On Tues. Aug. 2 a notice of a press conference by Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins was emailed on city letterhead by Lyman McKellar, the assistant communications director for the city of Shreveport.
The notice stated that Mayor Perkins would issue a statement on the ruling by Caddo District Judge Brady O'Callaghan earlier that day disqualifying Perkins from this year's mayor's race.
The disqualification litigation does NOT involve city business. It solely pertains to the ability of Perkins to seek a second term as mayor.
The conference was during the business day - 4 p.m.
Shreveport communications director Marquel Sennet attended the press conference in front of the Caddo Courthouse.
Neither McKellar nor Sennet took PTO (Personal Time Off) to notice the press conference or to attend it.
Seemingly both the actions of McKellar and Sennet violated state ethics rules for elected officials.
As usual Perkins was driven to the courthouse and then accompanied to the microphones by a Shreveport Police officer assigned as a security detail.
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.