The Caddo Commission's Personnel, Policy & Procedures Committee meets Mon. Feb. 6 at 1:30 p.m.

Commissioner Eppeson has placed on the agenda an amendment to the rules and bylaws of the Commission.

Epperson wants to have security clear the Government Plaza chambers immediately upon the adjournment of any meeting of the Commission and/or Commission committee, except for commissioners and commission employees.

This proposal is patently illegal.

Initially, a quorum of Commissioners (7) will undoubtedly be in the cambers when the gavel falls. Thus the Louisiana Open Meetings law applies which allows for public presence.

Secondly the proposal is contrary to constitutional guarantees for freedom of the press.

Seemingly Commissioner Epperson's concerns are adequately addressed by having security in the chambers until all persons have departed.