The Caddo Commission generally meets twice a month—four times a month, counting its work session and regular meetings on the first and third weeks of the month.
But out-of-town travel by commissioners on the taxpayer’s dime takes priority over parish business.
Last month there was only one regular commission meeting because five commissioners went to Hawaii for conventions. Supposedly, Commissioner Grace Ann Blake was to pay her own way, but a travel expense report shows the Parish picked up the tab. Blake says she gave her credit card info to the parish.
In July a gaggle of commissioners will travel to the Big Easy to another conference—National Association of Counties. This gives the 12 commissioners an excuse to only have a regular meeting in July.
Some say the fewer the commission meetings the better. Last week’s regular session was a two-plus-hour talk fest where the only real business was sending data center resolutions to a committee.
Important matters such as consideration of funding parish public safety entities is a low priority for the commission leadership versus construction of a $10 million pickleball complex and a $70 million sports complex.
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.