The peeing contest between Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis and the Black members of the city council must end, or it will definitely begin expensive court fights and legislative slowdowns. At the center of this conflict is the issue of contract…
Category: Roosevelt Wright
Mayor’s veto gives the finger to Black Council majority
Mayor Friday Ellis continued his fight with the city council’s black majority last week when he vetoed their ordinance required council approval of all contracts. At the heart of this controversy lies a fundamental question: Can Mayor Friday Ellis negotiate…
Mayor Ellis won’t succeed if he’s bent on fighting against South Monroe
Mayor Friday Ellis needs to take a class in political gamesmanship, or else the city’s progress will come to a screeching halt. While the mayor’s strengths have undoubtedly contributed to his political success among the city’s white minority, a glaring…
Will the whispers about chartering Neville High really happen?
The idea of converting Neville High School into a charter school has resurfaced, bringing with it a mix of hope, skepticism, and historical baggage. Neville alumni and supporters are reportedly preparing to submit a charter application by the looming August…
When 12,000 voters are listed as inactive, it shouldn’t be hidden
The recent publication of more than 12,000 inactive Ouachita Parish voters by the Secretary of State’s office has brought to light a concerning lack of transparency in Louisiana’s voter registration process. While the practice of maintaining accurate voter rolls is…
Ellis’ resistance to the “Southside Dream” may bomb future plans
One month into the new council term Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis is still resisting efforts to work with his new Southside majority and what was once simple is now a challenge that will make governing extremely difficult. A case in…
Ordinance to reward city hall fat cats should be repealed
In May, the Monroe City Council passed Ordinance #12,219, which allows the city to use profits from video bingo fees to create a fund for supplementing the salaries of certain unnamed city employees. We think the ordinance should be repealed.…