As a reporter I am always amazed at how one story leads on to another. The history of this phenomena is as old as reporting itself. Up until just a few weeks ago I had never heard the name James Lavigne. The town of Pearl River is a blip on the map for people driving south from Mississippi to Slidell and New Orleans. The town itself consists of about 2000 residents.
As best I can tell it does not boast many tourist attractions. There is a large liquor store and gas station on the north side that slakes the thirst of the dry county that is a couple of miles up the road in Mississippi, but other than that, Pearl River has little of note.
According to one well versed person that I talked to, the tallest building is a three story hotel, and god forbid that it should catch fire. The fire chief apparently lives quite a distance away, and almost the entire staff of fire fighters are volunteers. Even worse, the ageing equipment is only able to reach the second story. (Note to self, if staying there, ask for a room on the ground floor).
I am sure that Pearl River is hardly different from many other towns across the country. Even at the best of times there is not enough money in the town coffers to do everything that is needed.
One does however expect a certain amount of respect and decorum from even the lowliest elected officials. Even those that are not political animals, but work within the arena are held to high standards. A great example of that would be the debacle surrounding Shirley Sherod of the USDA. She was sumarilly fired from the USDA because some enterprising reporter (I do use that term loosely) reported that she had made racist statements.
Shirley Sherod has been put under the microscope, and she did not make the statements, rather, a speach was taken out of context.
Is this the case with James Lavigne? Invoking the spectre of the KKK three times in a single council meeting, are we reading into his words more serious intentions than he ment?
The city of Bell, California has been in the news for the past couple of weeks. The mayor, Police Cheif, and City Manager were all pulling down a salery bigger than President Obama. In no way do I want to compare this story to Pearl River, but, how many new cars and trucks has James Levigne been the driver of in his tenure? Vehicles financed by the town?
In some ways it is amusing, all I was trying to do was help a mother find her missing son. When I first heard about the story I discussed it with my wife Jan. We would do the honourable thing, sling up a couple of articles and move on. The search for Zachary Pittman has taken us on a different journey. One that I am sure James Lavigne is not enjoying.
James, when you go to the drug store get the family pack size of Tums! You likely will need to share them…
This is a clip from the upcoming series Being A Mayor 101, What not To Say.
Simon Barrett
(3 votes, average: 3.67 out of 5)
Loading ...
40 users commented in " More On Mayor James Lavigne And The KKK "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackSimon, a well put story, thanks for keeping the interest up on Zachary.
All I can say after listening to the audio clip is …. WOW!
Ha Ha! A picture is worth a thousand words…but audio is worth millions! Nice clip of the wonderful Mayor putting his foot in his mouth (more than once). Thanks Simon for getting the word out on what we are dealing with at the top of the town government chain of command. No wonder not a lot is getting done!
In some ways it is amusing, all I was trying to do was help a mother find her missing son. When I first heard about the story I discussed it with my wife Jan. We would do the honourable thing, sling up a couple of articles and move on. The search for Zachary Pittman has taken us on a different journey.
I’m not QUITE sure WHY you call it “honorable” to “sling up a couple of articles and move on.”
WhatdidSimonmean,
I think you are trying to find fault in Simons article, I am Zacharys mom and I appreciate the articles he writes. Because people read them and they know who my son is now, I didnt have that before. Maybe the beef he has with the mayor is because the mayor wont even respond to his request to talk to him. Maybe if the mayor called Simon back they could talk and Simon could get his side of the stories that are going around, jmo. The way he phrased the words you are talking about is not offensive to me, he was just getting his point across. I thank everyone who reads and comments. Thank you for the support and prayers.
Dear Christy - I include you, your son, and Zack’s daughter in my prayers everyday. I pray you find answers and comfort. Consider yourself hugged.
iheartcanada
Thank you so much for the prayers and hug. They are needed all the time. I have his little girl with me now, I am blessed to have a part of him with me.
Simon,
Thank you for this article and the audio clip.
I wish the mayor would have the courtesy to return your call. I would be interested in what he has to say about Zach’s
“disappearance.”
