Agriculture and Forestry Commissioner Mike Strain addressed the College Republicans of Southeastern on Tuesday, Oct. 26, in Student Union, Room 229. The speech covered such subjects as his position in government, what is currently going on pertaining to the state of Louisiana and about finding solutions to Louisiana’s issues.
At the end of his speech, he opened the floor to questions, and many of the students in the room picked Strain’s brain on subjects ranging from gas prices to coastal erosion. Some even questioned the necessary steps to take to lead an active career in politics. The students did not fail to keep the questions coming.
The first question regarded gas prices and where Strain thought they would be at in five years.
“Five years from now, I see gas prices probably, hopefully, with oil no more than about $120 or $130,” said Strain. “I think right now the $83-85 gasoline is there because of our sluggish economy. When the worldwide economy heats up, that’s going to heat up some, because there’s a natural balance between oil and gas exploration and availability and also the exploration of all the other types of energy.”
He then went on to talk about the technological advances of ethanol and how oil is becoming increasingly more valuable.
“The other thing you need to consider, in 50 years, we’re burning about 55 billion barrels a year,” said Strain. “In 50 years, there will be only 5 billion barrels per year to be burned.”
From there, Strain talked of how coastal erosion is possibly the largest threat to Louisiana and, in that case, the nation as a whole. He addressed the hopes of a monorail-like system spanning across southern Louisiana and possibly even into Texas but dismissed those ideas for something in the future. His final words were career advice given to the students who hoped to go into politics as a career.
The students in attendance were satisfied with the speech given by Strain.
“I really enjoyed Mr. Mike Strain,” said Luke Holloway, a senior history major. “He was really informative. I didn’t know all the problems with erosion. Well, I’ve heard things, but it’s really something we need to address. I’m glad he’s in office, and hopefully he’ll stay in office for a while so he can address it. And hopefully after next week, we can have people address the problem.”