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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.

 

HAS MALL ST. VINCENT BENEFITED FROM ADDITIONAL SALES TAX REVENUE?

Back in 2013, the Shreveport City Council created a special sales tax district for Mall St. Vincent. This district adds an extra penny to be collected on purchases at the mall's stores. The additional sales tax did not apply to  Dillard’s and the then open Sears. These stores were owned by the respective stores, not the mall.

The goal of the additional sales tax was to create a revenue stream to pay  for renovation of the mall. The promised $16.5 million upgrade was intended to lure new business to the mall.

A stroll through the mall--from the entrance to the closed Sears to the Dillard's entrance--reveals more square footage of closed storefront than open ones. With the growing tsunami for online shopping, one cannot reasonably expect any major new tenants in the future for the mall. This despite the acquisition and planned renovation of the Sears building by the LSUHSC for a research facility.

The additional sales tax is split between the city of Shreveport 20% and 80%. The tax is for 20 years. 

FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO SHREVEPORT'S BLIGHT AND THE MAGIC SOLUTIONS

SETTLETALK READER OPPOSES PURPOSED EXPO HALL LEASE