thanked him and walked away thinking about it. I have a different perspective of a vote. If you’d like to hear it!
LC: Sure. Tell me your different perspective.
TG: My perspective of a vote. When someone tell me they’re going to vote for me I look it at it in a sense that this person is making an investment. His vote is an investment , his trust in me to make Louisiana a better place for him and his family. It has value not only in the semse if you get enough of them you win but people place their trust in you. No politician anywhere should think anything less of this towards a vote. When they abuse the trust we see apathy at the polls. Small turnouts and people not really researching candidates. In the end more time than not we all lose. A vote is aninvestment that warrants a return not in dollars and cents but in proper representation and leadership.
LC: Tony, I want to thank you for taking the time out to speak with Louisiana Conservative Dot Com and we wish you the best of luck in the upcoming election.
TG: Thank you Jeff, and I truly appreciate the opportunity.
In case you missed it:
Why should gun Rights proponents, farmers, and hunters unite against Bob Odom?
<ADMINNICENAME> @ April 15, 2007
A refinery worker with no college education is going to change this state’s government.?
After twenty years employement at the same refinery, and IF he’s that smart why hasn’t he been promoted to Plant Manager? Or even have an office in the administration building of the plant.
Where has this guy been ? Has he ever been to elected Mayor, City Council or Police Jury in this own community? Has the man ever been elected to a state house or senate seat. I don’t even see in his bio, if he has even been a member of any civic club or professional association.
So here is a refinery worker from the New Orleans area that doesn’t know the people and the culture of the rest of Louisiana, and he going to change to make things better for the rest of us.
The trust is Louisiana doesn’t have that many problems. New Orleans is the area with the problems. So why should the rest of Louisianian change their way of life for New Orleans. No amount of money or talk will change the corruption in Orleans Parish.
This Tony Gentile is just another one of these want-to-be people that wants to hold high office in Louisiana. He is unprovened, untested and looking for a short cut to the goodlife .
Would you have someone proform a heart transplant on you that ’s never been to medical school, because he thinks he can.
I know the people of this great state will vote for someone with some level of education beyond high school and thats held a top management position in a large business. Because Louisiana is a big business.
Is this Gentile fellow over this head ?
He’s never giving any of his time to civic or professional organizations or did volunteer
work to help others. If he did, he didn’t list them. Sound like a pretty selfish person to me.
He should save his money he is spending on this for his retirement.
We get this kind every four years. I for one won’t waste my vote on this fellow.
I appreciate your thoughts gentlemen. First off all Plant Manager usually requires an Engineering Degree or a Business/ Accounting degree.
I do not see the Governor’s job as the “good life”. I have a good life, a good job, my kids are raised and my sights are looking to the future, retirement. I did not make this decison without a lot of thought. I do not take this election lightly.
Who has run this state for the last one-hundred years? Very smart people. One has to ask the question, have they led us down a road of despair and have not a clue how to get us off of it? Or, do they have us right where they want us? My guess is the latter. Louisiana in it’s current state may work for you. The vast majority it doesn’t.
Selfish? If you read my website you’d see I volunteered many years helping children on the playgrounds in sports. I could have been on the sideline sitting with my wife however I chose to help young children develop their skills athletically. After the storm I helped neighbors cut trees off of their houses, move debris to the street. I’m not a selfish person Joe.
Thanks again gentlemen!
Tony G
Sounds like Mr. tony come lately has got an excuse for eveything.
He say, he volunteered for years on the playground. Could it be that it was because his children were involved. Could it be that if his children were not there, he wouldn’t either.
He mentions a platform, all generalities, education , economic development, and coastal restoration . How ? How is he going to solve the problems ? Where is going to find the money? What legislature don’t he have supporting him and his so-call platform? The Governor only proposes the changes, its the legislature that makes it happen.
What did he do for his neightbors before the storm, other than wave his arm in passing.
I’m also beleive that he’s Tony come lately. Louisiana can do better than this guy.
What excuse have I made? Lately, I have been campaigning for a year.
You’re right the Governor is not a King or Quenn as in our current situation. The Governor does not make laws he’she signs them into law.
What did I do for my neighbors before the storm? Why don’t you come down my street and ask? It’s nice and comfy behind a computer throwing stones I challenge you to come and ask the folks in my nieghborhood. You’d be ashamed you even made that comment.
