Today's vote by the Caddo Commission on the proposed pickleball complex is probably a toss up for many reasons. Seven votes are needed for passage of this project.
It's known that four Republicans (John Atkins, Grace Ann Blake, John Paul Young, Ed Larazus) will vote "YES" and one (Chris Kracman) will vote "NO".
One Democrat (Ron Cothran) has voiced opposition to the project and another (Ken Epperson) has been very quiet on this agenda item.. Both are expected to vote "NO".
The chair of the Economic Development Committee (Greg Young) has voted to support the project in committee. However he often talks one game and plays another as does Cothran. Best guess is a "NO" vote for Greg.
The Commission's outspoken MAGA hater (Roy Burrell) has voiced comments both FOR and AGAINST the proposal. Best guess is a "NO" vote.
That leaves three Democrats (Stormy Gage-Watts, Victor Thomas, Steffon Jones) who are unknown swing votes. Jones and Thomas always vote with Commission President Stormy who loves the public limelight and rarely fails to miss a photo op.
Reportedly Storny and her constant aide de camp Victor were the ringleaders in the Bernie Sanders, John Hussey and The Strand unauthorized proclamation resolutions. All three of these presentations featured widely circulated photo ops for Stormy.
Gage-Watts reportedly will run for the Shreveport City Council next fall. She is termed out on the Commission. James Green is termed out on the Council. Thus the District F seat will be open.
How Stormy believes that District F voters will perceive the pickleball vote will most likely decide her vote. In other words, does she want to campaign on a PRO pickleball or a CON pickleball vote campaign platform next fall. Either way this vote will give her plenty of press opportunities. Some politicos say that Stormy's vote will be predicated on the whims of her mentor Theron Jackson.
All these thoughts and $5 may buy you a cup of Joe at Starbucks. One thing is for sure--this vote will give the Democrat commissioners plenty of mike time for political posturing. As with most contested Commission votes the overriding factor is race, whether or not it is openly articulated by those that push the vote buttons.
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.