Bossier Representative Dodie Horton has field House Bill 640, which affects the Cypress Black Bayou Recreation and Water Conservation District (“Cypress Black Bayou”).
The bill will move from the Bossier City Council to the Bossier Police Jury the authority to remove the Bossier City representative to the board.
At the last Bossier City Council meeting, a resolution opposing Horton’s bill was on the agenda. After comments, the council delayed the vote.
Attorney Alexandra Vozella for the Shreveport law firm of Ayres, Shelton, Williams, Benson & Paine argues against the resolution.
Evidently, she had been hired by Cypress Black Bayou to make legal arguments to the council.
Cypress Black Bayou spends big bucks on legal fees, almost all of which are paid to the Ayres firm.
A public records request show attorney fees for 2018 of $71,826.
Attorney fees for 2019 were $92,823.
2020 attorney fees were $247,651.
And in 2021, $65,186 had been spend through April 22.
The Cypress Black Bayou commissioners are Mel Allen, Gary Wyche, Walt Bigby, Jerry Fowler and Robert Berry.
Berry also serves as the paid executive director. Many question his dual officer holding.
Berry also spoke in opposition to the bill.
What changes in the proposed bill will be made, if any, are unknown at this time.
This resolution will be on the council’s agenda for May 4.
Who knows if Cypress Black Bayou will spend more attorney fees at this meeting.
Even better yet, how much in attorney fees are, and will be, spent fighting this legislation, period?
John came to Shreveport in January of 1977 when he was transferred to Barksdale AFB.
He’s been active in Shreveport politics since deciding to make Shreveport his home.
John practiced law for 40 years and he now monitors local politics. He regularly attends Shreveport City Council and Caddo Parish Commission meetings.
John is published weekly in The Inquisitor, bi-monthly in The Forum News, and frequently in the Shreveport Times.
He enjoys addressing civic groups on local government issues and elections.