One has been on the job for six plus months.
The other has been on the public payroll for two plus years.
Cedric Glover was named last fall as the Executive Director of the Downtown Development Authority with a salary package of approximately $100,000.
R.J. Johnson was hired by the Shreveport City Council at a salary exceeding $80,000 as the Director of Council Affairs.
Much like when he served in the Legislature, Glover has been a public no-show as the DDA head. No new public programs have been announced since he took the helm other than converting a no parking zone by the downtown tent into paid parking. His public appearances as the DDA head have been very limited. How much time he is in his office is a big secret, although reports are very limited when it comes to DDA work versus political hot stove visits/talks.
Other than visiting the council chambers before meetings, generally in sloppy attire, Johnson has done very little work known to the public. He has sent out press releases--often with misleading headlines. He did coordinate the pink balloon event in the city government atrium. He loves to wear his college fraternity attire to council meetings--a habit that should be negated by council action.
Admittedly, economic development requires closed door meetings that need privacy, and Big G could be working on some of those. Economic development is a fluid concept that often involves lotsa talk with no real results. Glover is certainly a master of that art, using his booming voice and knowledge of Shreveport history to spin good tales with little substance.
As for RJ, he has obtained a mail order doctorate degree since being on the council payroll. And he has had some board appointments that are not related to his job. Johnson has taken many days off for medical, political, personal, and family matters. He has provided some research to council members which has not been shared with the public.
As far as DDA, there is a growing sentiment among downtown building owners that the DDA added on ad valorem tax should not be renewed. This tax funds DDA and property owners, already strained by vacant buildings and inflation, are questioning the value of this agency. Getting newsletters late on Friday afternoons that contain more philosophy than relevant downtown news only goes so far with property owners.
A recent news report revealed that the city council expenditures are exceeding budget amounts, on a year to date basis. This should bring to bear the value of RJ and his salary. If nothing more Johnson should be tasked with attending every council meeting and every council committee meeting, professionally attired, and sitting in a prominent seat available to help citizens who attend with issues and concerns.
Glover and DDA are funded by private property owners. Johnson is funded by taxpayers. Both should have accountability to the general public but to date known has been shown. And one wonders why nothing more constructive is done by DDA and Johnson.
Both Big Ced and RJ are invited to respond to this column. Any copy sent will be published without editing.