Columns & Opinions

The City of Shreveport was the only big sales taxing body in in NW LA which rose in March over last year. 5 other sales taxing entities all had modest declines.

SettleTalk

I am writing to shed light on the true nature of the teacher shortage that our schools are facing. While it may be true that a shortage is defined as having 100% certified teachers in a school, the reality is far more complex. Take Caddo for example, the shortage of certified teachers varies widely, ranging from over sixty percent in some schools to as little as four percent in others. This discrepancy can be attributed to the decisions made by the Louisiana Legislature.

The Louisiana Legislature just finished with its special session at the beginning of March. During the session, the Legislature amended portions of Louisiana R.S. 14:95 relative to illegally carrying weapons, which applies to firearms. A person carrying a concealed firearm under this provision cannot have a felony conviction which prohibits them from carrying a firearm.

John Nickelson is a friend of mine. I know him better than I do Henry Whitehorn, but I made it clear in this space in a column when he announced, that I thought he didn’t have the requisite experience to be Caddo Parish Sheriff. It was not personal, and John never took it personally. I still consider him my friend, and I am sure he feels the same way about me.

A West Monroe nonprofit organization is developing plans for a $20-million renovation of the four-story Fairfield Building in Shreveport to become apartments catering to medical students. COSAH, an acronym for the Coalition for Safe, Affordable Housing, received unanimous approval this month from the Metropolitan Planning Commission for a special-use permit and site plan for renovation of the historic Art Deco structure at 1600 Fairfield Avenue.

Questions on Whitehorn's SPD and CAO Service and His Campaign for Sheriff

Let us not be confused between leadership and experience. This Caddo sheriff’s election has one candidate claiming he is the only one with law enforcement experience. This is true. Mayor Glover appointed Henry Whitehorn from 2007-2010, thirteen years ago. There is good and bad experiences which are determined by personal observations. However, 'Leadership' is the paramount issue that needs addressing.