He is one of the most experienced and effective politicians in the city of Shreveport.
He has worked in and around city government for over 40 years.
His election as Shreveport mayor in 2022 was a testament to his political savvy.
He assembled the most qualified and experienced staff in his mayoral cabinet in many, many years.
He engineered the passage of one of the most significant bond packages in Shreveport history last year.
He was successful on major issues when working with the new city council in His first two years in office as mayor.
But then 2025 began a new year--starting his third year in office. And suddenly Mayor Tom Arceneaux has stumbled as if he were a neophyte at Shreveport City hall, much like his predecessor.
Mayor Tom has placed on the Council agenda the installation of speed cameras in the city--outside of school zones. While effective, the subject of speed cameras does not engender many kind remarks from locals.
At least two members of the council are big advocates of the camera installation. Reportedly the measure will pass with a large majority vote, maybe as soon as next Tues. Mar.11.
The obvious question to many local politicos is why did Mayor Tom take the lead on the camera ordinance rather than asking a council member to introduce. As the mayor should know, sometimes doing the "right thing" in the political arena brings "bad results"'.
The other smoldering issue at city hall that has the potential of becoming a potential Arceneaux waterloo is the ever growing controversy over squatters in vacant houses. Caddo Commissioner John-Paul Young's public statements, social media posts and his pending Declaratory Judgment lawsuit is fueling a groundswell that is not complementary to the mayor.
The pending court ruling on the interpretation of the law on squatters and trespass will be critical to the future credibility of the Arceneaux administration on issues that have legal ramifications. Even if the Mayor Tom "wins" the court battle, he may lose in voter popularity, especially in Highlands and other neighborhoods plagued by these fires.
The public often has a short memory on political issues. However, speed cameras and squatters are not topics that many will quickly forget. And they may influence votes in next fall's mayoral election.
How much negative pushback Mayor Tom is getting and for how long is an open question. This tarnish on his political acumen can fuel further challenges with the city council on upcoming votes.
Stay tuned.