BARBARA NORTON—A PRESS CONFERENCE WITH NO QUESTIONS?

Yep, Rep. Barbara Norton held a press conference Thurs. July 18. But guess what?She did read a 2 page press release after being introduced by Bishop Larry Brandon and then Dr. Ricky Moore. It was obvious that she did not write the release.

TIMELINE AND RULES OF PROCEDURE FOR SELECTING CADDO REGISTRAR OF VOTERS APPROVED BY COMMISSION

The Caddo Parish Commission voted to approve the timeline and rules of procedure for selection to fill the Caddo Parish Registrar of Voters vacancy due to the retirement of Ernie Roberson. The timeline was approved by a 9-2 vote at a special called meeting of the Commission on July 18.

PROPOSED SHREVEPORT $220 MILLION BOND PACKAGE

No , its not a list for Santa Claus. But it is a giant wish list.The Shreveport City Council will decide at its Aug. 13 meeting the bond proposals. They will be on the Nov. 16 general election ballot.

CLASS A OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT—BOSSIER CITY

I own a 2800 square foot office on Citizens Bank drive, which is off Benton Road.I have downsized, and do not need all the space.So I need to share this space.There is a front executive office and two fully equipped secretarial desk unitsWith computers, printers, scanners.

SPEAKERS AT COUNCIL MEETINGS CREATE UNNECESSARY AND UNNEEDED DELAYS

Yes, it has become a problem. Shreveport city council meeting have become more of an open mike speakathon rather than a legislative session. There are many factors that have , in effect, changed the basic atmosphere of council meetings. In no particular order these include:1.

WHEN WILL SHREVEPORT GET A NEW POLICE CHIEF?

Ok, you have 3 guesses."Only the phantom" knows is wrong. And so is "only the shadow knows."The correct answer is only Shreveport Police Chief Alan Crump knows. Chief Crump went on medical leave on Nov. 12.

HIGHLIGHTS OF NEW PROJECT MANAGER FOR EPA CONSENT DECREE WORK

On July 5, an Engineering Contract for Program Management between the city of Shreveport and Burns & Mcdonnell Engineering Company, Inc. (BMEC) was signed. It became effective on that date.This contract is to be the project manager for the mandated Environmental Protection Agency Consent Decree.

WHO WILL BE THE NEXT CADDO REGISTRAR OF VOTERS?

Caddo Registrar Ernie Roberson has resigned as registrar of voters, effective Mon. July 15.Roberson has been Registrar of Voters for Caddo Parish since 1990. He is a lifelong resident of Shreveport.

CADDO COMMISSION TO APPOINT NEW MPC MEMBER

Theron Jackson announced his resignation from the Shreveport Caddo Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) at its July 10 meeting. Jackson was a Caddo Commission appointee. His resignation becomes offical when he submits it to the Caddo Commission.

SHOULD COUNCILMAN NICKELSON BE INVOLVED IN CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS?

Shreveport mayor Adrian Perkins says “No”. Councilman John Nickelson, an attorney private practice, says “YES”. Nichelson wanted to review drafts of the management contract for the EPA consent decree between the city and Burns & Mcdonnell.

COMMISSIONER JACKSON AND COUNCIL WOMAN FULLER WRONG IN STATEMENTS ABOUT CHASE BANK

At a recent meeting of the Caddo Commission, Commissioner Steven Jackson criticized Chase Bank for what he said was a pending sale of the now closed 70th street branch. Jackson said that Chase had refused to sell the property to a credit union that would have serviced that neighborhood.

WHEN IT COMES TO DE-ANNEXATION, SHREVEPORT AIN’T MEMPHIS AND LOUISIANA AIN’T TENNESSEE

Following a presentation at the Shreveport city council infrastructure committee meeting by a vendor pitching for city work, there has been some chatter about Shreveport following Memphis in de-annexing several city areas.

WHO DO YOU CALL WHEN THE STREET LIGHTS GO OUT?

No, don’t call Ghostbuster. And before you start gritching up the wrong tree, here is some informationMike Corbin finished up 2 terms on the city council in December of last year. He is now the SWEPCO External Affairs Manager. Here’s the poop from Mike.

WHAT ARE THE RIGHTS FOR PUBLIC COMMENTS AT COUNCIL MEETINGS?

Unfortunately, many citizens who go to Shreveport city council meetings have a major misunderstanding on their right to address the council.The United States Constitution does not guarantee this right. Nor does the Louisiana Constitution.It’s the Louisiana Open Meetings Law. And guess what?

WHY REQUIRE SEPARATE ENTRANCES FOR SALE OF HARD LIQUOR AT GROCERY STORES?

This is another controversial issue before the Shreveport city council.Current city law does not allow the sale of hard liquor in grocery stores. A separate entrance/facility is required---think Albertson’s on Southfield.