Last Thursday (Sept. 3), the Caddo Commission voted to spend $75,000 on a Welcome to Caddo sign to be erected on I-20 coming into Caddo Parish from Texas.
Commissioners Chris Kracman and John-Paul Young voted against this expenditure. Commissioners Stormy Gage-Watts, Steffon Jones and Ed Lazarus were absent from the meeting. The remaining Commissioner approved the sign.
In September of last year, the Commission approved a $10 million pickleball complex in Forbing, Shreveport. This project did NOT require voter approval.
A key part of the project is reaching an agreement with the YMCA to manage the complex and determining the cost to the Parish. To date, no contract has been signed for the complex's management.
Caddo voters will decide on Nov. 3 if the Parish can issue $60 million in general obligation bonds to fund a sports complex for I-20, west of I-49. The plans for the complex require the infusion of an additional $10 million from third parties or a transfer of reserve funds.
In August the Commission funded $10,000 for backpacks for Booker T. Washington students.
Earlier this year the Commission failed to advance a resolution to fund the purchase of additional police cars for the City of Shreveport.
Many Caddo citizens have are questioning the fiscal responsibility of the Commission and its spending habits.
Whether or not a $75 grand welcome sign will influence voters on the proposed bond issue is an open question.
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.