Alderman Complains About Reponses
BOBBY ARDOIN
Editor/Consulting Writer
Opelousas Alderman-at-Large Marvin Richard complained during a Tuesday night Board of Alderman meeting that Public Works Director Travis Van Wright has apparently often failed to respond to text messages or return phone calls made to him by Richard regarding Public Works Department projects.
The exchange between Richard and Van Wright escalated to a point where Mayor Julius Alsandor slammed his gavel down several times in an effort to halt the discussion between Richard and Van Wright, who argued about whether Van Wright was routinely returning calls or texts made to him by members of the Board.
Van Wright defended his actions, saying that he worked for Alsandor.
“You’re saying that you work for the mayor? You work for us,” Richard told Van Wright.
Alsandor reminded Richard and Van Wright that the Board of Alderman meeting was being live streamed.
“This is a conversation that needs to take place elsewhere and not in city chambers while we are conducting city business,” Alsandor said.
Richard complained that Van Wright has been negligent in returning calls made to him by the Board.
“We got elected to do a job. We want better communication. I am doing this publicly because I have a problem,” Richard added.
Alderwoman Sherrell Roberts agreed with Richard.
“Citizens call us about problems with the streets or the water leaks, so we have to call the person that is in charge. They do not always call Mr. Van Wright about these problems. They call us,” Roberts added.
Van Wright said during his report that work crews assigned to repair the leaks are progressing to a point where the situation is becoming manageable.
“We are training new people for positions right now,” Van Wright said.
Author
