re: Looks like Bucees has cleared almost all hurdles for Ruston.

My brother has lived there about 30 years and somewhat likes the mayor but he said he really nickels and dimes the citizens there. Says he pushes hard for big chains and the small mom and pop restaurants really struggle there. The small town feel is leaving like a lot of towns that size. Says just about every corner in Ruston cheap looking apartments are being thrown up.

City streets are awful, power goes out daily, trash pickup went from twice a week to once. Sales tax according to him is highest in the state. Sales tax will be increased in the Bucee’s district yet city will not receive any of it. He says new ball park is only open to public certain hours, not like ball parks of the past kids or a dad and son can go play in whenever they want. He and I know his neighbors, and some friends feel the mayor there is more concerned with visitors to Ruston than the actual citizens. I don’t know but saying all that, he still votes for him. Said light/power, water dept are all bare minimum and they are of no help. He was telling me earlier this year a woman set a car on fire, they called police before she set it on fire and fire dept nor police dept were able to respond because they were too backed up on calls. Basically neighbors ran her off and got water hoses out, but car just eventually exploded and finally went out on its own. I can’t imagine the work load a place like Bucee’s can add to first responders and other city workers. Will be interesting, especially since according to him (city worker himself) none of the departments can hire anyone