R J Johnson is the Director of Council Affairs for the City of Shreveport.
Johnson’s job duties, or the lack thereof, have been questioned by many from day one.
Johnson frequently issues incorrect press releases attributing positions/statements of “the Council” when in fact only a few council members have attested to the same.
Johnson, who is paid over $90 thousand a year, has had the important duty of coordinating balloon decorations for the council chambers and the Government Plaza gathering area.
In theory Johnson works for the entire seven-member council although he seemingly only reports to councilwoman Tabatha Taylor and councilman James Green.
Many reports have confirmed that Johnson was a constant presence at the hospital where the two Cedar Grove women were recovering from gunshot wounds.
Some reports state that Johnson took the lead in arranging the funeral for all the victims without the consent of all families involved, including the selection of the funeral home.
Yesterday, the Council went into executive session after the work session to review Johnson’s actions and any involvement of council members in them.
Hopefully the political rhetoric over the Cedar Grove tragedy will not be repeated at today’s council meeting and further discussion of Johnson’s involvement will cease until after the funeral.
Since this is an election year one cannot expect the council to hold Johnson accountable for his actions.
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.