The Caddo Commission may vote today (Thursday, Feb.6) to cancel an appropriation of $750,000 to the Town of Greenwood. This grant was planned to help improve the water system of this growing town.
For some reason Commissioner Ken Epperson wants to turn his back on the Town of Greenwood. He now wants these funds for an extension of a road in his district.
Justin Davis, the mayor of Greenwood, spoke to the Commission on Tues. He explained that he and the town alderman took office on July 1 . He stated they wanted to work with the Caddo Commission.
Davis said major improvements are needed to ensure the quality of water in the Greenwood water system:
1. replacement of an inoperable water storage tank installed in 1994--one of the 3 storage tanks
2. improvement of water lines
3. replacement of water filers
4. replacement of a second water storage tank that had reached its useful life--this tank was also installed in 1994.
Dixon state the costs of these projects would be $500,000 plus engineering fees. The request of $750,000 is needed to help underwrite these projects.
Epperson has complained about this water system repeatedly last year. The system provides water to Timberline and Deer Creek subdivisions in west Shreveport. He conditioned his sponsorship on the creation of a water district supervision committee, which Mayor Davis opposes.
Epperson is known to be very vindictive in his politics. Many of his votes and actions on the Commission are not governed by principles of good government. His pulling of this appropriation is the latest example of a power hungry elected official.
The Commission usually follows the lead of the commissioner in whose district Commission money is to be spent. Today's vote may be another example. The Commissioners should realize that their first responsibility is the overall good of the parish, and then to their district.
Today's vote will be evidence of the Commission's commitment to good government.
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.