Heads butt on helmets

• By WILL SENTELL
• Advocate Capitol News Bureau
• Published: Apr 8, 2008 - Page: 1A - UPDATED: 12:05 a.m.

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The former executive director of the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission said Monday he was fired because he disagreed with Gov. Bobby Jindal’s push to repeal the state’s mandatory motorcycle helmet law.

Champagne, who held his post for 12 years, said he was abruptly terminated March 25 and left six days later.

He played a key role in the 2004 push to enact the law, which requires all motorcycle operators and riders to wear approved helmets or face fines.

Champagne said his dismissal followed an earlier meeting with Timmy Teepell, the governor’s chief of staff.

“I was given absolutely no reason for my termination although I firmly believe the fact I refused to compromise my views on the helmet issue doomed me,” Champagne said.

Champagne said that, while Jindal has the right to name his own state highway safety leader, the action seems to run counter to the governor’s often state vow to move away from old-style politics.

“It sends a terrible message to long-term state employees who perform their jobs with devotion and passion and can lose their jobs because they are not yes men,” he said.

Teepell did not respond to a telephone call and an e-mail requesting comment Monday.

The Louisiana Highway Safety Commission administers the state’s highway safety grant programs, including efforts to trim drunken driving.

The executive director often testifies on key highway safety bills in the Legislature.

Champagne, 63, said he was paid about $83,000 per year in his former post.

At least two bills are pending in the Legislature that would repeal the helmet requirements for adults.

Jindal favors repeal of the mandatory helmet law as a freedom of choice issue.