No other candidate to date has any specifics on what they’re going to do. If you like rhetoric and spin, you’re going to get it. It will sound so good to you. You’ll be like a fish jumping at the bait! Once you’re hooked it’s too late. If you want the status quo, you’ll find it. You wont even have to look hard. It will be plastered all over your TV and radio. Packaged up looking so pretty. Remember the Trojan Horse! Louisiana has languished too long as the Land of Lost Opportunity. Too much talk has been passed in Louisiana. It’s time for action. If you want someone with good common sense and has NO favors to return, NO parties to answer to. I’m your man.
“If you want someone with good common sense and has NO favors to return, NO parties to answer to ”
All this from someone who has never even be elected to anything, and has done for anyone, except himself.
No party, No oganization, No money. No WIN.
Since you don’t need anyone, then no one needs you.
Hi Judith,
Thank-you for taking the time to respond. Can I ask who is your candidate of choice? Party politics has all but killed Louisiana. If our legislators cannot work together we will continue to flounder.
I have a very fine organization made up of hard working Louisianans who are tired of “Party Politics”. They want a better day for their families.
They want a better day for their state. Seems to me all your seeking is a party.
Tony G
First of all, I’m not writing here to have a debate with you. I’m here to express my views.
Secondly, I was going to vote for former U.S. Senator Breaux.
I elect my legislators, to represent me and my views. And I don’t need a Governor to rough shotting over my legislator. thats why there a votes in the house and senate.
If my legislator gets to far from my views, I campaign against him in the next election.
This state is not as bad a shape as you and other want us to beleive, and so you can get elected. I’m going to vote for the person that expresses my views and that gets alone with my representative.
Right now, I don’t know exactly who I will for. But your not even close to being on my list.
Just vote Judith, that’s the main thing. There’s two Louisiana’s, a bad one and a worse than bad one. It all depends where you stand economically.
I have a hard time voting for someone with a record of losses. If we analyze the records and look at the results voting for anybody with confidence and good conscious is hard to do. Yes, I do not have a politcal career to look at. As a matter of fact I abhor politics. Politics has runied not only this state but our country. Politicians confuse the honor of being elected by their piers to represent them with POWER and personal gain. There are some good ones in the mix. I do not want to take anything away from them. Overall politics is run by big business and special interest groups. I’m tired of it. I’m tired of talking and complaining about it. I have chosed to do something about it. I offering the people another choice. Republican or Democrat, the games the same, just a different set of rules. In the end the outcome is the same. It all depends what side of the fence you’re on that sets your perception. Again, thank you for commenting.
Mr. Gentile, keep ranting, nobody listening to you. You have no credibilty, you have no education, you have experience. Your appear to be a smart ass whining under acheiver who wants to be a somebody quick.
Your not winning any friends or voters here. Whatever you thought you gaining by granting a interview here, you lose by trying to belittle the readers. I bet we won’t see any of the other candidates picking a fight with readers here.
Judith don’t waste you time with this person.
No one has ever heard of him, and in a couple of months no will ever hear from him again. And now he wants to run this state. The people he works for won’t even promote him because of his lack of a formal education. he is as far as he’s going to go in his employement.
But there and again he’s from the New Orleans area, so he think whats important to New Orleans must also be important to the rest of the state. he needs to sit in my shop and listen to what people are saying.
I tried to be nice to you Judith. Good day.
Sam, I am in contact with people throughout Louisiana. I hear people.
I listen. Every part of the state has it’s own needs. New Orleans is only one part of it.
One thing folks, I do not take what you say personal. If you do not like what I have to say that’s fine. I’ll sleep just as well tonight as last night.
I will stand my ground whether it angers someone or not.
Who care if you sleep. Don’t lose sleep over being Governor of Louisiana. That’s not going to happen.
Stand your ground all you want, thats not going to get you elected to anything.
It seems that allot of people make judgments about Tony knowing little or nothing about him.
A long shot, that is giving him a chance, Duke was a man how chance to win was less than a man such as Tony. Duke was a self proclaimed Raciest.
Louisiana will never move to being a State Governed for the sake of the good of the State when so few can see a person doing ones best for no other reason than it is the right thing to do.
Thanks Michel!
Hey Sam where’s your shop at. When I’m on the road I might need a haircut. Got to look good for the voters.
And Michel how do you know so much about this Tony Gentile ? No one else seem to know anything about him. And if the public know very little or nothing about this Tony. Who fault is that ? So far he has made an effort to buy advertising to even let me know that he is a candaidate for any office.
