Shame on Second Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Marcus Hines for not acting responsibly with his burned-out building on 114 Texas Street. Formerly the Humphrey's in the Square, this eyesore has existed for many years with a fallen roof and deteriorating structure. Now citizens get to view a burned-out structure.
With the assistance of Louisiana Housing Corporation director Steven Jackson, Hunter bought the building with grandiose plans for receiving state dollars for a housing project that would have been many miles from a grocery store, pharmacy, or gasoline station. On top of that the building is located in the middle of an entertainment district with extended hours of operation.
The building all but burned to the ground on Sept. 22.
The building has not been adequately secured by Hunter and recently part of the back wall fell on another building.
An emergency demolition order has been issued by the city. Hunter has failed to comply.
Hunter recently filed an action to obtain a restraining order to prevent the city of Shreveport from demolishing the property and placing on lien on the property for the demotion costs.
Hunter's allegations are frivolous at best, and ridiculous at the worse. And to top it off, they contain a completely false statement that demolition would interfere with the investigation of the fire by the Shreveport Fire Department.
Fire Chief Reece advise a month ago that the needed samples had been taken from the property. He also stated he did not want his personnel back on the premise due to safety hazard.
As a Second Circuit Judge, Hunter could review any court decision from any of the Caddo judges. Could is the operative word because there are 9 Second Circuit judges and they generally, hear cases in panels of three.
In reality, Hunter would be required by judicial ethics to recuse himself from any court case in which he had a personal interest.
To date, Caddo Judges Ramon Lafitte, Mike Pitman, and Brady O'Callaghan have all recused themselves citing that the Second Circuit court has supervisory and appellate jurisdiction over their court.
It can be expected that the remaining Caddo District judges will also recuse themselves.
In that event the Louisiana Supreme Court Will appoint an ad hoc judge to hear Hunter's case.
Hunter is playing legal games to avoid demolition of a totally burned-out building. Of course, he does not live here or suffer the view of this building like all area residents.
The fact that Hunter is an appellate judge only tarnishes his reputation, and all other judges, for nis inexcusable inaction.
Shame, shame, shame on Judge Hunter!