PUBLISHER’S VIEW
Civil service board must go
ROLFE MCCOLLISTER JR. WHY DO WE still have the Municipal Police and Fire Civil Service Board that was created in 1974 when Gov. Edwin Edwards and AFL-CIO head Victor Bussie reigned in Louisiana? Interesting that two of the five seats go to union members. Stacked deck. This reminds me of one of those vestiges from the past, like the old Charity Hospital system, that needs to go away. This unelected board can reverse key personnel decisions that could jeopardize public safety— and further mistrust between the police and some segments of our community. The mayor, on the other hand, is elected and appoints a police chief who should have the freedom to run the department. This board can—and often does—impede that and it is ridiculous and unnecessary. The decision last week by this board to reverse the firing of Siya Creel by Chief Murphy Paul is the latest example. Who does the public expect to run the city police department? Who do they hold accountable? The answer to both is the chief, not the union. But it appears the union controls the civil service board that ties the hands of the chief. I agreed with BRAC’s letter in support of Paul, sent to the board by BRAC President Adam Knapp, which said, “We see the need for a strong, disciplined and well-managed police force that pursues long-lasting solutions to our community’s persistent rate of violent crime. We support the need for the chief of police to manage his department pursuant to clearly stated personnel duties, policies 6
and procedures. Moreover, we support that it is critical for the police chief to be able to remove from the force any officers who violate the department’s policies and procedures or act in dereliction of their duties.” Do we need a civil service board? No. Those functions could be handled elsewhere by others. For those who feel they have been unfairly treated, as with any employee in the public or private sectors, they can turn to the courts. That is, in fact, what Creel did, who currently has a federal case pending against the department. At the hearing, Creel got his job back but was given an 87-day unpaid suspension. The firing should of been upheld. Both sides now have the option to appeal the decision to the district court. Paul said he had no plans to do so. Creel’s attorney, though, did say an appeal is planned because they seem to want the job and the past money. And they don’t seem to be dropping the federal suit either. So, despite a 14-hour hearing, Creel’s lawsuits will continue in district and federal court. So why do we need the civil service board when the courts will ultimately decide? This archaic system created by the unions to protect union jobs should be abolished. Let’s quit wasting our time playing old political games and tying the hands of those in charge of public safety. WILL LOUISIANA TAX REFORM FINALLY HAPPEN? Is this the year? PAR calls it a “fiscal crossroads.” (Check out their commentary at parlouisiana.org.) There have been numerous discussions on tax reform over the years, both inside and outside of the state Capitol. But the past few weeks has seen the Legislature begin taking some action. There is still a lot of time on the clock, however, and nothing is yet across the goal line. The governor, legislators and business groups know something must be done about our outdated and complex structure—but what and how? And the public has yet
to speak at the ballot box. Senate President Page Cortez, House Speaker Clay Schexnayder and the heads of the House and Senate tax committees, all Republicans, seem committed to the cause. But there are key questions and tax issues on the table, including: • Are whatever changes implemented revenue neutral? • Will they favor a flat tax or graduated rates? • What about the corporate franchise tax? • Who has the courage to tackle special tax breaks? • How about eliminating the state federal income tax deduction? • Are new personal and corporate income tax rates on the horizon? • Can centralized sales tax collections win approval? • What’s the future of the inventory tax? • What will constitutional amendments look like? Gov. John Bel Edwards opposes any bills that would cause budget shortfalls. Republicans oppose anything that appears to raise taxes. The need for tax reform is long overdue and opportunity is knocking. The challenge is always “how?” Who gives up what? So where does it end? The game is far from over, but Louisiana needs a win for tax reform. WOMEN LEADING THE WAY Congratulations to the 2021 Influential Women in Business featured in the issue. Each is making their mark and, together with successful women across our community, are leading the way into the future. We salute this year’s honorees and all those honored in the past. Baton Rouge is fortunate you call this home. I would also like to thank the women here in our company for their leadership and commitment to excellence. They represent more than 75% of our team. We appreciate all they do. WHAT DO THE NUMBERS SAY? It appears after the new census
that some states will be getting more congressional seats, some will be losing one. Fortunately, Louisiana will be holding on to its six. We steadily gained population from 2010 to 2016 but then we started a decline and have stayed flat. This should be a concern. To no surprise, Texas gained two new seats in the U.S. House. Florida also picked up one. But look at a few that are losing a seat and ask yourself, “Why?” Places like California (Los Angeles and San Francisco) for the first time ever, Illinois (Chicago), New York (New York City), Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) and Michigan (Detroit). What’s up? Is it home prices, politics, taxes, public safety or remote work? Will all of these issues make the urban centers less attractive to live and work in? I am sure the next census will confirm this, but I am betting the answer is already “yes.” HONORING DAVIS RHORER The Metro Council has renamed City Hall Plaza the Davis S. Rhorer Plaza. Davis’ son, Davis Rhorer Jr., told the council, “It recognizes a vision he had to connect our civic, cultural and governmental institutions together into one common core where everyone can come together.” Rhorer, who passed away March 8 from COVID-19, served as executive director of the Downtown Development District for 34 years and was a leader in the revitalization of the downtown area. We are all grateful for his legacy. TOP HIGH SCHOOLS According to the latest ranking from U.S. News and World Report, our Capital Region has six schools in Louisiana’s Top 20. Congratulations to Baton Rouge Magnet High, No. 6; Liberty Magnet High School (formerly Lee High), No. 8; St. Amant High School, No. 13; Zachary High School, No. 14; LSU Laboratory School, No. 16; and Holden High School, No. 17. Congratulations to the administrators, faculty, staff and students for finishing at the top of the class. Well done.
BUSINESS REPORT, May 2021 | BusinessReport.com
06-07 Rolfe.indd 6
4/29/21 12:59 PM
