The problems in St. John the Baptist Parish public housing are vast and it will be an intimidating task to take on for any new director. There is an increasing distrust and resignation among its tenants that anything can be done for the better.

Administratively, the system has not run well, with basic responsibilities such as proper maintenance and attention to safety apparently ignored. The good people who live there feel abandoned and helpless. And the violence is escalating.

Change can come, but it needs to come from within and without. The parish government needs to find a brave, qualified administrator ready to take charge, and the tenants need to give authorities every cooperation.

L’Observateur