Editor’s Note: The following is an email sent by Victor Kirk, a member of the mayor’s quality of life subcommittee after he was reprimanded for sending copies of a Free Press editorial analyzing Mayor Oliver Ellis’ first 100 days from…
Category: Editorial
Police sweeps that target blacks and poor whites should cease
On October 22nd and 23rd, law enforcement agencies in several parishes participated in a multi-jurisdictional Taskforce sweep in South Monroe that allegedly targeted violent criminals in Ouachita Parish. We are weary of these targeted sweeps because the poor and blacks…
City closes dump, thanks to push from Councilwoman Woods
The incinerator at the old city dump sat idle this week. After waves of protest from the Black community, councilwoman Juanita Woods announced last week that as of 5 p.m. October 30, 2020, the dump is officially closed again. The…
Ellis administration ignoring blacks in first 100 days
In the first 100 days, the Oliver Ellis administration has laid out the sketches of a tenure that is drastically different from the Mayo Administration. We didn’t get much under Mayor, and we are getting less under Ellis. Economic development…
The management of Parkview Apartments at core of violence problem
Concern about the violence associated with the Parkview Apartments has focused on the residents, and under the breath mumblings that there is somehow, something wrong with the tenants themselves. We disagree. The violence that emanates from the area is partly…
Vidrine, city school leaders sweeping virus cases under the rug
Unlike many private schools, and most parish schools, the Monroe City School District is depending on the “honor system” to fight the Coronavirus Pandemic; that’s not a great idea. Our community is extremely concerned about the lackadaisical approach the board…
Vote “NO” on amendments, 197 amendments is already too many
Among the many items on the November 3rd Ballot are seven proposed constitutional amendments and one gambling proposition. We have reviewed all eight items and make the following recommendations. The goals of each amendment can be achieved without being included…