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…
Tag: Roosevelt Wright Jr
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…
As city praises AT&T deal, it should “Remember Centurylink”
The city now has a deal that promises internet access to the entire city. It’s putting up $2 million to make it happen. However, we should remember that this promise has been made before so we should “Remember CenturyLink.” Tuesday…
Sweeping changes needed to save failing Monroe City Schools
The recent reports from the state board of education paint a grim picture of the Monroe City School system’s failure to adequately educate minority students. With the majority of minority students performing below basic expectations in math, science, English, and…
No more rubber stamps, “A new way and a new day” for city council
Tuesday night, the Monroe City Council took significant and positive action to take control of the council’s agenda and force the mayor to include minority concerns in his plans for the future. By asserting their authority to shape the city’s…
Swearing-in symbolisms contrasted the reality of the Ellis Administration
Monday’s swearing-in ceremony for Mayor Oliver Friday Ellis and the City Council was meant to be a celebration of unity and progress. However, beneath the patriotic veneer and carefully orchestrated symbolism, the event inadvertently highlighted the deep divisions plaguing the…