Letter to the Editor/Opinion
Taxpayers Shouldn’t Foot the Bill for Ethics Violations
As a taxpayer in Natchitoches, I am growing increasingly frustrated by a disturbing pattern within our city government — a pattern of misrepresentation, misuse of public funds, and then, astonishingly, demands that we pay even more to clean up the mess.
First, the administration refused to release public records the community was legally entitled to see — dragging the matter through multiple courts, burning taxpayer dollars all along the way. When both the district judge and the Court of Appeals ruled against the city, the Mayor’s team doubled down, hiring outside attorneys and appealing all the way to the Louisiana Supreme Court.
Not because they were right — but because they didn’t want voters learning the truth before election day.
Now, even after those decisions confirmed the city violated transparency laws, we still do not know how much public money has already been spent to keep public records out of the public eye. And yet, the tab keeps growing.
Which brings us to this week.
A three new resolution is being placed in front of the City Council:
“Resolution To Waive Any Potential Conflict To Allow The City Attorney To Represent Mayor Ronnie Williams, Jr., In A Proceeding Initiated By The Louisiana Board Of Ethics”
“Resolution To Waive Any Potential Conflict To Allow The City Attorney To Represent Nicole Gray In A Proceeding Initiated By The Louisiana Board Of Ethics.”
“Resolution To Waive Any Potential Conflict To Allow The City Attorney To Represent Clarissa Brown-Smith,The Financial Director, In A Proceeding Initiated By The Louisiana Board Of Ethics”
Let’s be absolutely clear about what this means. Three city official are under ethics investigation — and the same taxpayers harmed by the misconduct are being asked to pay the defense bill.
It is unconscionable.
Ethics violations are not “city business.” They are personal accountability issues. If an elected official or employee has misused their authority, misled the public, or violated state ethics laws, it is not the responsibility of the citizens to provide them legal protection.
We pay taxes for streets, drainage, public safety, and basic services — not to bankroll political cover-ups or defend misconduct.
If the City Council truly represents the people of Natchitoches, the response to this resolution should be simple:
No. Absolutely not.
Let those responsible pay their own attorneys. Let accountability mean something again.
Transparency already died in darkness in this city. Let’s not bury fairness and fiscal responsibility next.
Respectfully,
A Concerned City of Natchitoches Taxpayer
Editor’s Note: The Journal granted anonymity to this taxpayer because they are a large business owner/substantial taxpayer and could face professional retaliation. The Journals independently verified the existence of the subject matter before publication. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.