HLS 15RS-4711 ORIGINAL
2015 Regular Session
HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 219
BY REPRESENTATIVES TIM BURNS, ANDERS, RITCHIE, AND ST. GERMAIN
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS: Recognizes the "Balcony"
1 A RESOLUTION
2To commend Representative Jeffery "Jeff" Arnold for his service including the
3 establishment of the "Balcony".
4 WHEREAS, the "Balcony" is located on the second floor of the Pentagon Barracks
5complex overlooking the Mississippi River; and
6 WHEREAS, the Pentagon Barracks was used by the Spanish, French, British,
7Confederate States Army, Union Army, and the United States Army, and was part of the
8short-lived Republic of West Florida; and
9 WHEREAS, the Pentagon was deactivated as a Baton Rouge Post on June 6, 1879,
10and then through the interest of W.T. Sherman, the site was turned over to Louisiana State
11University in 1886, and then donated to the state of Louisiana in 1950; and
12 WHEREAS, during its use as a military post, the site was visited by many notable
13figures such as Gilbert du Motier de Lafayette, Robert E. Lee, George Custer, Jefferson
14Davis, Andrew Jackson, Lieutenant Colonel Zachary Taylor, and Abraham Lincoln; and
15 WHEREAS, under the occupancy of Representative Arnold, the "Balcony" was
16visited by notable dignitaries, such as former governors Edwin Edwards and Mike Foster,
17current Governor Bobby Jindal, Louisiana State University's mascot, Mike the Tiger, New
18Orleans Hornets' mascot, Hugo the Hornet, 610 Stompers, among many other musicians,
19political dignitaries, athletes, family, and friends alike; and
20 WHEREAS, Jeff Arnold began the tradition of the legendary Monday nights on the
21"Balcony", which provided a relaxed, collegial setting where party affiliations and political
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HR NO. 219
1orientations were set aside after an often contentious day at the capitol for candid policy
2discussions; and
3 WHEREAS, the "Balcony" originated with a small group known as the "Balcony
4Crew", which included Representatives Jeff Arnold, Harold Ritchie, Andy Anders, Karen
5St. Germain, and Tim Burns, former Representatives Cedric Richmond and Damon Baldone,
6and Senators Rick Gallot and Gary Smith, but has grown over the years to include many
7others; and
8 WHEREAS, the "Balcony Crew" provided a family atmosphere where lifelong
9relationships were fostered while enjoying great food, good conversation, and music.
10 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the House of Representatives of the
11Legislature of Louisiana does hereby commend Representative Jeffery Arnold for his efforts
12in establishing the legendary "Balcony".
13 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted
14to Representative Jeffery Arnold and the "Balcony Crew".
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HR 219 Original 2015 Regular Session Tim Burns
Commends Representative Jeffery "Jeff" Arnold for establishing the "Balcony" at the
Pentagon Barracks.
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