Good news is often downplayed in the mainstream media.
The old adage "if it bleeds it’s leads" often highlights local tv/radio broadcasts.
All too often it’s the "bad" news that dominates talk radio, social media, and coffee conversations.
However, Shreveport had a run of good news in a recent ten day stretch that has rarely been experienced in such a short interval on the local scene.
Thursday, April 18, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson was officially welcomed to Shreveport in a much heralded ceremony at Government Plaza.
And on this past Saturday (April 27), Shreveport voters passed by an 80% margin two bond proposals and by a 78% margin the third proposal. Collectively the $256 million package will greatly improve roads & drainage, water & sewer, and public safety & parks.
The passage of the bond package was a calculated risk by Mayor Tom Arceneaux. If the package, or even part of it, had failed the mayor would have suffered a substantial hit to the credibility of his administration. In that event, the mayor's remaining term would have been put into a tailspin.
The bond passage is, in effect, a pat on the back for all the city departments that need additional resources to provide services to Shreveport citizens. All too often these public servants only hear complaints as they struggle with tight budgets and manpower challenges. Implicitly, the overwhelming percentage of "Yes" votes is also a stamp of approval for the Arceneaux administration.
The success at the polls is also vindication for the five council members who endorsed the bond package--Ursula Bowman, Gary Brooks, Alan Jackson, Grayson Boucher, and Jim Taliaferro. The protections build into to the proposals for third party monitoring of progress on the delineated projects reflected sound judgment by the Council that was readily endorsed by the Mayor.
Jackson has signed a lease for the facility formerly known as Millennium Studios. He is now awaiting approval by the Shreveport City Council of a lease of Expo Hall. Both leases provide substantial savings to the city for upkeep and maintenance and insurance. And both leases promise substantial activity in downtown Shreveport.
Jackson's commitment to Shreveport has yet to unfold by performance. However, his presence with his advisors has created many positive ripples throughout the community with optimism for a renewal of the film and entertainment job opportunities. His much publicized visit, even if for only a few days, has excited all sectors of the community.
Collectively, the Jackson leases and the bond package passage add to a growing sense of community pride in Shreveport that has waned in recent years with economic issues, dissatisfaction with City Hall, and most recently a very racially divisive Sheriff's election. And even Mayor Arceneaux’s "I Love Shreveport" badges suddenly don't look so cheesy as a large number of businesses have adopted this theme in electronic billboards throughout the city.