Former Governor of Louisiana and convicted felon Edwin Edwards graced the Columbia Theatre’s stage during his stop in Hammond to promote and discuss his biography by Leo Honeycutt, “Edwin Edwards: Governor of Louisiana.”
During his lecture, Edwards shared his views on the state’s economy, public education system, financial policies and his achievements as governor. He also touched on the events that led to his indictment, incarceration and his experiences in prison. Edwards focused most of his attention on the topics of education and the country’s political climate.
“We are in serious trouble,” said Edwards. “All they [Congress] do is fight. We need to start thinking like Americans, not Republicans or Democrats. I hope that someone comes along with the courage and the foresight to do what is right, even if it is unpopular.”
Edwards’ achievements as governor include the reform of the state constitution, changing the way oil and natural gas are taxed and building half of the bridges in the state during his four terms as governor. However, he is most proud of the trust fund he established years ago to help support education.
“I settled a case with the federal government for $600 million,” said Edwards. “$60 million of that went to a temporary pay increase for school teachers. The $540 million went into a trust fund, now worth about a billion, for education. We are the only state in Louisiana that has anything like this. I don’t like to brag much, but I like to brag about that.”
Edwards also reminisced on the events leading up to his arrest and indictment.
“I did what I thought was best,” said Edwards. “I was 75 years old and the federal government had been trying to convict me. The prosecution cut deals with those I thought to be friends and falsely testified against me.”
Edwards was convicted in 2001 on 17 of 26 criminal charges brought against him that included racketeering, extortion, money laundering and mail fraud. He began his 10-year sentence in October 2002 in Oakdale Federal Penitentiary, later living in a halfway house for six months in January 2011. Edwards officially finished serving his sentence on July 6, 2011, at the age of 84. During his incarceration, Edwards desire to help others didn’t stop. While serving his time, he helped five inmates earn their GEDs, gave legal advice and worked as the prison’s chief librarian.
The audience was given the opportunity to ask questions about the lecture and meet with Edwards in the theatre’s lobby afterwards. Many asked if he is considering running for a fifth term as governor. In an interview after the lecture, Edwards said that is impossible.
“It’s very flattering and I really appreciate that support,” said Edwards. “I can’t tell you how pleased I am that people have been so gracious and kind. Frankly I wish I could run, and I would. But on the other hand whoever was going to be governor for the next four years has some horrible problems and it’s going to take a lot of work to get them straightened out, and I really hope these people can.”
Audience members crowded Edwards in the lobby, thanking him for his talk and offering their support. Among them were a few Southeastern students.
“I thought everything was very interesting,” said junior accounting major and Lion’s football line backer John Roberts. “I didn’t know a lot about him with me being so young and all I heard before was negative and second hand. I liked him before, but now I like him even more.”
Edwards announced that after the conclusion of his book tour in February he will begin work on a sequel, which will detail his childhood growing up in Avoyelles parish during the depression, pictures and notations from his experiences with notable figures and details on his trial. Edwards hopes to have the sequel on the shelves by this time next year.