So far we know he has No formal education, he has No experience as a public office holder and that he works in an oil refinery.
What has he done ? Was he a war hero ? Did he win the Nobel Peace Prize?
Where does this person come here asking for my vote and ask me and the people of Louisiana to trust him in doing the right thing for my children and grandchildren.
He won’t get my vote because of the smart ass that he is, in replying to other people had have posted comments here.
And Michel how do you know so much about this Tony Gentile ? No one else seem to know anything about him. And if the public know very little or nothing about this Tony. Who fault is that ? So far he has made NO effort to buy advertising to even let me know that he is a candaidate for any office.
So far we know he has No formal education, he has No experience as a public office holder and that he works in an oil refinery.
What has he done ? Was he a war hero ? Did he win the Nobel Peace Prize?
Where does this person come here asking for my vote and ask me and the people of Louisiana to trust him in doing the right thing for my children and grandchildren.
He won’t get my vote because of the smart ass that he is, in replying to other people had have posted comments here.
I read the comments and cant help but feel that some people have no concept of reality. Why does education, an office in a refinery, the ability to buy air time on a liberal media network ever define the integrety of a canidate for a political office??? TonyG is a grass roots boy that has the interest of Louisiana in mind. He is not a Boudrex, or a Jindal, or a Blanco, who are all professional lawmakers and have not held a private sector job in their entire life…
You people chide him for his stance on Louisiana, yet have never been to his web site, nor have ever even met him.. It is this type of sentiment that has led Louisiana down a path of destruction sense its conception…
I have been a native Louisiana boy for 57 years and have seen worthless governors come and go as sands in an hour glass. Why not give a down home boy a chance at changing the status quo, and do away with politics for once…
Bottom line is dont judge, unless you have an inkling about what you are talking about..
TonyG for Gov………………………………
Tony “G” is a baffon.
He’s like the Auto Mehcanic that want to perform a Heart Transplant. Never done is before, but because he thinks he a good guy, and all the heart surgeon are bad.
Your dad Tony is an idiot, and is so full of crap, and obviously people are seeing him for what he is. Because his campaign ain’t going nowhere.
Blanco has held a private sector job, she was a school teacher. Unlike you friend Tony that been in the same little oil refinery job over twenty years, and has not gotten very far within the company structure. This carpetbagger has never acheived a thing on his know.
Go sell this crap someplace, you and your dad end are way over your heads.
No Joe, I’m ot a buffon. I’d rather you call me a bufoon. I have a good sense of humor and take eveyone’s comments in stride. Thank you Martyg and Michel. If you look at the company structure where I work there is only one job between the Plant Manager and myself. Pretty good for a bufoon, aye? You put lawmakers to high on the pedestal. I have met many over the last three years. Aside from a few that think they’re royalty most of them are just like you and I. Down to earth people. Carpetbagger, now you’re calling me names? I could not control where I lived as a child, my father was in the USAF serving his country, I moved where they sent him. I have been in Louisiana my entire adult life. Martyg hit the nail on the head. Sometimes you have to think outside the box. If you don’t you’ll be stuck inside that box. Hey, if it’s a good thing who cares! However we all know the box we’re in is quite the opposite.
Joe Tramonte,
BY CALLING ANOTHER NAMES SHOW YOUR INTELLIGENCE. ANOTHER SIGN OF YOUR LACK OF INTELLIGENCE AS WELL AS BEING A GOOD SOUND CITIZEN WITH AN OPEN MIND IS THE FACT YOU DID NOT GO TO HIS WEB PAGE AND GET ALL THE ANSWERS YOU ASKED ME.
I HOPE THE REST OF THE STATE VOTERS DO SOME STUDYING BEFORE CASTING THEIR VOTE. THE MOST POWERFUL THING AS A MEMBER OF SOCIETY WE CAN DO.
MICHEL
read ur 4am reply Joe…… U must be suffering fm sleep deprivation, as I had to read it twice to understand ur typo’s.. The upcomming election is not about “good guy vs bad guy”… It is about what is the best choice for Louisiana, and not who is the best politition..
As neither Blanco, nor Breaux are running, U need to select another lame duck to vote for… I personally hate politics, yet dont object to the peeps that choose that path… I have historically cast my vote for the indivigual, and not the party… I have been voting for 40 years and have always maintained the same state of mind.. As I mentioned, I am 57, and if U had taken the time to view Tony’s web site, U would have seen that I am much older than he is, thus making it impossible for me to be his dad… Unless, of course; U believe in osmoses….
