Questions
go unanswered
Forum shows support for Homer Police
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
Several questions for the Homer
Town Council and Mayor Alecia Smith went unanswered Monday night during a
community forum at Homer High School.
The only council member in
attendance was District 3 Councilman Don McCalman. The mayor was also not in
attendance.
“We had calls from people in the
community who did not know the issues and there are safety concerns,” said
Terry Willis, president of the Claiborne Chapter of the National Association of
the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). “We need to come together to find a
solution, because we are jeopardizing the safety of our community. Nobody knows
what led up to this, and we’re here to get some answers. This is about hearing
the voices of the public, and if we can do that, then we can start reaching
some common ground.”
While Willis acknowledged that
the police department still has issues, he said progress between the police
department and the community was being made. However, he said, it just stopped.
He said he wasn’t “knocking” the
city government, because they have a hard job, but, he said, “hear our say. We
cast our vote, and that’s what this is all about.”
Marie Johnson, of the Claiborne
Parish Citizens Peace Coalition, was the moderator for the forum, and she said
she was enlightened to see those who were in attendance and are concerned about
their community.
“If we have a problem with the
Homer Police Department, it’s the same problem we’ve had for the last 50 plus
years,” she said. “Nothing has truly changed. I reviewed the police
department’s policy and procedure manual and the only way we can have effective
police officers is we have to invest.
“If there’s a problem with a
police officer who is out of line of duty, the process and procedure should be
outlined in the policy and procedure manual,” she continued. “If we fail, who
fails? We need our police officers. If we, by chance, have a problem with one
of our police officers, replace one, don’t kill the whole department.”
How can you be an effective
leader if you don’t have the support you need, not just for our chief, but for
our chief and our mayor? she asked.
“Should we sacrifice our safety
for 10 employees down at city hall?” she asked. “Is it more important to have
our police officers or is it important for us to have two attorneys? When the
city council and the mayor make a decision, who does the development and
research on their decisions? I’ve worked in corporate America and I’ve seen
places shut down, but I’ve never seen one shut down in two weeks effectively.”
She went on to say that Homer’s
police officers have always treated her with the utmost dignity and respect.
However, she knows there are issues, and that people have a difference of
opinions. The first thing we have to do is be willing to accept our
differences, she said.
“When I see the chief, I get
nothing but respect,” she said, “so for me to say that they’re not polite and
nice, for me that would be a lie. But I know that citizens have concerns about
how the officers conduct themselves. These guys are doing the best they know
how.”
She also said one of the
concerns is the lack of training. The policy and procedures manual is not clear
on how much or what they are trained in.
“All it says is they are trained
in the academy and they get training from time to time,” she said. “Does this
mean they are getting a fair shake? No. Is it fair to cut out the police
department and sacrifice ourselves for the power struggle that’s going on?
That’s all it is, a power struggle.”
Another question is how much the
police department gets in federal dollars. She said she’d received a report
that stated the Homer Police Department was to get about $200,000 in federal grants.
What’s going to happen to that money? What’s going to happen with the tax that
was passed for the Homer Police Department?
Those were among many questions
asked Monday night. Johnson made it clear that she had no answers and had no
proof as of yet to any of these questions. She said these were questions
submitted to her by community members.
Others included:
• Are they (council and mayor)
familiar with the city code of ordinances?
• Another concern is the pay
raises for the mayor and the council. She said it was her understanding that it
couldn’t go into effect until the next term.
• Why did they not consult with
the citizens?
• Why are we paying for two
lawyers?
• “Huge” concerns by a number of
people about high cost of water and sewerage bills. Can we absorb the cost of
another attorney through the difference in our water bills?
• Concerns about hiring
practices at City Hall. (Johnson said she didn’t know if they were following
501(c)3 requirements. There are requirements that must be met in order to be a
501c3 entity.)
• Where does the money go from
traffic citations?
• Why do we have a full-time
mayor if she’s not accessible to the community?
• How often are the police
officers evaluated? When they are evaluated, what type of support are they
offered to make them a more effective police officer?
• Did the mayor ask (Homer
Police Chief Russell) Mills to stay out of town hall?
• Some members, Johnson said,
want to see if Springlake Church pay to rent the auditorium at town hall. Why
do some not have to pay when it is policy that everyone has to pay.
