This evening’s vote by the Metro Council to approve or reject a $900,000 canopy for the stage being constructed at Galvez Plaza is more about the political aspirations of Mayor Pro Tem Mike Walker than it is the project itself, says Business Report Executive Editor JR Ball in a special, online-only column.
“Walker, who just two years ago was a consistent supporter of downtown spending projects, is now pandering to the lowest common denominator in his quasi-bid to become the next mayor-president of East Baton Rouge Parish,” Ball says. “Walker—no doubt after checking with his omnipresent political consultant—is not only playing to this parish’s parochial leanings but also stoking the anti-downtown sentiment that exists in some quarters to garner support for an upcoming election.”
To read the column click here. Send comments to editors@businessreport.com. The council convenes at 4 p.m. on the third floor of the Governmental Building at 222 St. Louis St.
Today’s poll question: Do you think the Metro Council should reconsider spending $900,000 for a stage covering at the Galvez Plaza development downtown?
