Dear Jackie,
Hello Jackie Clarkson! My name Lance Vargas and I am a resident of Algiers Point. Congratulations on being elected Council Person-At-Large. I know I voted for you! In spite of what my friends said!
I’m sorry to bother you but James Carter didn’t return the last e-mail I sent.
Anyway, I am writing about something I notice as I exit the Crescent City Connection bridge coming back from my jaunts “ova da riva.”
As I make the turn at LB Landry and General DeGaulle in my loyal Toyota Tercel “Nancy,” I see New Orleans Public Housing in two very different stages. On the left are the skeletal carcass of the old Fischer Projects, stripped concrete is all that remains of the old buildings. Oh man, how nice it will be when they are finished off and the view of our great city opens up! Also, I won’t have to worry about getting jacked up anymore! Did you know I saw a little boy peeing in the street at that corner once? I thought, “We aren’t in Kansas anymore Toto!” I also saw a little boy riding a bike without any tires! Crazy!
Anyway those days are over because on the right are the pastel-colored buildings of the new Fischer Homes project. What an inspirational success it is! I know why HANO picked it as the torch-bearer of new public housing in New Orleans. I mean, there has only been one murder there! And I don’t see too much litter on the ground like the old projects. I also check the crime maps and it seems that crime is indeed down.
I do have a concern though. As I was passing by the new development the other night I counted 19 out of the 24 lamp posts across the front of the complex were out. Yes, I know, it looks like a few of them were shot out and another seems to have been hit by a car but still, couldn’t we get some guys out there to replace the bulbs in the rest? I don’t want to start hearing any “How many HANO employees does it take to screw in a light bulb?” jokes going around town.
Anyway, just a concerned citizen wanting the best for our less fortunate citizens! I know HANO likes to use those homes as their “success story” and would hate it if anyone “ova da riva” actually drove over here and saw all those lights out.
Actually, on the subject of street lights, I notice that the Fischer Homes have more lights than my street in the Point does. Granted, I know I live on the “shootin’ side” of Opelousas but I’m on the safe side of Newton! A few more street lights would be nice. At least as much as the public housing has. I mean come on! Throw us mortgage-payers a bone over here!
Keep up the good work!
Also, I am posting this letter and your response on my blog!
Lance “Varg” Vargas
P.S.: Perhaps we could come up with some sort of bullet-proof plastic or glass to encase the bulbs with? Just a thought! Ok, I admit I actually know a guy who manufactures the stuff. OK, I just met him at The Crown and Anchor one night but I’m sure I could track him down. Call me!
Keep us posted on her reply. And tell James Carter that from now on, you’re callin’ him Jimmy.
James Carter’s office has never returned one of my phone calls or emails. Let us know if Jackie is any more responsive.
Never heard the phrase “shootin side” of the Opelousas. At the rate we are going with muggings, there doesn’t feel like much of a distinction.
Actually, on our side we joke about how dangerous it is over there!