• Concern with the Department of Recreation -- The
director, Fred Young, is the postmaster at the Homer Post Office. Johnson said
she was told his salary is $2,000 per month from the town, and his wife was hired
at $1,000 per month to do exercise classes.
• Concerns raised about hiring
outside the town and parish.
• Our mayor is an elected
official, our chief is an elected official, should we not elect to get them out
of there?
• Concerns of nepotism within city
hall.
Johnson encouraged the audience
to attend the next town council meeting, saying she wanted to see this many at
city hall.
Willis said it was time for the
community to come together, because “if we are to succeed as a unit, we have to
have unity.
“We are a government for the
people by the people,” he continued. “It’s high time for people to realize what
that means and who you represent.”
Members of the audience were
given an opportunity to speak and voice their opinions and concerns. Pat
Clawson, who is a business owner in Homer, lashed out at the news media, saying
he was tired of Homer being labeled as a racial community.
“The mayor and the chief have a
difference in opinions,” he
said. “This is NOT a racial issue! I’m tired of Homer being labeled a racial
community. Some of my best friends are African American. Just because we have
an African American mayor knocking heads with a Caucasian police chief does not
make it a racial issue.”
He also said he felt safer
knowing that Homer police officers are patrolling the area in and around his
business.
“I don’t want my property
sitting up there without a police force,” he
said. “We need a police department because I feel safer. I don’t want my wife
going up there at 6 o’clock in the morning and not know that there’s a police
force up there. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been up there at 8 or 9
o’clock at night and see a police officer make a circle through my parking lot
and leave.”
He says he’s seen many times
officers have run kids out of the parking lot in the back doing things they
shouldn’t be doing.
“I support Russell, and I
definitely would support our mayor, but you can’t make sense out of nonsense,”
he said. “What’s going to happen when you have two sheriff’s deputies on call
and the thieves and the thugs call in a fake accident in Blackburn, and then
you have another thug that calls and says there’s been an accident in Athens,
do you know what happens in Homer, Louisiana? It’s a free-for-all.”
It is also rumored that a recall
petition for the mayor and the town council members has been started. Johnson
said that’s what the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office is for. If citizens
don’t like the job their elected leaders are doing, then the voters can change
it, she said.
McCalman spoke up, saying, “I’ll
vote for a recall even though I’m on the council. We are one community. We are
individuals who are bound together because we live here.”
Kim McBride, a native of Homer,
said the abolishment of the police department is not just a town issue, but a
parish wide issue.
“This affects everybody,” she
said. “Everybody needs to come together. We need our police department, we need
our sheriff’s office and we need our town protected and we need our parish
protected. It’s just like what was said. What happens if the sheriff’s deputies
are busy in Homer, and we have a murder in Athens? That affects Claiborne
Parish. As a parish, we need to band together.”
Benny Holyfield also spoke up, agreeing that the issue is
not a black or white issue.
“As a black male, I’ve seen a
lot of stuff in this town go on over the years,” he
said. “It’s time for all this to stop. I’m not trying to play the bad guy.
Anytime a person has been wronged, you have the right as an individual to speak
what’s right for them. ”
He also asked, “Is this meeting
because you feel Ken Bailey would not provide adequate protection for the
citizens of Homer?”
He also said that some of the
same people who are opposed to this were for disbanding the police department
15 to 20 years ago. He said that people he’s spoken to are for Sheriff Bailey
taking over, and he doesn’t want to see the police department disbanded, but if
people have been to the chief time after time and nothing is being done, what
else is there left to do?
Susan Herring, a former town
council member, said, “All of this could have been avoided had they done it
right in the first place by holding THIS meeting first. As was said, this is a
government for the people, by the people, and we are the ones that will be most
affected without a police department. We could have solved [these issues] had we
not gotten the cart before the horse. The unity we need to keep in this town is
more important than anything.”
The Rev. John Markley, who is a
chaplain for the Claiborne Parish Sheriff’s Office, said he felt the issue is
about money.
“I’ll pay Russell (Mills)
$32,000 to come protect my house,” he
said. “It’s not the police department that’s the problem. It’s money, and I
don’t want the police getting off at five and the robber coming in at 6:15! If
we want to improve the police department, it takes training and that takes
money. Raise the property tax a half a percent.”
