FORMER COUNCIL CLERK FLEMING'S VERSION OF EVENTS IS QUESTIONABLE AND POSSIBLY DEFAMATORY SUBJECT TO LITIGATION

Former Shreveport city council clerk Shanerika Flemings eight-minute rant at the council meeting on Sept. 12 before she was fired has engendered a Government Plaza rally, comments from numerous citizens at the council Mon. work session, radio commentary, and social media fodder. Unfortunately, too many listeners have made an assumption that every word of Fleming's diatribe is the gospel truth. The reality is just the opposite.

Fleming knew the writing was on the wall for her termination and she had nothing to lose by lashing out at the council meeting. And the play was in when council chair James Green recognized her to speak before the vote, a tactic that was totally out of order.

To date Fleming has not provided any documentation of the many misdeeds that she complained of as she plays her case in the court of public opinion versus the legal arena. Reportedly she is still traumatized from her firing, and she has retained legal counsel. To date there have been no public statements to this effect by Fleming or an attorney representing her.

Unfortunately, several media outlets have taken the position that Fleming's spoke the truth. Most recently a writer for the Shreveport Bossier City Advocate has quoted several people who made comments trashing councilman Gary Brooks and implying guilt by the "no comment" position of Brooks.

This writer and other media members have given undue coverage to those making derogatory comments against Brooks and fellow council member Ursula Bowman without consideration of the legal ramifications of all the "trash talk" by Flemings and others.

Both Brooks and Bowman have retained legal counsel. The comments by Fleming and others, including Craig Lee, could be considered to be defamatory and subject to legal action. Unlike the situation when council chair James Green was sued for defamation, the city of Shreveport will not provide legal counsel to Fleming, Lee or others. However, the city will provide legal counsel to both Brooks and Bowman if sued by Fleming.

Brooks and Bowman are wise to severely limit any further comments on this situation. Thankfully today's council meeting will not feature more of this Brooks/Bowman bashing because the agenda does not have any listing dealing with the termination.

However, the way that council chair James Green plays fast and loose with the council rules of procedure and Robert's Rules of Order, who knows what comments may be made by speakers at today's meeting.