Community leaders want change, demanding answers after some parks and recreational center employees are laid off
(KLFY)- Community leaders and residents are demanding changes from Lafayette Consolidated Government.
“When we say no justice no peace, we mean until there is justice in the system we pay for, until there is equitable equality in our communities and systems, we will make noise, ” Devon Norman explains.
37 parks and recreational center employees were laid off last week due to recent budget cuts.
Lafayette Consolidated Government is facing a 28 million dollar budget shortfall.
18 million was inherited from the previous administration.
10 million is from lost tax revenue caused by the economic shutdown due to the pandemic.
The NAACP in Lafayette says a majority of the positions cut were held by African Americans.
“It’s not a moment, it’s a movement of people out of homes into the streets to say, we will not allow this to happen to anyone,” Norman continues.
NAACP President Marja Broussard says, “A movement takes a sacrifice. It takes time. We are in it for the long haul.”
Lafayette Mayor-President Josh Guillory says he has duty to uphold his decisions to better Lafayette for the people.
“My duty is to the people. Government doesn’t exist to create those jobs. If those jobs aren’t needed, then the government shouldn’t fund those jobs,” adds Guillory.
Community leaders tell residents a change will not overnight.
They say if you want a change, make a change.
“Vote. Our vote is our voice.”
“We have to be vigilant. We have to keep our eyes open, ears open. We have to feel with our hearts; if it’s not good, speak up.”