(The Center Square) – A lobbyist hired by Caddo Parish testified against legislation affecting Shreveport and Bossier City, yet it remains unclear who within the administration or commission authorized the move.
Rep. Danny McCormick, R-Oil City, wrote House Bill 713, legislation curtailing the salary of the Caddo-Bossier Parishes Port Commission director so it cannot exceed the statewide average compensation of the state’s top 10 port directors.
Lawmakers rejected it this month. Port director Eric England earns approximately $474,000 annually, the highest among Louisiana’s port directors, according to a state report. McCormick told The Center Square in an earlier interview that England’s salary is excessive.
The Caddo Parish Commission did not take an official position. Their lobbyist helped derail it without the consent of the full governing body.
At a transportation hearing in Baton Rouge, where the bill died, Markey Pierré, acting as a lobbyist for the parish, said, “I represent the Parish of Caddo … and they are vehemently opposed to this bill.”
Caddo Commissioner Chris Kracman flagged her statement at Monday’s work session and subsequently called for her removal.
“When did that come through here?” he asked. “There’s a lobbyist in Baton Rouge lobbying for things we never discussed.”
The parish administration confirmed there was no resolution.
“There was some expression from commissioners and administration about 713, but there was no resolution against it by the commission,” said Erica Bryant, parish administrator.
Bryant said the parish entered into a short-term contract for lobbying services spanning April to September with Pierré, who owns The Strategy Group of North LA, a firm specializing in governmental consulting and policy strategy.
“How astonishing is that? Does anybody remember your Caddo Commission talking about this?” Kracman said during an interview with News Radio 710 KEEL.
It’s unclear who gave Pierré permission to oppose the legislation.
“Was it our administration? Was it our executives or president? Who was it that gave her the directive? Or was she thinking for herself?” Kracman said. “I asked about it, and I really didn’t get an answer other than ‘Well, I’m not sure. Well, we need to talk to her about how she should address things.”
The Center Square was unsuccessful prior to publication getting Bryant to answer additional questions about Pierré’s compensation and the status of her contract with the parish.
“To say that she is the representation of Caddo Parish, that’s ridiculous,” Kracman said. “And she needs to be removed as our representative and we need to find somebody else for that job.”
Lobbyists are regulated under the state’s ethics laws and oversight is handled by the Louisiana Board of Ethics. It can impose fines, censure and suspension of lobbying privileges.
