Robert Berry serves as the Executive Director of the Cypress Black Bayou Recreation and Water Conservation District ("the district'). He is a paid employee.
Berry also serves on the district's Board of Commissioners. He was appointed by the Bossier Police Jury.
A July 20,2020 Louisiana Attorney General's opinion determined that Berry's position as a Commissioner and an employee of the District was dual office holding, which is prohibited by Louisiana law.
Neither Berry nor the Commissioners took remedial action after receipt of the AG opinion.
On Aug. 19 Bossier District Attorney Schuyler Marvin filed a Petition for Declaratory Judgment naming Berry and the District as defendants.
Marvin's action requests that the 26th Judicial District Court render a decision declaring that Berry's position as Executive Director and as Commissioner of the District is an illegal dual office holding.
Marvin's action additionally requests that the court determine the appropriate relief. The court could require Berry to resign his position as Executive Director and/or as a District Commissioner.
Declaratory Judgment actions are adjudicated on a priority, fast-track basis. This case should be in early Sept.
THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE August 21 ISSUE OF FOCUS SB - THE INQUISITOR.