But Kip Holden’s victory lap deserves a caution flag. Rather than taking credit for a Tom Cruise movie attracted by the State of Louisiana’s tax credit program, the Mayor should make a mid-year appropriation of these unexpected funds to law enforcement to immediately put more cops on our streets – instead of waiting until next year.

Violent crime, including murder, has increased 36% since Kip Holden became Mayor-President. Statistically the citizens of East Baton Rouge Parish are far more likely to be a victim of violent crime than they are to star in a movie. It’s time for the Mayor to admit we have a crime problem, set the right priorities and send help immediately.

Thanks to so many of you, during the last reporting period we received 455 individual donations covering each of East Baton Rouge Parish’s 12 Metro Council districts. The report shows our campaign with over $170,000 cash on hand as of the April 30 closing date.

I am truly humbled by this outpouring of support. Citizens across East Baton Rouge Parish are supporting our message of safer streets, more jobs and better schools with their donations and by volunteering their time. I am so thankful for each and every one of you for helping us reach this important milestone.

I want to thank my colleagues on the Metro Council for unanimously voting to allocate the funds needed to jumpstart this program. Despite attempts by Kip Holden to use these funds for a Washington lobbyist, the Metro Council recognized that our first priority as elected officials is the safety of those we represent. I am grateful that they joined me in putting our priorities back in order.

Kip Holden has had over seven years to get crime under control in our parish and he’s failed to do so.

The second item funds another two week period of 24/7 operations at the City Jail. This gives law enforcement another tool to use to lock up criminals and will help clear some of the 100,000+ outstanding warrants on the books. Most importantly, it sends a strong message that we are serious about cracking down on all crime – big or small.

As evidenced by the testimony from Sheriff Sid Gautreaux, District Attorney Hillar Moore and Constable Reggie Brown’s office, all were in support of these two items. I appreciate their attendance and support. Also, I want to thank my colleagues for putting priorities in order by approving these items.

Both of these important initiatives are part of my “Nine Steps to Safer Streets Program,” and rest assured, I’ll work hard to ensure that Operation Ceasefire continues to receive the funding it needs to reduce our violent crime and that a 24/7/365 City Jail is made a permanent reality. And as Mayor-President, we’ll implement all of my “Nine Steps to Safer Streets” to reclaim the qualify of life that has been hijacked from the criminals who prey on law-abiding citizens.

The second item allocates $50,000 to fund ’round the clock operations of the City Jail for another two weeks. Last summer the City Jail was open 24/7 for two weeks and we cleared approximately 4,000 outstanding warrants. This generated over $190,000 in revenue for the City-Parish, proving the City Jail can help pay for itself. It just makes sense that we would make continuous operations of our City Jail a top priority. Crime doesn’t stop at 5pm and neither should we.

We have to reverse the culture of lawlessness in East Baton Rouge Parish and both of these would be a good first step. But this is just the beginning. As Mayor-President, I will re-prioritize our spending to ensure that Operation Ceasefire is fully funded and continuous operation of the City Jail is made a permanent reality.

Here are how all of the BRPD dog teams did at last week’s trials.

Overall:
1st place – Cpl. Michael Walker – K9 Thumper
2nd place – Cpl. Tom Ricken – K9 Atlas
3rd place – Cpl. Jesse Barcelona – K9 Gino
4th place – Lt. Bobby Glaser – K9 MyDog
5th place – Sgt. Craig Tibbetts – K9 Haze

Obedience:
2nd place – Cpl. Rodrick Woodard – K9 Rollo

Agility:
1st place – Cpl. TJ Morse – K9 Tag
2nd place – Cpl. Lyle Andre’ – K9 Son

Scent Work:
1st place – Cpl. Jesse Barcelona – K9 Gino
3rd place – Cpl. Tom Ricken – K9 Atlas

Criminal Apprehension:
1st place – Cpl. Lyle Andre’ – K9 Son
2nd place – Lt. Bobby Glaser – K9 MyDog
3rd place – Cpl. Michael Walker – K9 Thumper

What I am open to is an autonomous CATS that does not rely on City-Parish government for a handout, but rather lives within its means, drastically changes its business model and fits within a regional traffic management solution for our parish. Additionally, many aspects of HB 865 are dependent on the proposed CATS property tax passing, and as I have stated on numerous occasions, I am absolutely opposed to this new tax increase.

1. First and foremost, as proposed, the CATS tax is a large tax increase that’s not subject to the homestead exemption. This means everyone, even retirees whose tax rates may be frozen under state law, will pay more than they current pay.
2. The taxing district was gerrymandered to ensure the best chance at passage – not the best chance to grow the trust and use of mass transit in the parish.
3. This tax will not alleviate one of our area’s most pressing problems – daily traffic congestion tied to commuting to and from work and school.

Rather than pass this large tax increase, I believe the leadership of our community should insist on the following:

The meet and greet will be hosted at 18868 Old Scenic Highway in Zachary, just south of Copper Mill. Make plans to join us and bring your friends and neighbors! A map is included below.

View Mike Walker Meet & Greet in a larger map