Bottom line… do ur research, try reading bio’s fm all cantidates and make a choice based on reason, not politics… that is of course, U are old enough to vote…
Well Michel, where does one go to get information on Tony Gentile ?
Where do I find a recond of his past experience other than cutting grass and working at an oil refinery.
Where do I go to learn how he will handle a $20 billion state budget?
Where do I go to learn , more than him attacking ther candidates?
One year of being an announced candidate, and he still don’t have money or an organization. At this point he needs at less $5 millions just to be concerned a serious candidate.
This Tony Gentile is way over his head. He will never see the inside of the Goveror’s mansion or the ninth floor of the state capital building. He won’t even get 1% of the votes.
Keep you little fanstsy going, you have a better chance of winning the big Powerball jackpot, than seeing your man get more than 1 percent of the votes.
To Marty G, in the forty years you’ve been voting, how many times has a Nobody, with No college education, No money, No experience, and No political party affiliation won the governor’s race in Louisiana or any other state ?
If you feel so strongly about this Tony Gentile, why don’t you and your friends go to the bank and borrow money against you homes and your retirement account to pay for his campaign. Surely their got to be a least a million other people in this state that feels the way you do. Don’t you think? When this Tony Gentile wins October 20th. he will pay you back. If he looses, then you just chalk it up to another one of your bad judgment calls that you’ve made in your last 57 years. If he’s that sure of winning, why hasn’t he borrowed money against him own home and retirement account? Why hasn’t he taken leave for the next six months from his refinery job.
And if ever you have heart problems and need surgery, don’t bother with the traditional medical doctor or heart surgeon, just go to the local automobile repair shop and ask a mechanic there to solve your health issues. He too will not like have a college education and No experience in dealing with your health matters.
You ask a lot of good questions Joe. YOu know Joe it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see the issues plaguing our state. I do not think you need to be a brain surgeon to formulate ideas to see a way out of our current situation.
Joe you talk about education. What does that mean? It sounds intelligent.
What does it mean? Let’s assume everybody, Governor, State Senators, and State Representatives are all college educated. Assuming this, why does Louisiana continue to languish? Why are we at the bottom of every life category ranking? Why do we suffer with a poor educational system, lack of Economic development? Why has our coastline erroded to the point it’s a crisis? Why was it neglected? These are all questions you and I can answer. All these question, you and I can come up with common sense solutions that will work. Education, experience, and party affliation has nothing to do with it. Democrats and Republicans have had their chance to do something great for Louisiana. We’re being held down by somebody. It’s time to get out from under the weight of party politics, under the weight of the special interest groups, under the weight of the preception that Louisiana is laden with corrupt politicians. You the voter have the power to change Louisiana. You can keep the status quo, it’s comfortable or you can say I have had enough. Louisiana has to much to offer to be continually in the bottom of the heap. The decision rests on your shoulders my friend.
Why are wasting you time here ? Aren’t you smart enough to know that you rub people wrong. Voters don’t know you. Voters have never heard of you. Voters don’t plan on getting to know you. Voters don’t plan on voting for you. Voters see that you have no solutions, all you doing is telling us that Louisiana needs to change.
Just stick to dem frozen pizzas Toney, k?
Well Ray you reap what you sew. Sometimes the truth hurts, I’m, just laying it out there. I didn’t start this crap I was interviewed thinking it would be a good thing. I’ll stand my ground for what I think is right. No one here has even tried to convince I’m wrong. They throw stones and get mad when I pitch them back. It’s close minded intolerant attitudes that have gotten us to this point. If this prevails we will see four more years of inaffective leadership.
Hey Tiny, I can only wish I was that Tony!
And you haven’t convince anyone that your right. The proof of that, your not gaining any support . Your not getting people excited . We’ve all heard your crap for years from candidates every man or woman who ever soak the office of Governor.
You saying the same thing every candidate said four years ago. And your saying the same thing every candidate in this year’s race is saying.
You have no clue now. And you will have no clue if everyone in the race dies and you accidently became the only person alive to assume the office.
If you were to run Louisiana, like your running your little campaign. We the voters will be in big trouble.
