(The Center Square) — National policy is hitting local government in Shreveport again as the city council added three resolutions to this week’s agenda opposing President Donald Trump’s policies.
Addressing national issues at the local level has raised mixed feelings among residents and council members as many seek to oppose tariffs, cuts to federal programs and budgets. Longtime resident and advocate Jon Glover spoke against these resolutions Monday despite the criticism she received.
“I will agree that there is some concern. I won’t agree that there’s so much of a concern that we cannot turn our focus to what’s here locally that we need to be focused on,” said Glover in the administrative conference meeting. “I pray that I am not your enemy because I say what I say, but it’s just me as a constituent who is concerned about the welfare of us here locally.”
Resolutions 44, 45, and 46 concern national policies. Resolution 44 opposed cuts to national aid programs. Resolution 45 opposed the mass firing of federal employees. Resolution 46 opposed tariffs against trading partners. Amendments with updated language and stats were added to all three resolutions before being voted on in the regular meeting.
Councilwoman Ursula Bowman called point of order after Council member James Green, who sponsored the resolutions, responded to Glover.
“I just don’t understand for the life of me how you can say to us what we have the right to do,” said Green. “What is it in your brain that helps you to be able to stand there today and to basically, ever since this has been on the agenda, what gives you that right? It’s not like we are out shooting somebody.”
Green continued for a few minutes before Glover attempted to defend her position as a concerned citizen.
“I stood here today as a constituent who was speaking to those particular legislations,” said Glover. “I don’t think you should attack me… As an elected official, you should be able to accept my comment without trying to destroy my credibility or my character.”
Councilwoman Tabitha Taylor defended the council’s address of national issues.
“We can do both. We can focus on national issues and local issues. That’s not taking away from anything, because what is happening nationally is affecting locals,” said Taylor.
Local government throughout the area has taken the opportunity to address national policy, continuing to spark emotional debates among citizens and council members. Three resolutions concerning the same issues were also on the March 25 agenda.
The Caddo Parish Commission previously debated and voted on national resolutions on their agenda.
The three resolutions passed with the same vote: Four in favor, two opposed, and one absent.
