The Caddo Commission will did not meet this week so that five Commissioners could 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.
Perhaps when they return to "work" mode, discussions will address the Parish's responsibility to fund public safety across the parish while simultaneously praising the newly built pickleball complex, a recently completed parish-wide talent contest, a proposed sports complex and the completed Walter B. Jacobs Nature Center, which 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 with a total cost of $2.8 million.
Now requests for public safety funding have been put forward from Ida, Mooringsport, Blanchard, Oil City , Greenwood, Ida, Gilliam, Caddo Fire District 8, and Hosston. Rodessa is not in good standing with the Louisiana Legislative auditor and thus is prohibited from by parish ordinance in 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 project that they favor despite their stingy attitude on 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 they seemingly are 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.