Story By: Wes Merriott

 Bossier City has recently engaged the private law firm Wiener, Weiss, and Madison to manage a public records request that has stirred significant public interest and controversy. This request, submitted by sobo.live, seeks detailed communications and records from members of the Bossier City Charter Review Commission. The request aims to uncover potential alleged collusion between commission members and other political entities, making the subject matter highly sensitive.
 
Wiener, Weiss, and Madison, based in Shreveport, Louisiana, is a prominent law firm known for its expertise in various practice areas, including business and commercial litigation, real estate, tax law, and estate planning. However, municipal law is notably absent from their list of specialties on their website, raising questions about their selection for this particular task. The attorney handling this case, Layne A. Clark Jr., specializes in commercial litigation, insurance defense, and automobile liability, according to his profile on the firm’s website.
 
The records requested by sobo.live include emails and text messages related to the proposed agenda for the June 18th Charter Review Commission meeting, specifically targeting communications between commissioners and elected officials. This move follows allegations that commissioners Sandra Morehart and Julianna Parks have been using private email accounts and devices to conduct public business, raising transparency and accountability concerns.
 
Layne A. Clark Jr. acknowledged the request and sought a 20-day extension to respond, citing the need to thoroughly compile the requested information. This delay has not gone unnoticed, as it coincides with a controversial incident where four members of the Charter Review Commission failed to attend a scheduled meeting, preventing a quorum and stalling commission activities.

The decision to hire a private law firm rather than utilizing city resources has raised questions about the associated costs. Engaging a law firm for such tasks can be significantly more expensive than handling them internally, leading to concerns about the efficient use of taxpayer money. Additionally, the delay in responding to the request has sparked further speculation about the commission's transparency and the potential for hidden agendas.
 
The public records request emphasizes the importance of transparency in government operations, particularly when public officials are suspected of engaging in practices that may undermine public trust. The requested documents are expected to shed light on the extent of communication and coordination between commission members and political entities, which could have significant implications for the governance and decision-making processes in Bossier City.
 
As the city awaits the release of these documents, the public's focus remains on ensuring that elected officials and public bodies conduct their business openly and honestly. The outcome of this request and the subsequent investigation will be crucial in maintaining the integrity of the Bossier City Charter Review Commission and restoring public confidence in local government.
 
In conclusion, Bossier City's hiring of Wiener, Weiss, and Madison to handle this public records request underscores the contentious nature of the issues at hand. The cost, delay, and sensitive subject matter highlight the need for rigorous scrutiny and accountability in the city's governance. The public eagerly anticipates the findings, hoping for greater transparency and integrity in the operations of their local government.