The fact that the mayor won’t return your call just does not look good. If he has a secretary, I would think she would return the call and let you know why the mayor is not able to call you!
Maybe you should contact the State Representative for that district or the Governor of Louisiana. Maybe they could be of some assistance to you. Maybe they could determine why the mayor won’t return your call. That is what I would do.
You have given the mayor every opportunity to call you and now I would go high “up the chain.” I bet your phone call to the State Representative or the Governor’s Office would not be ignored!
Here is the Link to Governor Bobby Jindal’s web page. Within the homepage, I have found the contact info for you. There is a toll free number listed. Here’s the Link:
http://www.gov.state.la.us/index.cfm?md=pagebuilder&tmp=home&cpid=4
Office of the Governor Bobby Jindal
State of Louisiana
Maybe Christy could advise you who the State Representative is for that area.
Hi,Christy!
I don’t intend to be redundant as I stated this before on other threads:
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I hope Zach is found soon and I hope Louisiana Law Enforcement can determine what happened to Zach and who is responsible.
It is wonderful that you have your little granddaughter with you. In spite of this situation, I know she has to be a comfort to you. You are truly blessed to have her, which is a part of Zach, with you.
I check for Simon’s articles on Zach often. I hope one day, when I click on BNN, Simon or Jan will have an article about a break in Zach’s case.
A special thank you to Simon and Jan for their assistance to Christy and for making the public aware of Zachary!
@ WhatdidSimonmean:
I find it curious that you would attack the messenger and not address the message. Simon did his job…he got your attention. Unless you stopped reading at that point, I would hope that you were more outraged about the Mayor’s comments at the town hall meeting and his LACK of comment on this case rather than question Simon’s heart. You know come to think of it, mayors are addressed as “The Honorable”. You tell me what’s so honorable about an elected official invoking the KKK in an official town hall meeting.
For the record, I don’t know Simon, never met him. But I DO know that he has done more for this family than local law enforcement and The Mayor of Pearl River put together. Hopefully, one day someone will read these stories and begin to talk — and when they do, we’ll all be listening.
Christy,
I know finding out what happened to your son is very important to you and I pray to God each day that you are able to do so.
I live across the country and I never heard this story until Simon and Jan started posting so slinging up a few articles was a good thing.
My understanding of what Simon meant was that it was just a story until he met Zach’s family, now it is a mission to help you.
Everthing thats covered will come to the light.I pray this young man is found.It must be devastating for a mother to not know what happened to her son.Im sorry for your heartaches.
So happy Jan,an Simon are keeping the articals comming.Keep stirring the pot,it will get hot an anwsers will come.
Lana, I think you hit the nail on the head. Whatdidsimonmean, that’s what Simon meant. It was just a story until he met Christy, started hearing stories, and then the stonewalling began. Now it’s personal. The brass in Pearl River have something to hide and Simon is making it his mission to find out what that is. Thank you Simon and lots of love and prayers to you, Christy, and Zach’s daughter.
I do hope somebody starts rattling the cages down in that town real hard, something isnt right with this so called Mayor. You go and get ‘em, Simon, uncover their dirty little secrets! Zacs mother and his family deserve answers and they deserve them right now.
Thanks for pointing out the dirt on the City of Bell, CA. I know a lady that a few years ago start rattling cages in the town of Southgate, CA. demanded a recall of elected officials, it was a pretty big to do, but because of her and townfolk, they got complete satsifaction and most of the prior officials are in prison right now. Maybe some of the townfolk in Pearl River should start their own recall. come on, Simon, show them the way!
Christy,
Im still reading the updates, and will be keeping you, and Zach, and also your granddaughter in my thoughts and prayers. Waiting for good news, and always reading the articles about Zach. I always try to comment, and I know I always write pretty much the same thing, however I want you to know that this has captured my attention, and I will keep reading. The only way I can think of for you to know that, is for me to always post a comment, even if its the same thing I have posted in the last article! Good luck to you all.
