The Caddo Commission will NOT meet the first week of May so that five Commissioners can enjoy their taxpayer junket to Maui while all twelve draw their monthly salary which is the highest in the state for part time elected officials.
Maybe when they get back into a “work” mode, discussions will occur regarding the Parish's responsibility to fund public safety throughout the parish while they laud the pickle ball complex to be built, a just completed parish wide talent contest, a proposed sports complex and the completed Walter B. Jacobs Nature Center that now has an admission fee.
Thankfully the Commission’s agenda will not be bogged down over a proposed $75,000 Welcome To Caddo Sign that was defeated with two of the three affirmative votes being mayoral candidates Stormy Gage-Watts and John-Paul Young.
The Commission has a request for 40 police cars totaling $2.8 million from the Shreveport Police Officers Association and a wish list from Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith, also totaling $2.8 million.
Now requests for public safety funding have been put forward from Ida, Mooringsport, Blanchard, Oil City and Greenwood. Rodessa is not in good standing with the Louisiana Legislative auditor and is thus prohibited by parish ordinance from requesting funding.
This issue—public safety for Caddo residents—presents a major philosophical decision for the 12 commissioners who will face re-election next year except for Stormy Gage-Watts who is termed out and possibly John Atkins depending on the outcome of the Public Service Commission election this fall.
Caddo Commissioners love to tout the large Parish surplus and the high Parish bond rating when promoting projects they favor despite their stingy attitude toward public safety expenditures for parish citizens.
Of course the Commission can totally ignore the funding requests as they focus on doling out half a million dollars to non-profit organizations, the upcoming Louisiana Police Jury Association meeting in NOLA this July, countless recognition resolutions, the 75 take home cars for Caddo Parish employees (which seem to be used for personal travel as much as parish business), and the millions and millions of bucks a sports complex, budgeted at $70 million with $40 million in Caddo tax dollars, will generate for the Parish.
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.