Steve Boyett, a veteran, said 44
years ago he fought for each and every person in this room to have the right to
freedom of speech and the right to vote, “and it burns me up that my mayor and
my council are telling me my vote doesn’t count. It breaks my heart, and I
don’t like anyone telling me that my vote doesn’t count.”
Mills, who spoke at the end of
the forum, apologized for not being able to answer many of the questions
raised, but due to pending litigation, some could not be answered. He made it
clear that if the police department is disbanded, even at the end of 2013, he
felt confident that Sheriff Bailey would provide adequate law enforcement
protection.
“This is a not an issue of the
sheriff’s department or the police department,” he
said. “There’s nothing in my mind that makes me think that the citizens of
Homer will go without law enforcement protection. We’re trying to keep the
Homer Police Department, but I can assure you that we are going to protect you
the best that we can with what we’ve got.”
Homer Police hearing moved to March 4
MICHELLE BATES, Editor
The injunction against the Town
of Homer will remain in place until a hearing that has been reset to Monday,
March 4.
On Tuesday, February 19, Judge
Jenifer Clason signed a petition for injunction and declatory relief,
effectively stopping the Town of Homer from abolishing the Homer Police
Department.
On Monday, February 25, Judge
Jimmy Teat was assigned to the case as Clason recused herself, citing “the
appearance of impropriety created by the municipal residency of the Division A
judge and the continued working and personal relationships of the Division A
Judge with the litigants involved.”
Also, the Town of Homer has also
retained additional representation alongside their town attorney, Marcus
Patillo.
Homer Police Chief Russell
Mills, who filed suit against the Town of Homer last week, said he doesn’t
understand why Town Attorney Marcus Patillo is handling a multi-million dollar
lawsuit against the town but hire additional counsel to fight his case.
“Why are they willing to let the
town attorney fight a multi-million dollar suit against the town but hire
another attorney to fight me?” Mills asked.
Tom Arceneaux, of Shreveport,
was brought on board by the town to help them in their defense. Questions were
raised as to whether the town was allowed to hire additional counsel as it
already has a contracted attorney, but according to a review of the municipal
code of Homer’s special legislative charter, there’s nothing that prohibits the
town from hiring outside counsel.
The Town of Homer does not have
general liability insurance, which would cover a retainer for counsel. The town
has insurance that covers things like motor vehicle accidents and so forth, but
does not have a clause that covers litigation. In other words, the town has to
come up with the money from its general fund to pay for additional counsel,
plus any court costs, fees or monetary settlements if the court rules against
them.
The Guardian-Journal contacted
Arceneaux for comment on this story. He declined to comment on the case, but
did say he would be prepared by the hearing date.
“We’re still in the process of
evaluating the arguments,” Arceneaux said. “We’ll be prepared to respond by the
hearing date.”
Last week, Clason signed a
temporary restraining order against the town, which stops the town from
enforcing its vote to abolish the police department. The order was only good
through Monday, February 25, but since the hearing has been moved, the order
was also extended until Tuesday, March 5, allowing the case to be heard before
Judge Teat.
In the suit filed by Chief Mills
on behalf of himself and the police department, it cites several breaches of
law alleging the town disbanded the police department illegally. It cites
several sources of law, including Homer’s special legislative charter, the
Lawrason Act and several statutes which protect Mills and the department. It
alleges the town improperly voted on disbanding the police department, citing
open meetings laws.
Pam Breedlove, attorney for
Mills and the department, said the town can’t abolish the police department or
decrease Mills’ pay, because the mayor and council do not have the authority to
do so. In fact, the charter limits the powers of the mayor and council, which
is further limited by the Lawrason Act, in a municipality where a police chief
is an elected official.
There has also been disputes
concerning several public records requests from Mills to the town. At one
point, Patillo, in an email to Mills’ attorney, asked that she contact him and
schedule a time and place for Mills to view the documents which he seeks. She,
again, told him Mills requested “copies” of the documents, which means the town
has to provide Mills those copies at a reasonable cost.
Mills has sent in several public
records requests asking for different documents including the general ledger
for the police department, a breakdown in overtime pay for his officers,
several other documents pertaining to the town’s travel expenses, grants for the
police department and others.
Homer Mayor Alecia Smith cites
continuing budget issues and overruns with the police department as the basis
for the decision to disband the police department. She also cites too many
lawsuits against the police department and concerns of leadership.