Karri
I dont care if you write the same thing every comment or not, you just plain care and I appreciate from the bottom of my heart. To everyone else that writes comment, it means a lot to me. I know I dont always respond to the comments, but I try to keep up. I feel close to finding Zach, I hope the feeling is right. Thanks again and may God Bless you all for yalls support and Prayers
Christy,
As far as I am concerned, please do not feel like you have to respond to any of my comments. I do not expect a response from you. If I comment directly to you, I just want you to know that I care and support your efforts. You have a lot to deal with and I think it is very kind of you to take the time to visit BNN when you can.
I bet many others here feel the same way and do not expect you to respond to every comment directed to you.
Like Karri, Zach has captured my attention and I will keep reading the articles by Simon or Jan. I hope one day soon I will be reading about a break in Zach’s case.
There is no doubt in my mind that you are a very appreciative person regarding the assistance from Simon and Jan and the caring support of those that comment here.
Prayers and thoughts are with you, Christy.
Ditto for me, too! I hope there’s a major break in Zach’s case soon. These people can’t hide forever. Hopefully someone in Pearl River gets a case of loose lips and you’ll be able to bring Zach home.
Make that triple on my side as well. We all do care about the situation, cchristyra and we all hope and pray for some kind of word for your family real soon. Meanwhile, you can bet that Simon will be a huge thorn in their sides down there in Pearl River and I imagine more people will start asking questions. The Mayor just cant ignore everybody, he may get what he asks for and that would be nation wide attention.
LadyDay said,in July 28th, 2010 at 3:23 pm
~~~~~~
Hi, LadyDay!
I agree with you about Simon being a huge thorn in their sides! There is no doubt in my mind that Simon and Jan will not go away (like the mayor would probably like for them to do) and they will rattle some more cages!
I think this case deserves nation wide coverage. The Mayor won’t be able to ignore everybody then.
Hi Ann-TX. I think it is high time other officials start nosing in on some of this stuff, just like this city of Bell financial windfall for their city officials. This case about Zac just seems to be swept under the rug, I guess thats what the Mayor wants, but it isnt happening. What is it that he is trying to hide if there is nothing wrong? Why isnt there any cooperation to try and find Zac? I know its been awhile, but no excuse for a LE to say he is working on another case and will call back and never does. It does not matter what a familys social or economic backround is, families have a right to due process and a right to know.
LadyDay said,in July 28th, 2010 at 4:23 pm
~~~~~
Lady Day,
I agree with you. I just wonder why the mayor is not forthcoming and why he won’t return Simon’s calls. I do hope Simon contacts the State Rep for that area or Governor Jindal and make an inquiry about the way this case is being handled.
Like I said on another thread, something is not right here. Very hinky! I bet if this was the mayor’s son missing, this case would have been handled differently from the get go!
I can just imagine the frustration Christy must be going through with local LE.
I look forward to the day I click on BNN and there is an article from Simon or Jan indicating a break in Zach’s case.
Hi Ann-TX,
I went perusing last night to try and find more info about this guy and to see if anyone else is reporting anything about Zac, Nobody except Simon and Jan are keeping it afloat, there is something on Topix, but nothing from the media or mainstream newspapers at all.
As for that joke called a Mayor, I read he was already told where to get off as far as staying on a the Building Inspector of Pearl River, they booted him in favor of someone else. I believe come October, his name wont even be listed as a canidate for another go round on the City Council. He did apologize for those words he used, but saying Im sorry just dont cut it, those words, like another word we should have abolished eons ago, has no rights in our language in the 21st century. Its people like him who make words like those stay in the minds and mouths of mean nasty people.
Hi, LadyDay!
Thanks for the above info. I appreciate you sharing.
I have only a few minutes but I hope to come back later on. I want to share some info about a similar case and what was done to get media attention.
I am seriously thinking about writing Gov. Jindel and inquiring about the way this case is being handled.
Jan, if you read this, can I have your permission to provide a Link to BNN (as a reference to this case) in my letter to Gov. Jindal?
I do not know how La. government is structured. I am going to call his office and find out if, like Texas, do they have Districts and if so, who is the House of Representatives State Rep for the Pearl River area.
I have never had to contact the Governor of Texas but I have contacted our State Representative on several occasions. The assistance and prompt attention was phenomenal. I never had to go beyond that level of our state government. I got results!