The voters are already in trouble. We live in trouble because we make poor choices at the polls. Look at Bobby Jindal’s website. Tell me where there is any kind of plan. There isn’t one. As far as gaining support it happens everyday. In person people like what I have to say. Some offer suggestions. They are genuine people. Everyday I gather support don’t fool Ray.
Why don’t you say to us what you to them ?
You certianly haven’t say anything to the genuine people here . Except to slam Congressman Bobby Jindal.
We know who Congressman Jindal is, he’s presented himself to the voters on three difference occasions. We know nothing about you , you have acheived nothing in your years. You’ve done nothing to help your city, your parish orLouisiana. If you would have, you would have told us about it.
If you had any sense you wouldn’t been here pissing people off. You don’t any of the other candidates cheapening himself as arguing with voters on the internet.
You’re right Ray I shouldn’t be wasting my time with you. There are too many receptive people in this state. One thing that I wonder about, do you know me? Have you lived in Jefferson, St. Charles, or St. Tammany Parishes? How can you make a claim I have never done anything for my city , state , or parish? I’m just wondering.
You have to live or have lived in Jefferson, St. Charles, or St. Tammany Parishes to know that you have never done anything for my city , state , or parish.
A smart ass braggard like you would have already listed them in your resume’ or on your website site.
People running for any public office will list there education level, there military service, whether they are member of the Optimist , Rotary or Kiwanis Clubs. Whether they serve on committees of any charities.
You don’t list of these . Why not? Are you that selfish that you can give one hour a week or one hour a month. I know your company encourage its employee ’s to get involvement in the community.
I donated countless hours to the development of childeren in sports throughout the 90’s. Donating my time and efforts to the enrichment of young people teaching them the values of working as a team, counting on others and having confidence in one’s self. I wouldn’t say that is being selfish. If you looked at my website you’d have seen that. When I had a landscape business I would hire young men and women that no one else would. I taught the the value of plant life and the value of landscaping in Real Estate. I took people who no sooner would spit on a plant and showed them that there efforts in life can make a difference. I also paid them well. I guess that’s being selfish.
Yeah right. See how far that crap going to get you. To good to join a civic club or professional organization and net work with order people. If you would have, those affiliate clubs around Louisiana work be inviting you to speak before them. To late now.
Today is as good as its going to get for you. Stop embarrassing your family.
Embarassing my family? That’s what I’m doing? I’m standing up for what I think is right. I got off the sideline and put myself into the thick of it. I put myself out as a target for people like you to attack, belittle, malign. You say I’m the one embarassing my family. We all have a preception Joe. Our preception is our reality. Dove vengo dagli italiani attacchi insieme. I gave you the benefit of doubt however you fall into the category Ray is in. Good day sir.
Tony G Says:
April 26th, 2007 at 11:53 pm
“I put myself out as a target for people like you to attack, belittle, malign.”
Yes because you don’t have the good sense to shut-up and your trasky ass off the internet.
You bring this on to yourself !
I only agreed to the interview because I was told there was some good people here. Are they on vacation? When are they coming back?
Well we’re good people and not idiots, just because you can’t shove your crap on us.
We all have all lived well and raised our children, mt children got a good education and all have good jobs and businesses. We have never need government to do for us. In fact we are a family that have contributing members of our church and communities. My family were immigrates, none of my family have ever on Welfare, Food Stamps or received Section 8 housing. Member of my serviced in the U.S. Armed Forces for the last seventy years.
You can’t treat me, like I was born yesterday. Your the one that needs a reality check.
Go bullshit someone else.
Who is trying to BS who here? I don’t really care if you like what I have to say or not. That’s just the way it is and I wont lose any sleep over it! You say I don’t have a sense of humor, I’m having fun. You sound like a Foster Campbell follower. Yes siree! I thought he was a liberal too. Dove vengo dagli italiani attacchi insieme. Ask your father the meaning of that.
He’ll know what it means. Joe, all of our families were immigrants. I am happy your family has done well. That means you did a good job. I wish you and your family continued success. No hard feelings here.
Hi! How r u?
nice site!
Hello Shadowman. I’m doing fine how about you?
Great weather weren’t having.
Where you from Judith? It’s been bright and sunny in Mandeville. A little too hot but it’s nice out!
Here in the Alexandria area we have a state mental like the one in Mandeville where you reside.
Just keep taking your medication, and then you can become anything you want, except Governor.
Thanks for the advice Judith!
Trolling the Internet.
The mark of a loser.