There’s a Cold War between the mayor-president and the City Council that could flare up at any time. The city faces a slew of controversial issues, while the parish’s finances continue to teeter on the brink of collapse, and consolidation is put on trial. These are the major stories I’ll be tracking at LCG this year.
News + Notes
Link: Lafayette deconsolidation committee a go
With virtually no discussion, Lafayette’s City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to create a committee to review what city taxpayers get out consolidated government. The resolution creates a seven-member group called the “Protect the City Committee,” which will convene for six months and report its findings.
This could be a first step toward putting measure to break up combined form of government before voters.
City voters can apply to join the committee by sending a resume to [email protected]
Community Conversation: America transitions from Trump to Biden
We’re living through historic upheaval. And it’s a lot to process. How do you feel about it?
1 min read
1/19 Council Preview: Another stab at deconsolidation, federal dollars for police, parish financial woes continue
The gist: The push toward deconsolidation may take a big step forward as the City Council considers establishing a committee to assess how consolidation is working. Meanwhile, the city’s police may breathe easier, millions more arrive from the federal government, and the parish government continues to not have enough money to pay for its needs.
5 min read
Lafayette’s MLK events canceled, local organizers reflect on his legacy in the wake of the Capitol riot
Lafayette’s celebration remained steadfast when area MLK events dwindled, and even faded away. This year offers an opportunity to reflect on what the slain civil rights leader’s legacy means in wake of the recent insurrection at the Capitol.
5 min read
New year, new leadership at Vermilionville
After a historically chaotic year, two trailblazing women are stepping in to help make headway with Vermilionville and its parent organization, Bayou Vermilion District.
4 min read
Lafayette mayor quarantines after direct exposure to KLFY anchor he says should have been in quarantine himself
The mayor-president is in quarantine after a direct exposure to KLFY anchor Dalfred Jones, who tested positive for the coronavirus Friday, the day he emceed the swearing in of Lafayette City Marshal Reggie Thomas at the Heymann Center.
6 min read
Covid kills Mardi Gras, MLK Jr. celebrations in Lafayette
The gist: A different kind of war has canceled Mardi Gras parades and festivities this year.
3 min read
BREAKING: Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association cancels all Lafayette parades
The Greater Southwest Louisiana Mardi Gras Association has canceled all Lafayette parades due to Covid-19 concerns. Press release below:
2 min read
Link: Lafayette City Council to consider committee to explore deconsolidation, separate city mayor — The Advocate
City Councilman Pat Lewis will propose a resolution creating a committee to weigh the benefit of consolidation for the city of Lafayette. Called the “Protect the City Committee,” the group would evaluate the costs and limitations of Lafayette’s current form of government, which combines city and parish services and departments.
A 2018 parishwide vote created separate city and parish councils, Lafayette Consolidated Government’s current configuration, but kept administration functions consolidated under the mayor-president.
Mayor-President Josh Guillory supported deconsolidation as a candidate but has recently acknowledged flipping his position on the issue. Guillory and the City Council have been at frequent odds.
PRESS RELEASE: City Councilman proposes committee to consider deconsolidation
Lafayette City District 1 Councilman Pat Lewis is proposing a resolution that would form a committee from which to gather the input of a diverse range of citizens on the benefits of City-Parish consolidation to the City of Lafayette.
2 min read
Hope and frustration mix as Acadiana lines up for vaccinations
Customers flocked to pharmacies, some hopeful to see the end of the pandemic in sight, others frustrated and confused by another set of delays.
3 min read