Thursday, February 12, 2015
Part III Algiers: State Representative Jeff Arnold Wants To Create A New Parish On The West Bank Of Jefferson And Orleans Parish
Algiers, the place of this writers birth and a life long resident. Although located on the west bank it is an intergal part of Orleans Parish on the east bank. It has been that way since I can remember. The jobs are on the east bank, entertainment, Mardi Gras, the French Quarter, the seat of parish government, NOMA, cultural attractions, the Fair Grounds, the Jazz Fest and the list goes on and on. No where else in the Metro area can you find the equivalence of City and Audubon Park or their four golf courses and all are public facilities. Plus, as one person commented in Part I, Algiers is part of one of the great cities in the United States.
Yet, Louisiana's representative Jeff Arnold, who represents Algiers feels Algiers is neglected and needs to secede from Orleans Parish on the east bank. The people do not elect their representatives to push such an agenda. Especially when there is no outcry by its citizens to do so. Algiers has problems like many cities in Louisiana but seceding is not the answer and no one can predict the results of such action. Elected officials are expected to work things out when problems occur for the good of the people they represent.
Over the years crime in Algiers has not been a big problem. A larger New Orleans Police Force which Mayor Landrieu is actively pursuing will help Algiers do more community police work. Algiers needs street repairs like every city in the Metro area that has been neglected for years that has made the problem worse. But this writer can see progress being made there and improvements to streets and drainage in Algiers especially along De Gaulle and MacArthur.
The new and improved shopping center at Village Aurora with its new stores and restaurant represents a large improvement after being dormant for years. Walmart's move to Algiers on Behrman highway from its previous location in Gretna just up the street. Walgreen's new store on Generay Meyer and a new walking path and bicycle path on the levee.
Federal City with the right management will be a great progressive asset when completed and bring new people into Algiers and more building. The new Marine Base is a marvel and will be in Algiers for many years to come. English Turn has brought people from all over to their community and has a great setting.
Mayor Landrieu has done a good job in reversing 25 plus years of neglect in Orleans Parish. He is not a miracle worker and does not have all the tools yet to do all that needs to be done. But he is actively working toward that goal. Algiers has had good representation through out the years on the city council and on the state level and our state representatives have been able to secure finance for various projects in Algiers. The state should help cities more but we have a legislature that is dominated by governor Jindal who's policies have been a fiscal disaster for the state.
Arnold wants the City of Gretna to be the parish seat of the new parish he proposes. This writer is in total opposition to that fairy tale. It shows a lack of though process on the subject matter and would be like moving the state Capitol from Baton Rouge to Gonzales, Louisiana. Now, I want to say something about the intention of bringing this matter up during the next legislature session.
I was born and raised in Algiers Point so I know a little about the ferry there and the vital part it has always played in the lives of the people who live there. It is relevant to the notion of seceding. Since Arnold wants the state to hear his case the people should remember that it was the state that allowed the bridge toll vote to go forward without first having a plan to finance the Algiers ferry operation if the vote to lift the tolls was passed. Well it was passed and as of this date the hours of service for the Algiers ferry has not been restored to what it was before the vote. The cost to ride the ferry was also increased. The state did not handle that situation well. The people of Algiers deserved better. A source of revenue was eliminated.
Arnold's proposal lacks the support of the people in Algiers and this writer detects a failed relationship with the Mayor. It is also possible that there are unnamed individuals who are behind this insane idea that would like to control the government of a new parish on the west bank and the operation of Federal City. The answer to better service in the City of New Orleans and Algiers, including improvements that need to be made is a tax structure that is fair where every one pays his or her fair share. The answer for the state to be able to provide financial help to cities across Louisiana who need it is a fair state tax structure that is fair where everyone pays his or her fair share. Both the City and State lacks such a tax structure. The $8 billion of tax exemptions for business on the state level is a dagger in the heart to state revenue.
The people of Algiers should make their voices known that they want to remain a part of one of the greatest cities in the United States.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
Yet, Louisiana's representative Jeff Arnold, who represents Algiers feels Algiers is neglected and needs to secede from Orleans Parish on the east bank. The people do not elect their representatives to push such an agenda. Especially when there is no outcry by its citizens to do so. Algiers has problems like many cities in Louisiana but seceding is not the answer and no one can predict the results of such action. Elected officials are expected to work things out when problems occur for the good of the people they represent.
Over the years crime in Algiers has not been a big problem. A larger New Orleans Police Force which Mayor Landrieu is actively pursuing will help Algiers do more community police work. Algiers needs street repairs like every city in the Metro area that has been neglected for years that has made the problem worse. But this writer can see progress being made there and improvements to streets and drainage in Algiers especially along De Gaulle and MacArthur.
The new and improved shopping center at Village Aurora with its new stores and restaurant represents a large improvement after being dormant for years. Walmart's move to Algiers on Behrman highway from its previous location in Gretna just up the street. Walgreen's new store on Generay Meyer and a new walking path and bicycle path on the levee.
Federal City with the right management will be a great progressive asset when completed and bring new people into Algiers and more building. The new Marine Base is a marvel and will be in Algiers for many years to come. English Turn has brought people from all over to their community and has a great setting.
Mayor Landrieu has done a good job in reversing 25 plus years of neglect in Orleans Parish. He is not a miracle worker and does not have all the tools yet to do all that needs to be done. But he is actively working toward that goal. Algiers has had good representation through out the years on the city council and on the state level and our state representatives have been able to secure finance for various projects in Algiers. The state should help cities more but we have a legislature that is dominated by governor Jindal who's policies have been a fiscal disaster for the state.
Arnold wants the City of Gretna to be the parish seat of the new parish he proposes. This writer is in total opposition to that fairy tale. It shows a lack of though process on the subject matter and would be like moving the state Capitol from Baton Rouge to Gonzales, Louisiana. Now, I want to say something about the intention of bringing this matter up during the next legislature session.
I was born and raised in Algiers Point so I know a little about the ferry there and the vital part it has always played in the lives of the people who live there. It is relevant to the notion of seceding. Since Arnold wants the state to hear his case the people should remember that it was the state that allowed the bridge toll vote to go forward without first having a plan to finance the Algiers ferry operation if the vote to lift the tolls was passed. Well it was passed and as of this date the hours of service for the Algiers ferry has not been restored to what it was before the vote. The cost to ride the ferry was also increased. The state did not handle that situation well. The people of Algiers deserved better. A source of revenue was eliminated.
Arnold's proposal lacks the support of the people in Algiers and this writer detects a failed relationship with the Mayor. It is also possible that there are unnamed individuals who are behind this insane idea that would like to control the government of a new parish on the west bank and the operation of Federal City. The answer to better service in the City of New Orleans and Algiers, including improvements that need to be made is a tax structure that is fair where every one pays his or her fair share. The answer for the state to be able to provide financial help to cities across Louisiana who need it is a fair state tax structure that is fair where everyone pays his or her fair share. Both the City and State lacks such a tax structure. The $8 billion of tax exemptions for business on the state level is a dagger in the heart to state revenue.
The people of Algiers should make their voices known that they want to remain a part of one of the greatest cities in the United States.
This commentary written by Joe Lorio
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