It's becoming a civic embarrassment. Actually, it already has become one. The Shreveport city council meetings lead by council chair James Green have become a circus.
Green has abused his position repeatedly.
Green has called out audience members without cause. He has refused to recognize a point of order declaration by a council member. He has accused the city problems on white citizens. And then he frequently has long soliloquies explaining his actions that are not related to council business--like his traffic stop.
Seemingly Green believes that because he is black, because he is a minister, and because he is the council chair that he has an unlimited privilege is act as he wishes, whether that be a racist, a demagogue, or a tyrant.
The council rules of procedure state that "persons appearing before the council shall not make personal, impertinent, unduly repetitive, inflammatory, slanderous or profane remarks to the council, any member of the council or the general public." This rule should apply to the council members themselves, which includes Green.
As far as citizens who address the council, this rule should be enforced. The recent tirades against one council member were totally outside the boundaries of this rule. More of these are expected at the council work session on Mon. It’s time to enforce this rule.
The right of free speech is not unlimited. Courts have consistently ruled that parameters can be set on the public comments, especially at government meetings. The council rule follows the judicial guidelines and thus there are no legal reasons to not enforce the same.
It is suggested that the council clerk read this rule before the public comments section of each council meeting, much like it is done at the Bossier City Council meetings. Then citizens who are speaking would be aware of the limitations of their comments and be prepared to be stopped in the middle of any that violate the rule, and if necessary, removed from the chambers.
Let’s stop the Shreveport city council circus.
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.