Goodness...where will the suddenly deep pocket Caddo Commission next decide to spend taxpayer dollars.
"Economic development" and sudden pots of gold fueled the Commission's decision to sell $10 million in revenue bonds for a pickleball park on property NOT owned by the Commission and WITHOUT a management agreement for the complex. And no worry that if the economics don't pan out, as in fool's gold, the Parish general fund will take the hit to pay the bonds.
The new pipe dream for economic development is a mass choir and talent search. Commissioner Greg Young, not to be confused with fellow commissioner John Paul Young, is the chair of the Economic Development Committee that has recommended this project. Some politicos wish this Commissioner would focus on economic development within this district which includes the long neglected North Market corridor. Commissioner Greg Young has done nothing to improve this area and very little for his district.
Pickleball was hailed as the elixir to attract more young folds to Caddo Parish and to keep those living here from moving elsewhere because there was "nothing to do". Now, how many times have you heard of families moving to other cities and towns for better jobs, better public education, and less crime? And then I ask how many have cited pickleball as to the motivation to stay or to relocate here. Geez.
Now Greg Young is pushing a $270,000 parish wide talent search and mass choir initiative to keep young residents from leaving the parish. Evidently the plethora of church choirs is not sufficient to satisfy the vocals of all of this phantom group Greg Young wants to appeal to. And when did the government get into choirs--is that a religious statement--and talent shows?
The funding recommendation must go to the full Commission for approval. As presented, the plan has two components:
1. a six-month talent competition for young ages 6 to 19 to start next year;
2. a new Caddo mass choir showcasing the parish's musical talent.
Now, you tell me how this plan represents "economic development." Ok, let's hear the usual yaya about out of town people coming to town, more retail sales, restaurant sales, etc. I guess department stores and Amazon will sell more cute costumes for the talent competition. And some lucky vendor will get to sell robes and music for the choir.
If the Commission is dying to spend money on economic development, how about contributing funds to NLEP (Northwest Louisiana Economic Partnership) which has a great track record of success and now owns the old Libbey Glass building site. Think about it--$270 thousand for a parish wide talent search and a mass choir--is the role of government?
Geez.