We Need Our Young People

Question: Your priorities largely address Shreveport's social and economic problems (income disparity, budgetary reform, bureaucratic optimization, etc). I realize that local government is largely driven by these "people­ problems", but there are undeniably issues concerning our city that are outside these fields. Do you have any issues important to Shreveport that you'd like to address that are outside these issues?

Answer: There are multiple issues which are important to Shreveport that I would like to address One important issue is the "FACT" that young people are leaving, not only Shreveport, but Louisiana. This is a very important issue to the growth and progression of Shreveport. We not only have to create the technical environment to retain our young people, but as well, the creation of a much needed social environment is equally important. We have to encourage younger people to get involved in the political process. Not only get involved, but run for political office. We have to address the educational issues in Caddo Parish. If we don't, we will not be able to retain our existing population, even more, the hope of attracting new citizens or businesses will be out of the question.

Thank you for your questions and I look forward to much more dialogue with you in the future.

Sincerely,
Patrick