The City of Monroe’s 1% Capital Infrastructure Sales Tax renewal passed with 59% approval on December 7, but the election results revealed deep racial divisions within the community over infrastructure spending priorities.
The tax, expected to generate $18.8 million annually, won strong support in predominantly white precincts while facing significant opposition in Black neighborhoods. Turnout averaged 14% in white precincts compared to just 4% in majority-Black areas.
The contrast was striking: Predominately white precincts like American Legion Hall and St. Paul showed overwhelming support with 94% and 91% voting yes respectively, while Black-majority precincts like Johnson and Benoit recorded opposition rates above 80%.
While black councilmen did not launch a campaign, there was a heated social media war sparked by comments made by Mayor Friday Ellis that…
