In a Times Picayune article dated 1/23/15 state representative Jeff Arnold wants Algiers and West Jefferson to secede from New Orleans and Jefferson Parish and form Louisiana's 65th. parish. His reason: "The resulting local government would be more responsive to residents concerns, including crime and blight. The proposal could serve as leverage to gain more attention for West Jefferson parish government and his main interest more attention for Algiers from New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu."
Arnold's proposal is not as simple as he outlines in the article and all west bankers should be concerned especially those who reside in Algiers and who have done so all their lives. "PolitiDose" will publish in several "parts" commentary concerning the issues Arnold raised in his article and also other issues that would be affected by the move. West bankers are free to comment here in "PolitiDose" as to their thoughts concerning the matter, just click on "comments." I will email representative Arnold a copy of each one of my commentaries as we move forward.
As a point of information, the population of six cities on the West Bank are shown below:
Algiers 60,000 Per Arnold's article\
Marrero 33,141 (2010) Per City Web Page
Terrytown 23,319 (2010) " "
Harvey 20,348 (2010) " "
Gretna 17,802 (2013) " "
Westwego 8,524 (2012) " "
Arnold's reason for a new parish seem to be in conflict. Does he really want a new West Bank parish or just a converssation to have leverage with Mayor Mitch Landrieu to do more for Algiers as he says in his statement. He also believes Algiers and the West Bank are not properly represented by both Parish officials. Does that mean he is talking about himself since he represents Algiers?
The statement made by Arnold that Algiers has one member on the City Council is correct but there are also two at large seats that represent the whole city that includes Algiers. This writer had an opportunity just recently to work with all three on a problem in Algiers and they all worked together to solve the problem.
As a life long resident of Algiers I have not been exposed to the idea that its citizens are so dissatisfied that they want to secede from New Orleans. I have family and friends that live in Jefferson Parish on the West Bank and the same applies there. As an example of Algiers needing more attention Arnold tries to relate a time element as to how quick Gretna can respond to citizens concerns compared to New Orleans response. Well Gretna's population is 17,802 compared to Algiers 60,000. I don't think some one using that silly comparison is qualified to lead the issue. Arnold also wants Gretna to be the parish seat of the new parish government. This writer does not buy that and I will have a special commentary concerning Algiers.
Federal City located in Algiers on the property that was the former Naval Station will become a great venue of progress for its citizens if handled properlyand will draw more people and industry to Algiers even from other cities on the West Bank, especially Gretna which is adjacent to Algiers. Is this really the reason we are hearing talk about seceding?
Stay tuned for Part II and beyond.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
1 comment :
As someone who has lived in Algiers his whole life, I am proud to also call myself a resident of the city of New Orleans. While improvements undoubtedly need to be made in Algiers, the same can be said for any neighborhood within the city of New Orleans. If Arnold's proposal gets the mayor to focus more attention on New Orleans, that is a win. But, I doubt many residents of Algiers wish to no longer formally be a part of one of America's greatest cities.
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