The political season is officially upon us, and East Baton Rouge Parish is just six or so weeks from one of the most significant elections in its history: the vote to incorporate an independent City of St. George from a 60-square-mile area in the unincorporated southeast portion of the parish.
Granted, writes Business Report Editor Stephanie Riegel in her new column, only registered voters within the proposed footprint of the city will be able to cast a ballot, thanks to legislative action earlier this year that prevented a parishwide vote on the issue, keeping in place the same criteria used when Central residents voted to incorporate.
Still, there appears to be little interest, outside of the St. George Facebook page, about something that will have fundamental implications for the future of the parish, wherever you live.
With the clock ticking and the measure’s chances for passage looking good, those both for and against incorporation should start delving a little deeper into how this new city—which would be the fifth-largest in Louisiana—will actually work and how, exactly, it will be funded.
Take law enforcement. St. George organizers have said the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office will continue to provide police protection to the St. George area, much as it does now. Sounds simple, right?
It’s not as clear-cut as it seems, Reigel writes. Read her full column where she explains why.
