Caddo Leaders Challenge Lobbyist’s Stance on Port Bills

There is a debate going on in Baton Rouge about how Caddo Bossier Port Commission members are selected. State Rep Danny McCormick has proposed a couple of bills dealing with how the Commissioners are appointed and the salary of the Executive Director.

Some Caddo Parish leaders are questioning why a lobbyist has testified in Baton Rouge on behalf of the Caddo Commission even though the Commission has not taken action on the bills. Dr. Markey Pierre told the Transportation Committee she represents the Parish of Caddo. She told the panel "they are vehemently opposed to this bill (HB 713) because they feel once they make their appointments to this board, those appointees make reports back to the Parish Commission."  But her comments about THEY has some folks on the Caddo Commission upset. Commissioner Chris Kracman has raised concerns about who directed Dr. Pierre to give this testimony.

Caddo Commissioner Chris Kracman had questions of Parish Administrator Erica Bryant about who authorized Dr. Pierre to testify about these bills.

Bryant says the parish signed a short term agreement with Dr. Pierre to lobby on behalf of the parish. That agreement runs from April-September. Bryant says "there was some expression from commissioners and the administration about HB 713, but there was no resolution against HB 713 by the commission." Bryant did add that usually there is a resolution approved by the body. She says she will have to have that discussion about how this happens in the future.

She does say the Administration does have the authority to oppose something, but she does not speak for the full commission.

Administrator Bryant is one of 9 members of the Caddo Bossier Port Commission.

This is not the only bill dealing with the Caddo Bossier Port Commission State Senator Thomas Pressly has proposed a bill (SB 170) to give the senate confirmation authority over Port Commission members. He also wants to put qualifications in place for Commission members.

READ MORE: See the proposed changes in Senator Pressly's bill.

Pierre did not testify against SB 170 which passed unanimously in the Senate and is now headed to the House Transportation Committee.

Senator Pressly says "I continue to hear from multiple local representatives regarding my legislation which will require the Port of Caddo Bossier board appointees to have expertise in transportation, logistics, economic development, or commercial real estate.