Rumor has it that former Shreveport city councilman Oliver Jenkins hopes to be nominated by the Shreveport Airport Authority (SAA) board as the interim executive director.

The board has four members: Jenkins, Jonathan Reynolds. Waynette Balllenge and Kay Medlin. There is one open seat.

Jenkins was on the search committee that brought Stephanie Tucker to the SAA as interim director in June of 2021.

Tucker replaced Wade Davis who resigned and left in darkness in May of last year after being appointed in Dec. 2019.

News that Jenkins may be seeking the interim executive director seat has raised many eyebrows. These include the following issues:"

a. The legality of a resignation from the board by Oliver and then nomination by the remaining three board members. (The Shreveport city council must confirm any nomination for executive director.)

b. The SAA has failed on several occasions to comply the Louisiana Open Meetings law, as late as yesterday. The SAA agenda center posted a notice of a special meeting for today (Feb. 1) that did NOT give the requisite 24-hour notice.

c. The SAA has wasted substantial funds defending two lawsuits in which the SAA has not only lost but also been ordered to pay substantial attorney fees.

d. The SAA has failed to resolve ongoing disputes on hanger ownership at the downtown airport as well as improve the physical facilities there.

e. Stephanie Tucker submitted her resignation to Shreveport Mayor Perkins on Jan. 21, effective Jan. 31. To date, the SAA has NOT issued a press release on her departure.

d. Although a U.S. Marine Corp pilot, Jenkins has NO professional experience in general aviation.

In summary, there are substantial legal questions if Jenkins can be appointed by the board he is presently serving. Additionally, the leadership of the SAA by the board and the executive directors during Jenkin's board service has been mediocre at best. And lastly, does he have the appropriate credentials for the position.