By Marie Brown
The Southside Economic Development District (SEDD) for the City of Monroe was legislatively established by former state Senator Charles D. Jones and supported by former state Representative Willie Hunter, Jr. This district received state funding from these gentlemen for several years. Currently, the revenue stream the district enjoys is supported by a hotel tax that former Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo led efforts to secure through the bond commission and worked with others to ensure the Southside voted in favor of it. Current State Senator Katrina Jackson also played a supportive role.
The current city council amended the Mayor”s recent budget and allocated $100,000 for SEDD. Both past and present elected officials, along with the Commissioner, have supported this district. Comprehensive plans have been developed and revised over time. Most recently, the “Southside Dream” plan was created for the next 25 years, with a budget of $25 million.
Strangely, the current leadership of the SEDD has been quoted as saying, “this dream is not realistic and needs to be abandoned.” The community is shocked by the sudden change in their position. Are they being pressured by personalities in other parts of our community? Are we about to witness a modern-day “sell-out”? The focus is now on SEDD’s Board of Commissioners to see if this movement is successful. Southside residents must make it clear to these members that we all deserve economic opportunities, improved housing, stronger education systems, and crime reduction, just like other parts of our community enjoy.
When that happens, we can truly Love where we Live and Live where we Love!
