Charles Jacobs was unanimously approved as the Bossier City attorney today. Richard Ray was also unanimously confirmed as the Bossier City assistant attorney.
Both Jacobs and Ray spoke to the Council after confirmation. They both said that in their capacities they would represent the council, the mayor and the entire city.
This author has made public records requests for emails and texts by council members to ascertain prior conversations concerning the nomination of Shane Cheatam as the Chief Administrative Officer as well as discussions to delay the confirmation of Jacobs and Ray.
It is anticipated that these requests will be denied.
This likelihood raises several questions.
Initially will the new city attorney and/or assistant city attorney provide advice on responding to the requests? If so, is that a conflict of interest on the basis of representation of council members against the interest of "entire city of Bossier"?
This author is not a resident of Bossier but he has been paying ad valorem taxes on an office building since 2000.
And if residency is going to be the test, what if a "bona fide" Bossier citizen makes the same public records requests?
Bossier City officials have long considered Bossier City and parish to be in "the free state of Bossier" with their own rules and laws.
Hopefully someone - maybe Jacobs or Ray - will advise them that the Louisiana Public Records Act does apply in Bossier.
The documents were requested by July 15. Stay tuned.
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.