The Caddo Commission is debating the appointment of Jeff Everson to be the Commission Clerk.
Six of the 12 commission members were not in office last year when during the interview process: Roy Burrell, Ken Epperson, Jim Taliaferro, John-Paul Young, Ed Lazarus and Todd Hopkins. (Hopkins was the clerk until Dec. 31)
Thus, its not surprising that there is confusion on the appointment.
On November 7, 2019, the Commission adopted a job description that included the requirement of a college degree. This Motion was made by Commissioner Lyndon B. Johnson.
On November 21, 2019, Commissioner Chavez attempted to amend the job requirements to provide for an equivalency of a college degree. Chavez’ motion was defeated.
At the work session yesterday (Tues. Feb.19) Johnson argued that Jeff Everson was now not qualified to be the commission clerk because of an opinion from the Louisiana Boards of Ethics. This opinion was requested because the 2019 Commission approved funding in 2020 for Robinson's Rescue. Jeff’s wife, Dr. Andrea Everson, is the CEO of this non profit organization.
The problem is that Johnson misinterpreted this opinion dated Feb.10, 2020.
It does not prohibit Everson from being selected. It does however state that "the Code of Government Ethics would prohibit your wife's continued employment for compensation with Robinson's Rescue while you serve as clerk." This opinion says absolutely nothing about whether or not Jeff met the qualifications for the job as approved by the commission before his selection.
Interesting enough, a Nov. 20 ,2008 opinion of the Louisiana Board of Ethics seemingly contradicts the Everson opinion. In this instance then Commissioner Ken Epperson's wife was an employee of the Sci-Port Science Center. The Board noted that the commission was considering providing money to the Science Center to pay admission fees for disadvantaged children. The Board ruled that the ethics code "would not prohibit you (Epperson) from participating as a member of the Caddo Parish Commission in the vote taken to award funds to the Science Center.”
If the Commission votes to delete the requirement of a college degree tomorrow (Thursday), then the clerk position must be re-advertized and new interviews conducted. Everson could then re-apply.
If interested in seeing the minutes and/or ethics opinion, please contact John@jesettle.com