ALEXANDRIA, La. (3/10/2025) — After refusing to take a stance on the controversial Alexandria property tax renewal, Councilman Malcolm Larvadain was caught on video telling members of True Vine Missionary Baptist Church, “I’m in favor of the tax!” a direct contradiction to his abstention at the last Alexandria City Council meeting.
The proposal, which sought to renew an 11.51-mill property tax generating $5.4 million annually (20 years), failed when Larvadain, Cynthia Perry, and Gary Johnson abstained from voting, drawing backlash from residents demanding accountability. The only firm “No” came from Councilman Jules Green, while Chuck Fowler, Jim Villard, and Lizzie Felter voted in favor.
Public Safety Concerns Ignored
Beyond the tax debate, Alexandria residents are frustrated by the city’s priorities. The Alexandria Police Department is understaffed by over 50 officers, raising concerns that the council should be focused on public safety and officer shortages, rather than pushing a tax renewal with no clear plan for improvements.
Mayor Jacques Roy previously claimed District 1 received significant funding from SPAC projects, but residents want to know, “Where did the money go?”
A Message for Councilman Larvadain
Councilman Larvadain, most of Alexandria was against this tax, not just because it’s a tax, but because there was no exact clarity on how the money would be spent.
You said we need the money for ditches and sidewalks, but the people want to know which ditches and sidewalks? That’s a simple ask from a community before they agree to take on a new tax burden.
If you truly support the tax, abstaining from voting does not show leadership. If anything, it added to the public’s confusion rather than providing any clarity.
You’ve been in this position before. But don’t come back into the game with the same old political talk-around. There’s a new playing field now and a new stadium. Those old-school plays won’t work anymore.
Watch the Video & Decide for Yourself
UrbanCast has obtained the video of Larvadain’s contradictory stance. Watch the full clip and decide: Was his abstention a strategic move, or a failure of leadership?
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UrbanCast & InvolvedInItAll.com – Keeping the Public Informed
UrbanCast will continue tracking this issue as residents push for transparency and accountability in Alexandria’s financial decisions.
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