Council Denies Request Of Commissioner

Council Denies Request Of Commissioner

BOBBY ARDOIN

Editor/Consulting Writer

Willie Haynes saw his lengthy term as a St. Landry Parish Housing Authority commissioner ended abruptly Wednesday night.

The St. Landry Parish Council voted 7-4 to uphold a decision by parish president Jessie Bellard to remove Haynes from the Commission, which oversees subsidized and rental housing assistance for low income, elderly and disabled residents.

Haynes asked the Council during a Sept. 4 committee meeting and again during the regular  night monthly meeting, to override the decision by Bellard and reappoint him to the Commission for at least the final two years of his current term.

State law allows a chief elected official of a municipality or parish to remove a commissioner, Bellard told the Council.

Bellard told the Council and reporters who covered the Wednesday night meeting that he is dissatisfied with the performances of some members who represent boards appointed by the Council.

In a written statement addressing the removal of Haynes, Bellard said parish administration is initiating “positive steps to address and investigate discrepancies or deficiencies,” relevant to the parish Housing Authority.

In August the parish posted a public notice which indicates there is a job opening available for a new executive director of the parish Housing Authority.

Bellard also said in the statement that he wants each appointed board to provide oversight, transparency, accountability and adherence to state laws.

“It is important that board members understand their roles and responsibilities, especially when overseeing programs that distribute significant amounts of funds and impact the lives of residents in the community.

“In the case of the inspection process for the Section 8 program, which distributes over $200,000 per month to landlords in the parish, it is crucial that board members are knowledgeable about the program’s objectives and guidelines,” Bellard wrote.

One responsibility of the Commission Bellard wrote, is to ensure that federal guidelines are followed and that landlords are held accountable.

Haynes addressed the Council during the Sept. 4 Administrative And Finance Committee meeting and again on Wednesday night in connection with his reappointment.

In his Committee address, Haynes said he wants to complete the final portion of his five-year term.

“After my term is up, if (Bellard) is not satisfied or if you all are not satisfied, he will then have the option of removing me. It is as simple as that. At least give me a chance to prove myself,” Haynes told the Committee.

Haynes, a former elected parish police jury member, mayor of Melville and parish school administrator has been a member of the Commission for 31 years.

On Wednesday night Haynes again said that he has completed the necessary state requirements to remain on the Commission. Haynes added that he has held several high-ranking positions on the Louisiana Housing Council.

Council member Harold Taylor said on Wednesday night that the Department of Housing and Urban Development would have notified the parish and the Council if there have been irregularities involving the Commission.

Taylor said HUD audits and investigative teams have not shown any violations involving the parish Housing Authority.

Council member Mildred Thierry said in her opinion that Haynes is qualified to be a commissioner.

Haynes said after the meeting that he is not through with his effort to remain a commissioner.

Bellard said that he stands by his decision not to reappoint Haynes.

Taylor, Ken Marks, Alvin Stelly and Nancy Carriere voted to reappoint Haynes. Vivian Olivier, Dexter Brown, Timothy LeJeune, Jimmie Edwards, Jody White, Faltery Jolivette and Thierry voted “no.”