I want to know if a level of government exists like that in La. If so, I’ll contact that person or cc my letter to Gov Jindel to that person.
I don’t know if I can even start to work on this today because I have other commitments at this time. If not today, hopefully tomorrow!
I think it would be a good idea if we e-mailed TV stations in La. that cover the Pearl River area as well as newspapers to inquire why they are not covering this case. I have a lot of research to do. If anyone is from that area, I would really appreciate you letting me know what TV stations cover the area and what major newspaper(s) are in the area. It would save me a lot of research. Thanks in advance.
Need to go but I do hope to be back later this evening.
LadyDay, the bottom line is if it was not for Simon and Jan, we would not know about Zach and this situation. Once again, thanks Simon and Jan for keeping Zach’s story alive!
Jan Barrett:
If you are monitoring this comment board, please check your e-mail. Urgent message for you and Simon! Thank you, Jan!
Thank you for keeping Zachary’s story alive. I believe he will be found and who ever harmed him will the tossed under the jail.
I don’t understand how he could have just vanished…….
The mayors comments about the KKK are very telling I am willing to bet he knows something that will turn this case around.
Stay strong Christy!
I am looking forward to Sunday’s Radio Show!
I hope there is some discussion on this case. I am interested in what the panel has to say on this case. Thanks!
~~~~~
Christy,
Just want you to know that you and your family are still in my thoughts and prayers.
I have a question.Has this James Levigne have a son named Ricky Levigine??Anyone know??
Yes Truth he does. Ricky I believe is 48 or 49 years old.
Jan Barrett
Hi, Christy!
It was nice of you to make a guest appearance on Simon’s Radio Show yesterday.
I can hear the frustration in your voice and rightfully so. It is unacceptable that the detective has not returned your phone call in 5 weeks!
It is wonderful that you have locals that are willing to help with searches. Why isn’t law enforcement (LE) spear heading this effort? What kind of law enforcement does that Louisiana parish have? Sure glad our law enforcement in Texas aren’t that way!
Someone higher up needs to shake things up in the Pearl River area. This case needs to be vigorously investigated. This case needs mainstream media coverage such as local TV stations and newspapers. If LE feels this is a missing persons case, why haven’t they done a press release to the media? When a person goes missing, our local media shows a picture of the person and asks if anyone has seen the person to call LE at such and such number.
From an outsider (me) looking in, there is something wrong here! Maybe a cover up? Something is very hinky here!
I’m curious. Does Pearl River get news (TV stations) from New Orleans or Baton Rouge? Maybe I should call the Sheriff’s Office and ask them. I wonder if they would take my call!
Christy, hopefully something will happen in this case this week. It is my personal opinion that LE should have the courtesy and decency to return your calls. You are the mother of a missing person (per LE) whom you feel is deceased. I have never heard of a case like this where law enforcement, an assigned detective, won’t return your call.
Why don’t you call and ask for the Sheriff and tell him that the detective won’t return your calls. Maybe the sheriff is not aware that his detective won’t return your call. If the Sheriff refuses to return your call, then he needs to be voted out of office! Maybe you should call Gov. Bobby Jindal’s office and ask to speak to Gov. Jindal. Perhaps he could get the detective or the Sheriff to return your call. 5 weeks is unacceptable!
This is what I would do: Call the detective and the sheriff 3 times a day and go to the Sheriff’s Office once a day until someone either returns your call or will see you in person.
On the Radio Show you mentioned threats. Have you filed a police report? If you have not, I certainly would.
There is a case similar to Zach’s that I’ve been following closely. The young man’s name is Eric Preimesberger and he disappeared from his home over 90 days ago. Per the wife, he had no money with him, no cell phone, no transportation. Just walked out of the door and vaporized! His wife was the last to see him.
He is the father of two small children. They were going to move from Reno, Nevada to Eugene, Oregon. Shortly after he disappeared, his wife moved earlier than what they were planning on moving. She stayed with her brother in Eugene for a brief while(maybe a week or two) and has been on the run with the two small children.
