I have been involved in politics for nearly five decades, but I don’t think I have ever seen a more bizarre election season at the same time as the situation we have in the city of Shreveport.

As voters prepare to elect their next slate of leaders, the city is in turmoil and the election season has turned vitriolic with many candidates not having a clue about the office they are seeking.

The mayor and city council are at odds, having spent months arguing over a dog park and who the mayor uses as his bond counsel while needed projects have been ignored.

Those projects were approved in a 2011 bond issue election.

That’s almost four years ago. But when the elections are over, the city will have a new mayor and at least three new council members

– perhaps four or even five. Hopefully, there will be change.

What should be the two most trusted departments in the city, the police and fire departments, are embroiled in controversy and legal entanglements.

The fire department scandal has shaken the trust in our first responders to its core. Now comes allegations about the police chief and high-ranking brass that they knew about what was taking place at Fire Station 8 and withheld information from local, state and federal investigators. Of course, the courts will have final say on all of this. And, without a doubt, both departments will have new leadership when the next mayor takes office.

The list of candidates for some important offices leave plenty to be desired with some fighting to remain in elected office, going from one position to another in what always seems to be an ongoing game of musical offices among politicians. It is a sign of the times that many qualified persons do not want to get into the dirty game of politics where today everything is fair game, even their wife and children with cell phones recording their every move. And don’t be surprised if there are some residency challenges to some candidates running for office, although it can be an expensive proposition to make such a challenge.

I would suggest that voters attend some of the many forums that will be held for several of the offices on the ballot. But if the first mayoral forum was any indication, candidates were tossed soft ball questions, such as “What is your top priority for the city? and “What is the biggest problem facing the city?” It is unlikely that any businesssponsored or neighborhood association-sponsored forums will allow questions that voters really want to know the answers to.

For example, perhaps they would like to hear from state Rep. Patrick Williams why he is being accused of “double-dipping” with regard to his expenses as a state legislator. And should City Councilman Sam Jenkins be asked to explain why his personal and business finances have been called into question? Inquiring minds would like to know. It would be refreshing for candidates to be hit with those kind of questions.

Another interesting question would be who is calling the shots in their campaigns. In other words, who is the candidate listening to and who will he or she be obligated to once elected. I think you would find that some of the candidates for mayor are listening to – and will be obligated to – some of the same old political crowd that got us into the mess we’re in.

Nevertheless, give credit to those candidates who are willing to participate in forums. We have some from the federal to the local level who are refusing to participate and avoiding forums where they be asked questions about their record as an elected official. That should be your first clue that those candidates feel vulnerable or have something to hide.

It is impossible to know who are financing these candidates. Louisiana law is not very demanding when it comes to having candidates provide that information. For most offices, the last campaign report we have went through Dec. 31, 2013. The next report is not due in at the Louisiana Ethics Commission until Oct. 6. The election is Nov. 4. I wonder if the state Legislature would be willing to consider enacting an earlier reporting date. I doubt it, don’t you?

As you would expect, it is often frustrating and discouraging reporting on local politics because I personally know nearly all of the candidates. But at this stage in my life, I am compelled to tell it like it is. I don’t like giving advice because most times no one takes it. But here goes, anyway. Be a smart voter. Scrutinize those who have been or are currently in office, considering the messy and stagnant situation we’re in and follow the money. Perhaps it is time to look for fresh faces and fresh ideas. Old faces and old ideas apparently have not served us very well.

Shreveport is at an important crossroads, my friends. Its future is in your hands – you the voter. You can either be a bold voter and opt for a change or you can follow the path of the past and watch the city deteriorate. The choice is yours when you enter the voting booth.