Columns & Opinions

The latest economic report of Shreveport shows a stable economy, but not a growing economy. And since the prospects for oil and gas have slowly faded there is an immediate need for the one element that would stimulate growth and solidity the diversity of the local economy.

Facts are alternative. Truth is meaningful only when seen through the lens of ideology. And many Americans believe the anonymous Q’s internet conspiracy about Satan worshipers who run a child sex ring while controlling the country.

A different spin, a different approach to this week’s article. “Love,” not because it’s about to be Valentine’s Day but because we need to help rebuild our Shreveport. It’s going to take love and respect for each other.

Ever wonder how Feb. 14 got to be “Valentine’s Day”? History informs that Feb. 14 was the death of St. Valentine, although there are at least three saints with similar names, so it’s a bit confusing. We do know that the holiday has origins in the Roman festival of Lupercalia, held in mid-February, celebrating the coming of spring, which included fertility rites and the pairing off women with men by lottery!

I don’t know Councilman John Nickelson, but I respect his honesty and his willingness to say what some in his party won’t say. His recent post on his Facebook page spoke about the mayor’s race that is still almost two years away, and people in his party already announcing their intentions to throw their hats in the ring. It is kind of curious that all of a sudden, the job of being Shreveport mayor has become a hot political ticket. His honesty is welcomed, and should be heeded by his fellow colleagues on the Council.

There are many vacant positions in both the Shreveport police and fire departments. The information I received from Police Chief Ben Raymond reflects SPD has 580 authorized police officer positions, of which 101 are vacant. There will be three more vacancies by March 15. Eleven cadets are scheduled to graduate the week of March 15. The chief hopes to hire a large police officer recruit class to begin their training this April.

You read that right. Republican legislator Jack McFarland will sponsor a bill to raise the gasoline tax in Louisiana by 22 cents over 12 years to address Louisiana’s $15 billion backlog in road and bridge repairs as well as other state infrastructure like dredging rivers and canals. There is also a $14 billion backlog in unfunded megaprojects. Twenty-two cents per gallon will not be enough, though.

This is that time of year that everything is confusing for me. Do I put a heart on the door for Valentines, or a wreath for Mardi Gras? Are we pulling out our summer wear, or are we still expecting snow? The rug at my front door has spring flowers on it.