On Monday, Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux announced his Block by Block Initiative at a press conference. The Mayor's excitement was shared by many city officials and civic leaders, but not so much by six of the seven council members.
The mayor identified two areas for the initial Block by Block effort. One is in Mooretown, and the other in Highlands. The mayor said these areas were selected on the basis of need, existing community organizations that could provide assistance, and commonality of neighborhood issues.
Mayor Tom referred to a 25-person citizen committee that would oversee the Block by Block initiative. Although he did not release the names, a public records request provided the member list (see at end of article).
In what was an unprecedented step, six of the seven council members released yesterday (Tues.) a statement "supporting neighborhood revitalization and blight elimination" while expressing "concern over exclusion from Block by Block committees. “Jim Taliaferro was the only council member not joining in the press release which had quotes from the other six council members: Tabatha Taylor, Ursula Bowman, Gary Brooks, Grayson Boucher, Alan Jackson and James Green.
The concerns expressed dealt with selection of the steering committee, selection of the designated areas, and funding for the initiative.
Council chair Taylor was quoted saying that "partnerships require participation. Excluding us from choosing those who will help steer the initiative is not only disheartening, it's a missed opportunity for authentic collaboration."
Council vice chair Bowman stated that "to make informed decisions on appropriations, we must be included in every state, especially at the beginning."
Councilman Brooks stated, "I would have appreciated the opportunity to be involved in selecting the neighborhoods and committee members."
Councilman Boucher stated that "Council members are the boots on the ground in our districts and should be involved in every step."
Council Jackson noted that " A successful Block by Block initiative will require legislation and funding approvals, and those cannot happen without Council support."
Councilman Green advised that "We support the goals of the initiative, but we must also be included in shaping the path forward."
Politicos and the six council members have questioned publicly the selection of several committee members. These include Calvin Ben Lester who may challenge Tabatha Taylor if she seeks reelection to her District A council seat. Another rumored council candidate is Curtis Joseph who reportedly may challenge Brooks next year in his reelection bid for Council district B.
Many have also questioned the selection of Wendell Delaney, a key campaign operative for Arceneaux in his mayoral race. The group includes some big names heading up big organizations that have, for the most part, had a very low civic profile and community involvement.
Needless to say, next week's council meetings on Monday and Tuesday will likely provide a forum for more comments by the six council members and members of the public.
Measuring the total impact of this strong pushback is a story yet to be told,--and as always this media person will attempt to objectively report on the same.
• Clarence Reese – Fire Chief
• Lauren Jones – Shreveport Green
• Olivia Dossett - Fairfield Property Management – Managing Partner
• Cedric Glover – Downtown Development Authority
• Bobby Collins – Housing Authority of the City of Shreveport
• Vita Riner – 318 Latino
• Wendy Benscoter – Shreveport Common
• Wendell Delaney – Retired SPD, Community Activist
• Toya Graham – Beaird Foundation
• Aubra J. Gantt – SUSLA
• Calvin Ben Lester – Grace Project
• Rev. Grant Rose – Paster Springs of Grace
• Meagan McDuffy – Shreveport Bossier African American Chamber of Commerce
• Tim Magner – Greater Shreveport Chamber of Commerce
• Diane Libro – Catholic Charities
• Curtis Joseph – Attorney, Blanchard Walker O’Quin & Roberts
• Africa Price – Director of Government Relations
• Christopher Holoman – President of Centenary
• Marcus Edwards – City Attorney (executive team of 7)
• Verni Howard – Community Development (executive team of 7) (formerly Providence House)
• Bill Sabo – Economic Development (executive team of 7)
• Thea Scott – Community Development (executive team of 7)
• Kristi Gustavson – Community Foundation of North Louisiana (executive team of 7)
• Terrence Green – Property Standards (executive team of 7)
• Rev. Theron Jackson – Pastor, Morning Star Baptist Church (executive team of 7)