Eric’s mother lives in New Mexico. She finally got LE in Eugene to investigate the case. I think Reno LE is also investigating.
Last week a search was done on a pod in Eugene and cadaver dogs hit on the outside of it. The only thing left in it was some dead flowers and the dogs hit on them too. Last week there was finally media coverage on this case in Eugene and it was on MSNBC.
Eric’s mother asked a mutual acquaintance for my e-mail and she has been e-mailing me. She is suppose to talk to the detective in the case via phone today.
She reminds me of you. She is a strong lady and is determined to bring her son home to New Mexico. She recently had surgery on her neck and is having to deal with all of this.
Christy, if you are interested, maybe through Jan Barrett, we can put you in touch with her. Perhaps she can share some things with you that have finally motivated LE to investigate her son’s case. If you read this and are interested, leave a message here. Her name is Kay and I know she’d be willing to talk to you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Christy. I pray that someone gets off of their butt and starts vigorously investigating this case!
I just called the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office in Slidell, La.
The deputy I spoke with was very nice and helpful. I told him I could not find a Chamber of Commerce for Pearl River on the Internet otherwise I would have called them.
I asked the deputy if the TV stations that are received in the Pearl River - Slidell areas are from New Orleans or Baton Rouge. He told me New Orleans. I asked about newspapers and he gave me the name of the newspaper in New Orleans and the local paper in Slidell.
I already looked up the TV stations in New Orleans and the newspaper.
I hope to start contacting (this week) these media sources and Link Bnn- Simon’s articles on Zach and ask why they are not covering this mysterious, unusual case.
My plan is to call and hopefully get to speak to a human and not get a recording. I will start with the Director of Programming with the TV stations. I will contact the Editor of the newspaper in Slidell and New Orleans.
I will follow up my phone calls with an e-mail.
My primary question to the media sources:
Why aren’t you covering the Zachary Pittman case?
~~~~~~~~~~
If anyone else is interested in sending an e-mail or making a phone call to these media sources, please let me know. I will provide you with the contact info.
The more people that send an e-mail or call .. . the chance is better that Zach’s case might get coverage. Just think of the huge viewing audience! Wow!
Since these media outlets are in New Orleans, I bet they are not even aware of Zach’s case. Maybe I’ll get one interested reporter to take on this case! It is worth a try. Nothing ventured; nothing gained as the saying goes!
Ann - Tx said,
in August 2nd, 2010 at 12:05 pm
—————–
Ann I will help you or bust a gut trying!..Jan can you give Ann my e-mail addy…Thanks
Hi, Truth Will Come!
Thank you! I hope to start contacting the Director of Programming for TV Stations and the Editor for newspapers tomorrow. I will call and then hopefully I will generate interest and can follow up with an e-mail.
I compiled a list of the TV stations in New Orleans that provide news for the Slidell - Pearl River areas and newspapers. This is a confirmed list. I accomplished that much today.
I am in the midst of multiple projects and I have a Friday dead line on some. This is a busy week for me. However, time is of the essence and I am determined that I will make contact with all on my list.
I want to ensure I am dealing with the decision maker. A clerk can not make decisions regarding what will be aired or in the case of newspapers, printed.
As soon as I get the correct contact (decision maker) and where e-mails can be sent, I will post it here (if okay with Jan). Then those that are interested can send an e-mail expressing their opinion or requesting that this case be covered.
I don’t want an e-mail going to someone and it gets ignored because it was not sent to the appropriate person.
Truth, I appreciate your help! I feel if enough folks contacted main stream media via e-mail or phone call, we may get coverage for Zach’s case. Once again, thank you!
Hi, Christy!
I think of you often. I know you are frustrated. I would be too.
Please know there are many on BNN that “support” you and your efforts in finding Zach.
Maybe this week there will be some activity in this case.
Please remember . . . my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Stay strong and keep the faith.
