Someone once said “May you always live in interesting times.” Reputed to be the English translation of a Chinese proverb, it reportedly can be positive or negative-a blessing or a curse. We here within the City of Shreveport, are indeed living in interesting, yet challenging times. Even as the national (and consequently local) economy causes deep concerns, we continue working to diversify our local economy with projects targeting aviation, film and media, the port and the world of cyber and digital-related industries. We are working with local schools and institutions of higher education to enhance our academic environment and degree offerings in support of these efforts, such as the COSI program we are working with Dr. Marsala and his staff to stand up at LSU-Shreveport.

Even as we seek to take advantage of opportunities, we are faced with the challenge of doing so while maintaining those obligations that are fundamental to local government. For example, the opportunity to continue our fight against crime and neighborhood deterioration, provide more and better service and invest in our infrastructure is challenged by a decline in sales tax revenue, an increase in paid claims and an unanticipated rise in fuel costs. This in turn, challenges our obligation to develop and present a balanced budget.

Although we should know more after tomorrow’s mineral lease auction by the State Mineral Board, we cannot count Haynesville Shale money until we actually have Haynesville Shale money. Even if we are fortunate enough to generate significant revenues based upon the public lands, we must continue to be careful and not use the non-recurring revenues to fund permanent expenses. This is based in my obligation as Chief Executive of this city to protect the fiscal integrity of our city. Because of my acceptance of this responsibility, I must disagree with those who would offer plans to expend funds that are not backed by an identified recurring revenue stream that is sufficient to not only cover the expense, but any anticipated growth in that expense.

I am a strong supporter of our first responders and believe them to be very worthy of any and all consideration of pay increases and other benefits. The issue is not whether or not they deserve it. The issue is whether or not we can afford to give it to some of them in this manner at this time. Not to mention the other hardworking public employees who serve our city.

This is but one example of the interesting decisions we, as city leaders must make as we chart the future of our city---as we establish priorities and examine where we’re headed. I have made no secret that my goal is to make our city “The Next Great City of the South.” And, it is my hope that we, as a city, will use the two major processes that we are entering to move us in that direction. They include the master plan process that is being managed by the Metropolitan Planning Commission and the budget process that is managed both by my office and the City Council.

I am encouraged by the MPC committing to an accelerated process and taking definitive steps to move things forward. It is good to see that the initial request for proposals from consultants has resulted in an unexpected level of response. I intend to continue to work with their board and staff to ensure active and broad citizen involvement and timely accomplishment of the steps necessary to fulfill our obligation to secure this roadmap for our growth and development. It is fundamental to our definition of who we are and what we want to become. Because it is so important I am pushing to have this process as open, inclusive and broad-based as possible. The money has been identified (subject to budget allocation) and I am hopeful we will see that process fully engaged soon.

I am also pushing to have the annual budget process open and inclusive. Given the constraints I spoke of in terms of revenue, we are faced with making decisions that may negatively impact the lives of our citizens, including public sector employees, community-based groups and neighborhoods. While it is easy to look in hind sight and be critical of decisions that were made, I believe that city leaders (both past and present), do the best they can with the information that is available at the time. Sometimes those decisions fare well in hind sight, sometimes they don’t.

I will always base my decisions upon what I believe to be in the best interest of the city in light of the information available at the time. In that vein, I will continue to oppose those plans and proposals that are not fiscally sound, I will propose and support necessary cuts and I will continue to support those activities that serve the larger purpose of advancing our city’s ability to compete for economic growth and development.

Because we are making decisions that go to the fundamental question of who we are and in what direction we’d like to move, I have pushed for movement of our budget process into a larger room that will accommodate more of our citizens and more media coverage. I have addressed this within the City Council meetings and subsequently in direct communication with City Council members.

I believe it is critical for citizens to have the correct information and witness the deliberations and arguments for or against certain expenditures. I believe it is important for citizens to know what priorities are being established and which activities must necessarily be considered. The proposed budget is also being posted on the City’s website so our citizens can see for themselves what we believe the priorities should be. The citizens of Shreveport need to know that we are working hard to be responsible with their tax dollars and not digging holes that later will prove difficult to fill.

My budget proposal includes necessary cuts in programs, as well as, personnel. It includes additional police officers because we want to continue the momentum of reducing crime through proactive policing. It includes mandated pay and benefit increases to our first responders, but does not include any Haynesville Shale money or money for the police pay plan currently on the Council’s agenda.

It is a responsible budget that allows us to pursue some opportunities that will help us move forward, while maintaining the obligation to provide services for our citizens and fiscal integrity. That is the object of the budget I have presented to Council and my goal is to keep the citizens of this city engaged as we move through this budget process.

The things going on nationally with our economy have a significant impact on us locally. Recent media reports from across the nation detail the trend of cities having to scale back or eliminate major projects because of budgetary considerations and the uncertainty of Wall Street. Additionally, we are not immune to the economic realities and decision-making that occurs beyond our borders. Uncertainty in the airline industry affects our ability to secure more flights and carriers at our own airport. Recent reports have indicated that even the major airports will see a decline in flight options. In turn, the lack of air travel options has been a major criticism of those within our developing film and entertainment area. It also impacts recruitment of major employers who see quality of life options as a major consideration.

Because of the impact that issues such as these have on our economic prospects, I am reviewing the personnel composition, as well as, direction and focus of our economic development efforts. Many of you may have had the opportunity to speak with our consulting team of Ronnie Bryant, David Dodd, Jim Purgerson and Mike Philpot, who graciously and unselfishly volunteered their time to return to Shreveport from their current positions and provide me with the benefit of their knowledge and experience in this area. I expect to have their final report shortly and look forward to sharing with the Council and community my plan for implementing a more efficient and effective economic development program.

The exciting news however, is that our efforts do not stop in the meantime. We continue to work with our neighbors in Bossier on Cyber efforts, the Northwest Louisiana Economic Development Foundation and the State of Louisiana on major recruitment projects and the Port Authority on their growth and expansion. I will continue the pursuit of a role and scope of our local GM plant to position it for inclusion in the future of General Motors. I will continue to work with KCS on the expansion and growth of their activity in association with their hub here in Shreveport. Our Airport Authority is aggressively seeking development of projects within its property, and I will not give up on the completion of I-49 north!

Despite the fear and uncertainty that many are experiencing, I believe we are living in the kind of interesting times that present opportunities. We have the opportunity to make this city what we want it to be, but we can only do that if we all become truly committed to our common goals and set aside our personal or selective agendas. As Mayor, I am committed to doing all I can to make our city great! However, I recognize that I cannot do it alone. Ultimately, the citizens of this city will decide what we become. My pledge is to provide you with the information, the plan and the positive assistance of city government necessary to help us survive and step boldly into our future.

I ask you, as leaders of our city, to join us at City Hall in meeting the challenges that confront us. Seek answers to your questions, verify and confirm information that is presented and participate in the process. I am excited about the opportunities that lie before us. I believe in our potential to make the right decisions and do the right things for our city. I believe we are capable of putting aside petty, personal agendas. I believe there are common goals that we all can work towards. And, I believe that it is people like you, and others throughout our community who believe in our shared destiny, who will help us successfully navigate these most interesting times.

Cedric B. Glover

M A Y O R