Caddo Commissioner Victor Thomas is the parliamentarian of the Caddo Commission.
At the Commission’s work session on Monday (Oct.20) Thomas turned off the microphone of fellow Commissioner Grace Ann Blake during the meeting WITHOUT her permission.
The Caddo Commission’s Rules and Bylaws do NOT authorize any Commissioner to turn off the microphone of another Commissioner.
Robert’s Rules of Order do NOT authorize an elected official to turn off the microphone of another elected official at a public meeting.
This action by Thomas is unprecedented and without ANY legal authority.
Louisiana Revised Statute 14:134 defines the crime of malfeasance in office:
“Malfeasance in office is committed when any public officer or public employee shall intentionally refuse or fail to perform any duty lawfully required of him or intentionally perform such duty in an unlawful manner.”
As parliamentarian, Thomas has a duty to make rulings on parliamentary procedure.
As parliamentarian, Thomas does NOT have the authority to cut off the microphone of another Commissioner.
Cutting off the microphone of another Commissioner is clearly the performance of Thomas’s duties as parliamentarian in an UNLAWFUL manner.
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.