According to published reports,
Smith says in the last five years the town has spent about $200,000 in overtime
for the police department and the chief continues to run his department over
budget.
The Guardian-Journal obtained a
copy of the recording from February 11 from Homer City Hall and the vote on
abolishing the police department is not clear. Mayor Smith followed the vote,
saying the vote was unanimous. However, since that meeting, Smith has been
consistent in saying the council followed legal counsel before making the vote
and taking the action it did.
Relay for Life meeting set for February 28
A meeting for Relay for Life
will be at 5:15 p.m. at the Newell and Newell Law Office. The Claiborne Relay
for Life will be Saturday, April 13 at noon on the Courthouse lawn.
Claiborne Academy wins State Championship
The Claiborne Academy Lady
Rebels completed a long, difficult journey on Saturday by capturing the 2013
MAIS Class A State Championship.
In the Championship Game held at
Rebul Academy in Learned, MS, the Lady Rebels defeated Tri-County Academy of
Flora, MS by a score of 40-33. The balanced Rebel offense was directed by
Senior Kameron Simpson, Sophomores Millicent Butler and Ragan Beard who each
contributed 11 points. In the semi-final round the Lady Rebels defeated Cenla
Academy of Pineville by a score of 51-22. Senior Kameron Simpson was the game
high scorer with 14 points while Sophomore Millicent Butler and Senior Lyndsey
Lumley contributed 13 points and 10 points respectively. After defeating the
Veritas School of Ridgeland, MS by a score of 47-30 in the first round the Lady
Rebels faced Winona Academy of Winona, MS in the second round. CA was able to
come away with a 50-31 victory over the Lady Stars of Winona Academy. Once
again it was Sophomore Millicent Butler and Senior Kameron Simpson leading the
Lady Rebel offense with 18 and 13 points respectively. It was not any
individual scorer that keyed the Lady Rebel run to the state title but rather
their ferocious team defense that consistently stymied every opposing offense
faced by Claiborne Academy. The Lady Rebels were well represented on the 2013
All-State Tournament Team with four selections. Senior Kameron Simpson,
Sophomores Millicent Butler, Ragan Beard, and Hannah Colvin were all among the
ten players selected by the All-Tournament Committee for their outstanding play
during the week.
Coach Heigle noted “This is a
special group of girls and it has been my privilege to work with them.” Coach
Heigle also was quoted “This State Championship not only belongs to the current
Lady Rebels but also to all the past members of the Claiborne Academy
basketball program who helped make this happen.” Coach Heigle and the Lady
Rebels would also like to thank all the Claiborne Academy parents, supporters,
and community members who made the 3 hour trip to Learned to support the Lady
Rebels. Next up for the Lady Rebels is a trip to A. E. Wood Coliseum on the
campus of Mississippi College in Clinton, MS. On Tuesday, February 26 the CA
Lady Rebels will face AAA opponent Presbyterian Christian of Hattiesburg, MS in
the MAIS 2013 Overall Tournament. This tournament pits the top teams from each
classification against each other. Once again congratulations go out to
Claiborne Academy and the Lady Rebels on their historic season.
Killgore's Pharmacy & Gift Shop announces opening of their website
Killgore's Pharmacy & Gift Shop announces the opening of their website as of 2012-12-28, online at KillgoresPharmacy.com.
Killgore's Pharmacy & Gift Shop was opened by Pharmacist James "Keith" Killgore and wife/business partner Beverlee Killgore in 1980.
Beverlee is the store manager and catalyst behind the excellent seasonal gift selections and gift displays.
Keith has been a practicing pharmacist in his hometown, Haynesville, for over 30 years. Helping his customers understand the do's & don'ts in regards to their prescriptions is his pleasure not his obligation.
For many years, the Killgore's have selflessly devoted their time to promoting Haynesville & All of Claiborne Parish. Keith, the consummate artist, designed and painted the "Lonesome Drug", "Welcome to Haynesville" and "Main Street Haynesville" murals.
Keith's artistry is available to you through his Gift Personalization Calligraphy on many of the gift items (plates, ornaments, banners and more).
The Killgore's put the family in "Family Pharmacy & Gifts".
Killgore's Pharmacy & Gift Shop is your one stop for medicine when you're sick, vitamins to keep you well, gifts for the bride and groom to-be, custom framing for your most cherished memories, home/yard decorating accessories and hobby supplies.
