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.
Here are some of the happenings, in no particular order, that have kept Mayor Tom busy:
1. The SPD officer Alexander Tyler Bagley shooting of Alonzo Bagely.
2. Blue Line Solutions photo speed camera problems.
3. Discovery that six tax millages had expired last year.
4. Large number of violent gun crimes by young black males.
5. Cancellation of Fairgrounds Field demolition contract.
6. Visit with Curtis "Fifty Cent" Jackson on the use of Millennium Studios.
7. Discussions with REV Entertainment on proposed new ball park/entertainment venue.
8. Discovery that city security cameras must be removed due to banned Chinese manufacture.
9. Two mass shootings that resulted in a call to the feds for help with gang violence.
10. Downgrade in Water and Sewer bond rating.
11. Approval by SPAR of admission charges for three-day Crawfest at Betty Virginia Park.
12. Selection of Tom Dark as permanent CAO and Sherrika Fields-Jones as permanent finance director (subject to council approval).
13. Continued loss of SPD officers with number increasing due to retirement.
14. Futility in efforts to hire a permanent city attorney.
15. Proposal to add $11.5 million budget amendment for streets, blight removal, litter pickup and lighting.
16. Announcement of summer youth programs for teens and young adults.
17. Discovery that city's insurance premiums will be almost $3 million more than budgeted.
18. A city homicide rate that exceeds 2022 totals through March.
19. Hired a much needed assistant city attorney, Edwin Jones.
20. March 2 tornado and first-hand interaction with Office of Homeland Security.
21. Retention of Greg Morrison's company as city lobbyist.
22. Demolition of 114 Texas Street building -- a long-time eyesore with sagging roof exacerbated by fire.
This is not a complete list of highlights, and lowlights, of Mayor Tom's first 100 days. But with all due respect, it is a good start.
Readers will likely have additions to this list, depending on their memory and personal hot buttons.
So it you have been wondering what the mayor has been doing since taking the oath on Dec. 31 of last year, now you know some of the events/happenings that have filled his calendar.