The Southside Economic Development District (SEDD) is under fire for its failure to deliver on the ambitious “Southside Dream,” a 25-year strategic plan meant to revitalize South Monroe. At a contentious SEDD board meeting held on June 9, 2025, in…
Tag: Rodney McFarland
McFarland on Fire Chief selection: “All I hear is crickets”
The Monroe City Council is intensifying pressure on Mayor Friday Ellis to appoint a new fire chief, six months after the retirement of former Chief Terry Williams in November 2024. The prolonged vacancy has sparked concerns about leadership stability in…
Brown Bombers want more DBE participation in city contracts
The Monroe City Council unanimously voted Tuesday night to delay authorization of a $1.65 million pump replacement bid, citing concerns over low Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation goals. The controversy erupted when the city’s purchasing department requested permission to advertise…
City council pulls plug on planned water rate increase pending review
The Monroe City Council has voted against a proposed ordinance to increase water and sewerage rates, despite concerns about the city’s bond rating. Council members, particularly those representing the Southside, are determined to find alternative ways to cover rising costs…
McFarland to Mayor Ellis: “You shall reap what you sow”
“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” was a stern warning from Councilman Elect Rodney McFarland Tuesday night as he warned that the incoming black council members who have been…
Saulsberry says blacks not fooled by Dayton, McFarland
Rodney McFarland walking streets with Vickie Dayton hoping blacks ignore her Trump supporting ties, and give her another term representing the mostly black district on the school board. Vickie Dayton is feeling the heat for the first time in…
McFarland makes good on promise to embarrass NAACP
“We were disappointed with the disrespect shown to us.” Those were the words of NAACP president Rev. Ambrose Douzart after School board president Rodney McFarland reportedly delivered on a promise to embarrass the NAACP at Wednesday night’s school board meeting.…