Changes

==Interest in agriculture==

==Interest in agriculture==

In 2000, Thompson was named chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.[7] In 2003, he authored the "Master Farmer" program, which the legislature approved without dissent. The program was developed by the Louisiana State University Agriculture Center and sponsored by the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. It is an environmental education program designed to help farmers and ranchers identify and adopt best management practices to improve water quality in lakes, streams and bayous. It involves classroom instruction, field days and implementation of farm-specific conservation plans to maximize productivity while minimizing environmental impacts. Thompson's model program has been proposed for national acceptance.[8]

In 2000, Thompson was named chairman of the House Agriculture Committee.<ref>"Rep. Thompson to Head Agriculture Committee". Legis.state.la.us, accessed January 5, 2009. In 2003, he authored the "Master Farmer" program, which the legislature approved without dissent. The program was developed by the Louisiana State University Agriculture Center and sponsored by the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. It is an environmental education program designed to help farmers and ranchers identify and adopt best management practices to improve water quality in lakes, streams and bayous. It involves classroom instruction, field days and implementation of farm-specific conservation plans to maximize productivity while minimizing environmental impacts. Thompson's model program has been proposed for national acceptance.<ref>"Master Farmer program cited as good example for nation", November 12, 2004". deltafarmpress.com, accessed January 2, 2010.</ref>

==Poverty Point==

==Poverty Point==

During his long legislative career, Thompson worked successfully to procure state funding for Poverty Point Reservoir, a 3,000-acre (12 km2) lake north of Delhi that was completed in 2001. The reservoir has since been converted to a state park. Thompson's brother, Michael L. "Mike" Thompson (born February 1, 1949) of Delhi is the former executive director of the reservoir district. On June 26, 2008, Mike Thompson along with District Attorney William R. "Billy" Coenen (born July 1, 1947) of the Fifth Judicial District and a resident of Rayville[6] and engineer Terry Denmon of Monroe were indicted by a federal grand jury in [[Shreveport]] for having conspired secretly to purchase land along what would become Poverty Point Reservoir and then selling the land at an elevated price.[9] The trio is each charged with one count of conspiracy and eight counts of mail fraud. Mike Thompson is also under indictment for alleged violations of the Hobbs Act. Thompson is accused of having used district employees to perform personal work for him at the lake. [10]

During his long legislative career, Thompson worked successfully to procure state funding for Poverty Point Reservoir, a 3,000-acre (12 km2) lake north of Delhi that was completed in 2001. The reservoir has since been converted to a state park. Thompson's brother, Michael L. "Mike" Thompson (born February 1, 1949) of Delhi is the former executive director of the reservoir district. On June 26, 2008, Mike Thompson along with District Attorney William R. "Billy" Coenen (born July 1, 1947) of the Fifth Judicial District and a resident of Rayville[6] and engineer Terry Denmon of Monroe were indicted by a federal grand jury in [[Shreveport]] for having conspired secretly to purchase land along what would become Poverty Point Reservoir and then selling the land at an elevated price.<ref>"How Much Better Can Louisiana Politics Get?"", Louisianaconservative.com., accessed January 5, 2009.</ref> The trio is each charged with one count of conspiracy and eight counts of mail fraud. Mike Thompson is also under indictment for alleged violations of the Hobbs Act. Thompson is accused of having used district employees to perform personal work for him at the lake.<ref name=coenen/>

According to the indictment, Thompson, Coenen, and Denmon bought a 5-acre (20,000 m2) tract of land on what would later form the shores of the reservoir for $16,800. They reportedly used a nominee purchaser to hide their interest. Subsequently, Thompson used his position as executive director to have trees removed from the property. Thompson and Denmon (born May 15, 1944),[6] whose engineering firm was contracted to work for the district, had the property excavated, the indictment states. The tract was subdivided, and six of the eight lots sold for a total of $250,000. Coenen is implicated through his role as attorney for the Poverty Point District as well as being district attorney.[10]

According to the indictment, Thompson, Coenen, and Denmon bought a 5-acre (20,000 m2) tract of land on what would later form the shores of the reservoir for $16,800. They reportedly used a nominee purchaser to hide their interest. Subsequently, Thompson used his position as executive director to have trees removed from the property. Thompson and Denmon (born May 15, 1944),[6] whose engineering firm was contracted to work for the district, had the property excavated, the indictment states. The tract was subdivided, and six of the eight lots sold for a total of $250,000. Coenen is implicated through his role as attorney for the Poverty Point District as well as being district attorney<ref name=coenen>"Coenen, Denmon, Thompson indicted in mail fraud, ''The Monroe News-Star'', date missing.</ref>

==Other political developments==

==Other political developments==

10. a b Coenen, Denmon, Thompson indicted in mail fraud, ''The News-Star''

10. a b Coenen, Denmon, Thompson indicted in mail fraud, ''The News-Star''