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John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.

He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.

John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.

John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.

He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.

 

WILL SHREVEPORT GET A SECOND CHANCE FOR A LAW SCHOOL?

You have heard it before.

Shreveport needs—and deserves—a local law school.

In 2012 Louisiana College purchased the Joe D. Waggoner Building on Fannin Street.

The college paid $400 grand for the building.

And then another $4.2 million, or so, for asbestos removal and repairs to the roof, elevators, HVAC system , electrical and plumbing.

The law school never opened. The building has been for sale since 2014.

For the last 3 years, the Commission has listed a law school on its legislative priorities.

Now there is a revival in the “bring a law school to Shreveport” talk. And although this building has not been directly mentioned in the mix, it certainly would be great location for a downtown location.

On April 1 the Long Range Planning Committee of the Caddo Commission voted to begin the initial stages of a process to support the establishment of a law school here.

If approved by the full body, the Commission will move $100 thousand from their general fund into a reserve fund intended to support a Louisiana Board of Regents study for another Louisiana law school. Potentially the school could be opened in conjunction with Southern University System. However this is not a requirement for the Commission commitment.

This proposal is to hold the moneys for a designated interval. If progress is not made on the law school, the funds would revert back to the general fund.

The proposed study could cost as much as $200,000. The goal of the Commission committing $100,000 is to show the local commitment to the Regents. The Commission wants Caddo Parish to be first in line for a new law school if one is approved by the Regents.

More information on this proposal will be forthcoming soon. The Commission has its next work session on Monday April 15.

PERKINS RELEASES 100 DAY REPORT

WAYS TO FUND BODY CAMERAS FOR SHREVEPORT POLICE