There is an old saying that "justice delayed is justice denied."
That sentiment certainly applies to the declaratory judgment action filed by Caddo Commissioner John-Paul Youngs versus Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux. John-Paul and Mayor Tom have differences over the interpretation of laws dealing with squatters, vagrants, and abandoned residences.
The lawsuit seeks a judicial interpretation to resolve the dispute. The litigation was filed on Feb. 26. The case was randomly assigned to Judge Mike Pitman.
Judge Pirman and all the other Caddo District Judges have recused themselves from hearing the case. In this instance it's the job of Chief Judge Ramona Emanuel to request the Louisiana Supreme Court to appoint a judge pro tem to hear this case.
Since this litigation there have been several more fires in vacant structures. At least one firefighter has been injured battling one of these fires that were obviously set by vagrants.
It is not known if the Louisiana Supreme Court has been notified of the recusals and the need for the appointment of a judge pro tem to hear this case. Hopefully the request has been made or will be made soon.
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.