It’s a continuing problem.
It is a legal problem for Caddo Parish.
It should be a problem for the Caddo Commission which meets today (Thursday).
Public records requests are mandated to be answered within five (5) business days.
The Public Records Act does NOT require follow-up emails to get requested information.
Please see the attached request.
This is very pertinent because the Parish intends to use a construction manager for the $10 million pickleball complex in southeast Shreveport.
The requested information should not be a deep dark secret, and it is not one dealing with a matter under litigation.
So what is the deal?
Here is my count of the mandated five (5) day response which was emailed to the public records portal on Thursday March 26 at 8:40 am. Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays like Good Friday are NOT counted.
Friday March 27 Day One
Monday March 30 Day Two
Tuesday March 31 Day Three
Wednesday April 1 Day Four
Thursday April 2 Day Five
Monday April 6 Day Six
Tuesday April 7 Day Seven
Wednesday April 8 Day Eight
And actually today Thursday could be considered Day Nine
No, as in nada, as in zero, emails have been received either acknowledging the request or asking for additional time for a response. Other local government entities provide these courtesies and requests for extension for answers are always granted by this author.
Today the Commission will consider spending $32,500 for a Bossier arena football team and over $75,000 for a welcome sign. At least these matters have been discussed in open meetings.
The construction manager has NOT been an item of open discussion at the Commission meetings. The requested information is certainly pertinent to public consumption even if the Commission is not interested as the Administration proceeds on the $10 million investment.
From: John E. Settle Jr. <john@jesettle.com>
Date: Thu, Mar 26, 2026 at 8:40 AM
Subject: Walter B Jacobs Nature Park (WBJNP)
To: Caddo Public Records Requests <caddoprr@caddo.org>
Cc: <cjernigan@caddo.org>
1. pl identify the construction manager for the park renovation
2. pl list the total sums paid to this construction manager
3. pl list total cost of the total renovation/remolding to the WBJNP
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.