Shreveport Mayor Perkins Explains Why Police Defunding is a Bad Idea

In a far reaching interview with KEEL Wednesday morning, Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins discussed a number of issues facing the city, including the future of the major Mardi Gras parades and the rising violent crime numbers in the city, specifically gun related gang violence.

The Mayor, referring to the current renegotiation of contracts between the city and the Krewe's - specifically Centaur and Gemini - says that no final decision on parade routes has been made. "We actually are talking to Mardi Gras Krewe's right now because we don't want to make unilateral decision solely focused on our finances.

"We have multiple Mardi Gras parades in our city and the city can't choose winners and losers. We have to make sure that things are fair  So, we (are asking) what does fair look like to you? We're also talking to Bossier right now to see in we can maybe loop (the route) into Bossier.

"I want to be very clear. I love parades and events in our city. It generates a lot of funding and it's good for our city. I'm going to do whatever it takes to keep them, but be sure that it's fair across the board."

Turning to the rise in violent, gun related crime, Perkins tone turned somber. "I just don't see these reports. I call a lot of the families. I attend funerals. I feel these things. And we're going to do everything we possibly can to stop it.

"Let me be clear about this. I have been unequivocal in saying I am 100% against defunding the police. We've actually put more money into public safety over the past year. If that's the political left, I'm not there on that particular topic."