Did Caddo Parish Break the Law Honoring Bernie Sanders?
Caddo Parish Commission Honors Socialist Bernie Sanders Amidst Controversy
In case you haven’t heard yet, the Caddo Parish Commission recently presented a resolution honoring a self-proclaimed socialist, US Senator Bernie Sanders. Caddo Parish Commission President Stormy Gage-Watts presented the resolution to Sanders during his recent visit to Shreveport.
The resolution, which was signed by all seven democrat commissioners and the commission clerk Jeff Everson, was printed on Caddo Parish Commission letterhead, framed, and had the official gold seal of the commission. But here’s the problem. The resolution was never voted on by the commission. It wasn’t even discussed in any meeting. It was never officially on any commission meeting agenda.
Unofficial Resolution Sparks Legal Investigation
According to state law, the resolution is null and void. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill recently told KEEL News that her office has now opened an official investigation into whether there was an open meetings law violation.
I can tell you as a general matter, the commission cannot take any official action without a proper notice for a meeting, and then conducting and having an official discussion on it at a meeting.
Murrill said her office did receive “a number of complaints” concerning the resolution. She also said because the resolution wasn’t brought forth in an official manner, it has no effect.
It was a piece of paper that somebody printed out and gave to Bernie Sanders apparently, but it’s not any official act of the commission, it has no power, it has no authority.
Commissioner Raises Concerns Over Due Process
Caddo Parish Commissioner Chris Kracman told KEEL News earlier this week: I have no idea how this happened. In order for a proclamation to be presented, it has to go through an extensive legal process. None of which happened.
According to our charter, we have to vote on all resolutions, proclamations, and ordinances. It has to have a public hearing, it has to be read into the record in a work session, and then voted to be advanced into a regular session, but here we are.
A Call for Valuing Local Achievements
Hey commissioners, instead of honoring a devout socialist, how about honoring someone who actually deserves to be recognized? Someone like US Representative Mike Johnson, who has done an amazing job as Speaker of the House. But that’s just an opinion from a Caddo Parish resident and voter.