THIS IS A TRUE STORY--ONLY THE NAMES HAVE BEEN CHANGED TO PROTECT THE FOOLISH

"Big Dreamer had always wanted a Corvette--all his life. It started when he was 10 years old and he put together model cars. He had 10 different Corvettes.

Big Dreamer heard about the 2020 Corvette--the first Corvette with a mid engine. Now 40 years old, he decided that this WAS the year to finally buy the 'ride' he had always wanted. And after all, it was a great way to celebrate his 40th birthday.

Big Dreamer started going down to the Chevrolet dealer to look at the new "Vettes." Like everyday.

He got so excited over the top end, highest dollar Vette that he could hardly sleep at night. Big Dreamer wanted to buy the fastest and most expensive Corvette.

He then started taking his buddies down to look at his dream car. They all agreed that Big Dreamer deserved a Corvette.

Then he started taking his family down there--wife, kids, in-laws, and out-laws. Everybody Big Dreamer could round up to see his dream of dreams.

Everybody, I mean EVERYBODY, that Big Dreamer took to the dealership said it was a good deal for him. Purchasing this car would bring him fame and fortune--and to everyone he knew.

Nobody, as in NOBODY including Big Dreamer, even though about the cost of the Vette and Big Dreamer's ability to buy the car. Dreams, not minor details, was the collective focus of all who went to the dealership with Big Dreamer.

Big Dreamer then started taking test rides in the floor models. So many test rides, that the management at the dealership said NO MORE.

Then finally the day arrived. The day he made the decision to purchase the Corvette--which was of course a special order.

Carpeddler, the Vette salesman, explained to Big Dreamer the purchase process. A big deposit was needed first.

Big Dreamer was a tad short of cash that day. Be he knew he could get a payday loan.

He was also going to ask his wife, friends and relatives to also get a payday loan to help him get the total sum he needed. He was sure they would help.

Big Dreamer then asked Carpeddler about financing. Since he never expected to sell the Corvette, he wanted a 20 year loan. Carpeddler said sure--no problem at 12 %. As long as his credit score was good.

Carpeddler and Big Dreamer filled out the paperwork for getting the credit score. Carpeddler explained to Big Dreamer that his future fame and fortune after buying the Vette would not count in calculating the credit score.

And then it hit. Reality--as in economic reality.

Big Dreamer's credit score was two hundred. As in 200.

Carpeddler was furious. As in really, really mad. Because he didn’t check his credit score first and wasted so much time.

Big Dreamer was in shock. Like speechless.

Finally Bigdreamer was able to talk. He asked Carpeddler for advice.

Carpeddler suggested Big Dreamer consider a Yugo. And then demanded he leave the dealership and never ever show his face there again."

NO, this fairy tale does not have a happy ending. Big Dreamer could not qualify to buy a Yogo–not even a prior owned one.

Last I heard, Big Dreamer was looking for an Elio.

The proposed $1 billion Cross Bayou development has a Bigdreamer and a Carpeddler.

The Bigdreamers are those who support this project. The Carpeddler are those that understand real world economics.

The City of Shreveport is financially strapped. Plain and simple.

Where will the city find the funds to buy all the land that the developers want donated to them for this development? Even if the $2.8 million unspent Cross Bayou park bond funds are put into the pot, there is still a big shortfall in the moneys needed.

It’s time for the city to stop kicking the Cross Bayou tires.

A vote by the Shreveport city council is expected on Tues. Jan. 28.