The Caddo Commission is on a "economic development" spending spree. After approving a $10 million pickleball project, the Economic Development Committee is now recommending a $270 thousand for a mass choir and parish wide talent show.
The Commission may also approve a $50,000 grant to the American Rose Center to help underwrite the annual Christmas in Roseland festival.
Seemingly the Commissioners should recognize that there are potential legal bills that will most likely need to be paid this year.
The first involves the ongoing, slow-moving Bernie Sanders lawsuit filed by the Louisiana Attorney General.
Two local attorneys have been hired in this matter--one for the 5 Republican Commissioners who had NO part in "resolutiongate" and one for the 7 Democrat Commissioners whose names appeared on the resolution. It is anticipated that a very large bill will be sent to the Parish by the attorney representing the Democrats when this litigation is ultimately resolved.
Another potential legal expense involves the defamation suit filed against Commissioner Chris Kracman in his individual capacity. The pleadings actually identify statements made while Kracman was wearing his commission hat. Parish attorney Donna Frazier determined that the Parish would not, on the front end, handle Kracman's legal bills.
Kracman has had to resort to extraordinary measures to help fund his defense in this case including using personal funds, borrowed money, and the establishment of a PAC. If he is successful in defeating this case, his attorneys will no doubt make a claim against the parish to reimburse his legal expenses.
No doubt this bill from New Orleans municipal expert counsel will be substantial. The Parish will most likely face litigation to pay this bill and expenses if not voluntarily reimbursed to Kracman.
Currently no court dates have been set in either case. Obviously the Parish hopes to resolve the Bernie Sanders case without litigation. The attitude of the parties suing Kracman for defamation is unknown and thus the possibility of resolution without litigation is unknown. In the meantime, the cha-ching meter for legal fees continues to run.
The Parish has different pots of money to pay different expenses. What pot unanticipated legal fees will be tapped is unknown to this writer. Nonetheless, it will be taxpayer dollars that will be expended.
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.