Columns & Opinions

What was the purpose of the Planning and Infrastructure/GIS Committee meeting held on Friday, February 16, 2024? I thought the purpose of the committee meeting was to discuss the issuance of bonds for infrastructure needs.

I am pleased to report that the city is in good condition financially. Due to the cooperation between the administration and the City Council, the city ended the year with a general operating reserve estimated to be $25 million.

There seems to be real controversy over the selection of the new Director of the Downtown Development Authority (DDA). Having no inside view of what the vetting process is concerning, I do know that if you are not asking questions about what you would do in accordance with the 2030 Master Plan, then you are missing the current mission of the Authority.

The grassroots group ReForm Shreveport is dusting off a 23-year-old plan to remake Kings Highway into what its author calls a “wealth-building” street that emphasizes aesthetics, slower traffic and the safety of motorists and pedestrians.

The Cambridge Dictionary defines an “edict” as an official order, especially one that is given in a forceful and unfair way. Fundamental fairness and due process requires all judges to issue orders or judgments depriving persons of a right only after giving the opposing parties the opportunity to present facts and legal arguments supporting their respective positions. Only then will judges issue rulings or judgments resolving a dispute. Justice Scott Crichton did not follow this fundamental procedure and thereby fell into legal error by stripping the Caddo Juvenile Court of its legislatively granted and constitutional statutory authority to hear domestic violence cases in which children reside in the home. Ch.C Art. 1565(2). More importantly, by this edict Justice Crichton stripped domestic violence victims and their children of the right to seek relief and protection in the more easily accessible venue of the Caddo Juvenile Court. The Louisiana Supreme Court, much less one Justice of that Court, does not have the authority to do so.

In an effort to ensure every vote that is cast is counted, the Caddo Parish Registrar of Voters provided a sample ballot to aid voters in properly casting votes for upcoming elections.

Levee districts in Louisiana are political subdivisions with taxing authority that attempt to control surface waters in this water-logged state. They are typically found in parishes along major rivers, like the Mississippi, Red and Ouachita. Their supervision is by way of paid staff, answering to boards appointed by the governor from lists composed by state legislators.

One final point. In his speech, Whitehorn says he regrets that SPD Chief Wayne Smith was not there to back him up on his statements. If a reader gets a chance to ask Chief Smith in person, please do so to verify the misinformation. However, being the former police chief, Whitehorn should realize, or maybe he does, that as a civil servant, Chief Smith cannot be involved in political events or campaigning. Using the absent Chief Smith as fodder, all the while misleading your audience, is an unfortunate reality of the Whitehorn campaign.