Apparently, LaPlace (which I have lived in since 1978) is just another Louisiana town that seems perfect for the long time New Orleans moniker, “the city that care forgot” when it comes to water issues.

LaPlace, as of late is once again facing another form of its never-ending share of eternal water crises. We go from the always “attention, attention, our Parish water is out of spec…” headlines to as if WE need Parish Leaders to warn us “Attention! High Water in roads!”

Really! Anyone in Parish Government think ONE person who lives in LaPlace is unaware now that it only takes a spring shower to flood most streets and almost get in people’s homes all across LaPlace.

I am not sure who is responsible or who did what but someone or something has changed all the drainage across LaPlace. I live in the back of Riverlands near Fairway and for 20 years no matter what major rain event — hurricane, tropical storm, anything — no rainwater run off would stay in my street.

Not the case any longer. Something changed after Hurricane Isaac. Parish Leaders routinely have only one answer about this, (not just in LaPlace but across the Parish) they blame the U.S. Government and Corps of Engineers.

How come St. Charles and Jefferson parishes are able and so quick to make constant improvements? Anyone hear of the genius Jefferson Parish “Water to the River” Project they just completed?

Are they not residents of the same U.S. Government and Corp Of Engineers we quickly blame our woes on? How come they can plan and implement things so fast?

Maybe they have smarter and more energetic passion for their jobs or leadership who do not sit back and wait for someone else to get things moving?

There are many things the Parish can do to quickly alleviate street flooding during big rain events. Even if its as simple as using pump trucks to empty the worst flooding streets and pump that water into the river or some type of holding ponds like they do in Kenner or Metairie.

Do we not have ONE Parish Leader who can try anything other than the same old same old.

We don’t need the Parish TV channel or signs to warn us about the rising rainwater. We ALL know about it. We need answers and action. We also don’t need to be reminded the U.S. Corps Of Engineers is planning a protection levee. That, most of us won’t live to see built and it won’t do a thing to keep rain and street water run off out of our homes.

We have always enjoyed and still do have top-notch Sheriff’s Department in St. John, why can’t we have that same type of leadership in other areas of Parish Government?

This is NOT aimed at every or any one particular person in Parish Government, but the shoe fits some and they know who they are.

Yep, City That Care Forgot seems appropriate these days for LaPlace and St. John.

— S.J. Cartozzo Jr.,

LaPlace