The Shreveport City Council met in executive session after Monday's work session to discuss the involvement of RJ Johnson, the Council’s Director of Council Affairs, with the victims of the Cedar Grove tragedy.
During that meeting Councilman James Green, a candidate for the Public Service Commission, admitted that he advised Johnson to get involved with the family.
Additionally, a recording of a conversation was played that implicated Councilwoman Tabatha Taylor, who is running for reelection this fall, in directing Johnson to act as a council liaison with the family.
The five other council members were NOT involved, nor did they know, of Johnson’s directives or his subsequent actions.
At a April 22 prayer vigil in Cedar Grove emceed by Green, Johnson said that donations for the family should be coordinated through him,
IT IS NOT KNOWN IF ANY DONATIONS WERE FUNNELLED TO JOHNSON, AND IF SO, HOW THESE MONIES WERE DISBURSED.
Both Councilman Alan Jackson and Councilman Grayson Boucher have acknowledged that Johnson overstepped his role as a city employee.
Questions have now been raised regarding the city’s potential liability for Johnson's actions as well.
Seemingly a third party, not city attorney Marcus Edwards, should take the lead in the investigation of Johnson.
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.