Power Of One Vote, Council Played

Now that the dust surrounding the outcome of Monroe’s latest economic venture, the Walnut St. District Project, is slowly settling, what’s next? Many are hoping that the city is ready to enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement with the Southside Economic Development District (SEDD), moving the organization's 2022 plan into motion. At the May 24, 2022, City Council meeting, SEDD Executive Director Charles Theus and SEDD President Tony Little presented their plan and answered numerous questions and concerns from Council members. Council members Juanita Woods(Dist. 3), Carday Marshall, Sr.(Dist. 4), and Kema Dawson(Dist. 5) showed concerns about if the plan met all of its criteria and, most importantly, the funding mechanism. There was a long discussion between Theus, Little, and Board member Rev. Marty Campbell, along with Council members, as they tried to convince Council members that they were getting ready to proceed with their ambitious plan. They thanked Woods, Marshall, and Dawson for their efforts in putting their plan on the agenda. Mr. Little stated that SEDD’s goal is to address housing, infrastructure, and crime in Districts 3, 4, and 5. The main sticking point that dominated much of the conversation was financing, as Councilwoman Gretchen Ezernack asked questions many wanted to know. Mr. Little assured the Council that there was no duplication of services and that the lending process would not be done using local tax dollars. Little questioned the Council's supposed problem regarding a private equity firm and its willingness to consider giving African-American businesses capital as a part of the proposed plan. This order of business with the City Council had to do with Resolution No. 8270, considering SEDD’s 2022 Plan that was modified by a unanimous vote by Council members to state that no local dollars will be used "for any microlending program”. The rest of SEDD’s Plan remains unchanged. The next question in many Southside residents’ minds is when the city will do business with SEDD. Many southside residents and businesses came out in force at the July 26, 2022 meeting, where the Walnut St. Project passed by one vote. Current Council chair Kema Dawson was the deciding vote, as Woods and Marshall voted no, citing fairness concerns that appeared not to favor SEDD. Still, the newly proposed project has been greenlit, despite expressed reservations from the two Council members who thought it would be best to reevaluate the project's plan. They offered they weren't against progress but felt the needs of their communities were once again overlooked. This isn't the first time that the needs of the Southside have been pushed aside for one part of the city to continue to grow. The most concerning aspect of the new cooperative agreement is that it would significantly benefit a former Council member who owns property to be developed in the Walnut St. Project. What will happen to the Southside? Many are convinced that the economic impact of the Walnut St. Project will do little, if any, for the Southside. Residents on the Southside have seen this act play out before, not just in the current administration. Many are still wondering why a majority Black City Council does not utilize the power of their votes to effect change where it’s needed most. What will be their posture the next time a group comes before them with an economic proposal that does not include the Southside? Is SEDD being handcuffed by the city? Drive along Forsythe from Bayou DeSiard to Oliver Rd to North 18th St. and up 18th and 19th Streets. Then take a ride down South Second St. Notice a difference? There will always be a spectrum of unfairness, but a Councilmember's votes can reshape priorities. Sometimes, all it takes is one. The power is in the City Council’s hands, not the Mayor’s. Potential businessmen know this. The question that should always be asked is what is in it for the people I represent? No one can deny that the Southside is lacking compared to its “sister” side. The Council asked tough questions concerning the last business venture. The first question should be, what’s in it for the Southside? SEDD wants to be on the playing field just as others have taken their turn at bat. Districts 3, 4, and 5 residents are looking at three votes. And the power of one vote can make or break a city's future. We can't progress if we aren't all working together.