City of St. George

I've noticed a bit more signs out lately and petition signup areas.

Just wondering what others think about this.

http://www.stgeorgelouisiana.com/

 

I had heard about it but that's the first I've seen of the map. I can't imagine there's any way this has a chance of working. They're going to take the tax base from the mall, most of perkins road and siegen lane and the casino from Baton Rouge? It's not going to happen. There's just no way. They should have started smaller. What's driving all this anyway? They figure the town is split between the haves and have nots anyway so just saddle Baton Rouge with all the expense and take all the money for the affluent area?

 

Well their claim is 2/3 of the taxes come from 1/3 of the population. And only a fraction of that comes back to their area.

 

I will say this... it is better than the racially motivated breakaway school district that left out Gardere. The city would incorporate all the un-incorporated areas of South Baton Rouge. I do think it would be deadly for the economics of the region. Without the tax base the city would simply crumble, and without the city the region will suffer.

 

I think that hits the nail on the head. Not good for anyone. Statewide.

 

So why not cut off the cancer and re-group if it can't make it on it's own?

 

This is a question that shows very little understanding of the economics of a metro area. City of St. George has several of the largest retail centers in the parish. That is why so much of the tax is collected there. Move the mall of Louisiana from Blue Bonnet to Essen Lane and the descrepancy vanishes. It isn't a matter of Baton Rouge propper being a cancer. It is a matter of more residents living within the city and most tax generating sprawl being just outside the city.

 

I didn't draw the lines. The city did long ago. I'm still not sure where I stand on the issue but as a resident of the St. George area I can only see how X benefits me where Y doesn't.

The economics is easy. One part needs the other and not vice versa.

 

That is a very myopic view of things. Show me a thriving metro area that does not have a thriving city propper. There isn't one anywhere in America. There isn't one. Anywhere. Suburbs and the city form a symbiotic relationship.

 

It is narrow because I only recognize the direct potential benefits to myself. I don't see much downside to my circumstance. In fact I might even see upside potential for the city of BR. Right now it's stagnant and needs a kick in the ass IMO.