The Shreveport City Council meets in regular session today.
One agenda item is to fund $125 ,000 to Caddo Sheriff Whitehorn to “operate a multi-disciplinary services center designed to provide coordinated support to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of interpersonal violence—offering comprehensive services under one roof.”
Apparently, the Sheriff’s plan has been privately disclosed to two, maybe three, members of the council’s Public Safety Committee in violation of the Open Meetings Law.
The fact that this plan has NOT been publicly disclosed raises many questions that should be answered before approval, including the following:
1. Where will the services center be located
2. When will the center be opened
3. What services will be offered at the center
4. Who will provide the services?
Good fiscal government principles dictate more disclosure before approving funding to the Sheriff.
The Sheriff has an operating reserve of $62 million, which raises the question of whether the Sheriff should be funded by the City for this endeavor.
Hopefully the Council will delay the vote on this funding proposal to have full disclosure by Sheriff Whitehorn and public discussion.
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.