Columns & Opinions

BY: PRENTISS SMITH Contributing Columnist

Mayor Arceneaux Deserves Right to Pick His Own Staff

Fri, 04/21/2023 - 12:00am

Elections have consequences, and that is certainly no more evident than what happened almost five months ago when Shreveport citizens decided to make a change of course. They decided to elect a Republican mayor to lead a “Democrat” city. It was not expected, but it happened, and now the new mayor is trying to figure out how he is going to move the city forward for the good of all of its citizens.

Read more about Mayor Arceneaux Deserves Right to Pick His Own Staff

The First 100 Days for the Arceneaux Administration

Fri, 04/07/2023 - 12:00am

This next Monday, April 10, will mark the 100th day that Tom Arceneaux has been the mayor of Shreveport. It’s been a whirlwind for the new mayor, bringing many challenges and a few victories.

Read more about The First 100 Days for the Arceneaux Administration

Mayor Arceneaux Has Not Failed Black Community; Blacks Should Look in the Mirror

Fri, 03/31/2023 - 12:00am

The recent shootings on Logan Street in Allendale and in downtown Shreveport have shaken the city, and rightly so. Thirteen people were shot. It seems that every day there is a shooting or a killing in Shreveport. That is a sad commentary.

Read more about Mayor Arceneaux Has Not Failed Black Community; Blacks Should Look in the Mirror

Arceneaux Lists Money Woes At Broadmoor Meeting

Fri, 03/24/2023 - 12:00am

Whoever made the “Hangover” movie trilogy should get in touch with Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux. He seems to be living out the script for “Hangover Part IV.”

Read more about Arceneaux Lists Money Woes At Broadmoor Meeting

Cast Your Vote for Grayson Boucher, A Servant Leader for Shreveport City Marshal

Fri, 03/24/2023 - 12:00am

As I reflect on the past four years serving on the Shreveport City Council, I am deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to collaborate with dedicated public servants passionate about shaping the future of the city we all love. One colleague who stands out as a pillar of commitment, integrity and service is Councilman Grayson Boucher. As the race for Shreveport City Marshal comes to a close, I wholeheartedly offer my enthusiastic support for Grayson and urge all Shreveport residents to vote for Grayson this Saturday, March 25, rain or shine.

Read more about Cast Your Vote for Grayson Boucher, A Servant Leader for Shreveport City Marshal

Looking for the Bright Side of Shreveport

Fri, 03/24/2023 - 12:00am

Speaking to the Broadmoor Neighborhood Association Tuesday evening, Mayor Tom Arceneaux got right to business. It seems that the previous administration failed to put 2023 millage reauthorizations on the fall 2022 ballot. So Arceneaux urged everyone to turnout for an April special election to renew streets, recreation facilities, city wages and salaries, pensions and first responder expenses. A total of $11,549,500. Those in attendance were grumpy.

Read more about Looking for the Bright Side of Shreveport

Urban 3 Shreveport Presentation

Fri, 03/17/2023 - 12:00am

“Your revenue is $217 million, but you are spending $253 million.” Urban Three (Urban3. com) founder Joe Minnicozzi opened his presentation at LSU-S theater Monday evening with a hard truth. Shreveport is spending more money than we take in. Mayor Arceneaux said on KEEL Radio last Friday that we will need to dip into our Strategic Reserve Fund this year and probably next year, too.