WITH SHREVEPORT MAYOR TOM, "A" STANDS FOR ACCESS

Even the most ardent critics of Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux must admit that he is the most accessible Shreveport mayor in many, many years. No matter how you slice it, that is a big positive for the city and a credit to him.

Mayor Tom appears on KSLA each Wed a.m. in its "Wednesday Mornings with the Mayor" at 6:15 a.m. KSLA always has this segment on its web page.

Mayor Tom has had countless interviews on the Mike and McCarty KEEL radio program, including two recent hour long sessions answering listener questions. This will become a monthly town hall news cast. And he rarely gets any softball questions from Erin.

In his mayoral campaign, Arceneaux promised to be up front with local media. He has done that and much more in his 20-plus months in office.

He also promised to "go where I am asked." He has done just that, making many appearances at events many would consider inconsequential.

Mayor Tom has really sharpened his communication skills in his interviews. One can expect on the point answers--yes, no, I don't know, I will find out. Mayor Tom has consistently stayed away from comments on political matters that do not affect his office.

Mayor Tom has given the green light to department heads to meet with the media. Prior administrations restricted media access, requiring all requests to go through the mayor's office. And he has encouraged prompt responses to public records requests and his administration now has a portal for these requests.

Democracy works best when there is transparency with elected officials and public employees. Like him or not, one must admit that the Arceneaux administration gets an "A+" grade in this important category.

Now after all this schmoozing, I need Mayor Tom to fix a few parking tickets and red light violations. But, knowing Tom as I have for over 40 years and running against him unsuccessfully for city council, I certainly can expect a big "NO" to those type requests.