An issue of social importance in our community that comes to mind is the recent push for Baton Rogue to split into two cities: Baton Rouge and St. George. More than 18,000 residents of suburbs in south Baton rouge have signed a petition calling the creation of this new city. The proponents of this movement claim that they want to improve the quality of their local schools and have better control of where their tax dollars are going. This taxpayers in this area contribute about two thirds of the funds of East Baton Rouge Parish.
Many opponents argue that this proposal has other motivations. The newly proposed St. George would be 70% white and the largely poor community in the rest of Baton Rouge would have to endure huge cuts to education because of this loss of taxpayer revenue.
This story has received international attention from many news outlets.
I am in opposition of this movement. I think the the more media and internet attention this story receives, the less support it has going for it. Although this may not apply to all of the petition signers, it seems that some of these supporters may have good intentions, but don't take into consideration the people that it would negatively affect. If they could see the hardships that these people already endure, maybe they will think twice about making their lives and their children's futures.
This protest would reach a conclusion when the proposal is denied, as I suspect it likely will. This is a concerning development that I will keep my attention focused on.
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