Shreveport Residents Give Their Opinions on Proposed Bond

Shreveport Residents Speak Out

Shreveport residents have begun voicing their opinions regarding bond propositions anticipated in the forthcoming elections scheduled for April 27 having significant implications on the city’s infrastructure.

“What did they do with all the money they gave them before to fix them? And they tore Linwood bridge down and never did anything with it, but you know they did get some money for it and some other stuff. So you really just don’t know,” one Shreveport woman expressed.

Proposals to Enhance Quality of Life

The proposals are aimed towards boosting the quality of life in Shreveport, with plans including street reconstruction, improvements to the drainage and sewer systems, as well as enhancements to water provisions and public facilities.

“Yeah, we need that. Especially the streets, especially on Hearne Avenue,” agreed a Shreveport man. “And all these other streets out here, they are bad. They are really bad. We need to vote yes on that, definitely, I’m telling you.”

No New Bonds Since 2011

Shreveport’s Mayor Tom Arceneaux has reminded that no new bonds to improve the city’s infrastructure have been put forth since 2011. The proposed bond, if accepted, signifies a rise in taxes, but the increase would not commence till 2027.

“The only way that we get infrastructure improvement is to tax ourselves. The answer to no new taxes with respect to infrastructure, if there is no new taxes, there’s no new infrastructure,” Mayor Arceneaux stated.

Management of Bond Funds

In response to the ongoing concerns regarding the expenditure of the bond funds, the city plans to employ a program manager to keep track of all related projects.

“There have been some complaints that some prior projects have not been moved along as quickly as they could and whether the city has the capacity to manage a big project,” the mayor said. “So we’re going to be hiring one or more program managers to make sure these projects are designed quickly but effectively.”

Community Meetings

Residential forums regarding the bond proposal will be continued by Mayor Arceneaux, offering residents an opportunity to express their concerns about the bond proposal and receive all necessary information.