Ann- Tx
Hey I just read your comments and thank you for all your hard work on getting Zachary out there. I have not called the media lately, usually you have to leave messages or the person who you talk to will get back to you. I havent done much calling to anybody this week, just the detectives, I have been working on some more things that have come up. I am also back and forth traveling from home to Mobile, Al. where my husband is working and staying. We are moving his camper to another campground so I will be busy pretty much for the rest of the day. I am waiting on phone calls that could be very important, hopefully that will shed light on a lot of things on this case. God Bless all of you for helping me and the prayers that are said for us Ann do you have my email address? If not I will give it to you so we can stay in touch. Talk to you later and take care
christy
cchristyra said,in August 3rd, 2010 at 9:48 am
~~~~~~
Hi, Christy!
Thanks for responding! I will e-mail Jan and ask her to give you my e-mail address.
I e-mailed Jan earlier and ask her to forward something to you.
When you get it, please look it over carefully and if you see any inaccurate info, advise me. By then, you should have my e-mail addy.
Jan reviewed it and has pointed out two things. I am going to work on a draft copy tonight.
I am delighted that I can help. My background is in technical sales and marketing. When I was in the hazardous waste management industry, I represented my company at some Texas Environmental Protection Agency meetings. I was the company spokesperson with the media after the meetings. I was “groomed” by my company’s Public Relations firm and I became a pro on camera!
I am currently working closely with several media outlets and have been for over a year regarding the Emma Thompson case in Houston, Tx.
Christy, I do hope we can generate interest to get some main stream media coverage for Zachary.
Thanks to Simon and Jan for all of their hard work on this case, it is making my efforts with the media a lot easier.
I love Mobile, Al! Beautiful beaches - Gulf Shores. We have friends living in Chunchula, north of Mobile. We visited them two years ago and it is beautiful country. We are planning another visit in the fall.
Christy, I admire your strength and your determination to bring Zachary home! I wish I lived in the area. I could really be of help to you.
Stay strong, keep the faith and God bless!
I’m looking forward to exchanging e-mails with you. Jan is getting a “copy” (I cc her)of everything I am doing. She and Simon are the team captains and I am a team player. I will have the courtesy to CC you also. In fact, I think it would have great impact when I e-mail the media.
If we work together as a team, perhaps we can make great stride with the media. I hope so. Nothing ventured; nothing gained. When it comes to main stream media, one has to have patience! Later ~~~
I am curious why this seems to be the only news site following the Zachary Pittman case? I googled him and this was the only link I found. Have you considered making a Facebook page for him? Also there is a few facebook pages for missing people that are doing a lot of good here are the links http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001137883337 is one http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001137883337 is another. The second one is linked with a country music singer that his wife has a child that was missing. I think that you could share your story. Zachary needs more attention on his story so more pressure is put on this town to do the right thing. Politics should not over ride doing the right thing to bring this son, brother and father home! I don’t care what he has done. I have a brother that has made all those mistakes and more and I love him as if he had made NONE, why, because he is my brother and my love for him in unconditional! This case has bothered me sense I first heard of it because no one should be fighting the system to find their son.
Have you reached out to TES to find your son? http://texasequusearch.org/ I think they do this on a donation basis.
You need some national media to put some pressure on this local town to do the right thing. Does anyone know when this Mayors time is up? I highly doubt he will be re-elected.
I see you guys are doing a lot of the leg work already. I would be happy to send any emails to anyone that would be helpful.
oneilgirl75 said,in August 4th, 2010 at 9:53 pm
~~~~~~~
Hi oneilgirl75!
Thank you for your offer of help. Through Jan Barrett - BNN Editor, we are developing a plan of action.
At this time, we are not ready to start an e-mail campaign. There will probably be a time soon when we will. If so, we will need you and everybody you know to send an e-mail.
I know what e-mail campaigns are like. They can crash a company’s computer system and they do get results most of the time! Happened at a local paper in my hometown about a year ago!
On behalf of Christy and Zachary’s 3-year-old little girl, I would like to thank you for your interest in this case and offer to help. It is greatly appreciated. I know Christy appreciates the support of all on BNN.
Ann Tx
This whole thing makes me sick. I want to see this story on national news. I want to google Zach’s name and have a million links.
I changed my email to my direct email for my reply. I will check back and once you are ready just let me know.
I was glad to see Zach on one of the Facebook sites. Its a start.
Leave A Reply