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 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 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