AM Newscall October 23,2015

Election Day is tomorrow and polls are open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Emelie Gunn has more on election details…

CUT 1 (31) “I’m Emelie Gunn”

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 A proposed merger between Pineville-based Cleco Corp. and Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets, has some left feeling uneasy. Don Molino has more…

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Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon blames the Jindal administration for letters sent by the Office of Motor Vehicles seeking money from residents who at one time may have allowed their auto insurance to lapse. Jeff Palermo has the story…

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Election Day is tomorrow and polls will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. Secretary of State Spokesperson Meg Casper says those in line by 8:00 p.m.  will be allowed to vote. She says voters curious to see who is on your ballot, visit Geaux Vote.com.

cut 4  (10)  “real time”

Casper wants to remind voters to bring your photo ID but if you do forget, there is a way to fill out an affidavit and you will not be turned away. She says there is a limit of three minutes at the voting booth to make sure lines move quickly, so make sure you’re up to date with everyone on your ballot.

Cut 5  (08)  “very quickly”

The Secretary of State’s official prediction for voter turnout is about 45 to 50 percent. Casper says to get the quickest and most up to date results on the election, voters can go to S-O-S-dot-L-A-dot-gov (SOS.LA.Gov). She says this is an important election for Louisiana, so don’t forget to get out there and cast your vote.

Cut 6 (09)  “voice heard”

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 The consumer group, The Alliance for Affordable Energy, isn’t happy with the possible merger of Pineville-based Cleco Corp. and Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Assets. Logan Atkinson-Burke with the Alliance of Affordable Energy says it’s a bad and unfair deal for Cleco customers.

CUT 7 (10)  “for them”

 The Public Service Commission will get the chance to approve this merger early next year. Atkinson-Burke says Macquarie has a history of purchasing utilities and making promises then raising rates as soon as possible. She says the company has done this in other states.

Cut 8  (10)  “late cases”

 Robbyn Cooper with Cleco says this will be a great deal and is beneficial for the company and their employees. She says as part of the agreement, Macquarie has committed to providing rate credits for customers totally 65 million dollars over a ten year period.

Cut 9 (04) “even better” 

Cooper says the new owners have a recognized record of success. She says customer rates will not go up as a result of the merger.

Cut 10 (08) “…is approved” 

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Insurance Commissioner Jim Donelon believes the debt collection notices sent out by the state Office of Motor Vehicles to Louisiana citizens, who allegedly allowed their auto insurance to lapse, is an attempt by the Jindal administration to plug a hole in the state’s budget. But Donelon is glad the OMV will allow a person to defend themself from paying these fines

cut 11 (10) “indebtedness”

 The OMV sent 1.2 million notices notifying residents they face fines for allowing their auto insurance to lapse. Many of the cases happened years ago. Donelon says he plans to meet with OMV Commissioner Stephen Campbell next week to talk about how the insurance department can help determine if a fine is warranted

Cut 12 (06) “owed to the state”

State Police, which oversees the Office of Motor Vehicles, says those residents who received a notice and want to dispute they owe a fine, are asked to call the number listed on the letter. Donelon says he’s been told the OMV will act fairly…

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The LSU Tigers put their perfect 6-0 record on the line Saturday night in Tiger Stadium when they host Western Kentucky, who has a record of 6-1. LSU has done well this year getting to the opposing passer, but the Hilltoppers have allowed just eight sacks. Coach Les Miles explains the challenges his defense faces when it comes to rushing the Hilltopper quarterback

Cut 14 (10) “and throw”

Western Kentucky has the third best passing offense in the country as their quarterback Brandon Doughty has thrown for 2,709 yards, which is the second best in the nation. Miles says his players understand they are going up against a good opponent…

Cut 15  (14)  “nice match-up”

LSU has struggled on special teams this year. In the last two weeks, they’ve allowed a kickoff return and a punt return for a touchdown. Miles says special teams have been an emphasis at practice this week

Cut 16  (15)  “we see”