Feud in Bossier City Over Public Records
SHREVEPORT, LA - A local political watchdog is now fighting Bossier City in the courts.
Wes Merriott is taking the city before a judge to answer his complaints about responding to public records requests. Merriott regularly attends Bossier Council meetings. He frequently calls out the Tommy Chandler Administration and some council members for "both their inaction, and action, on important Bossier issues."
Why Did Merriott File Suit Against Bossier?
Merriott says he is often treated with contempt when he attends council meetings and he says his comments often fall on deaf ears by some of the members of the council.
Merriott shares much of his information on his Sobo Live blog which reaches more than 35,000 people.
What Are the Allegations in the Lawsuit?
Merriott has filed a public records lawsuit naming Mayor Tommy Chandler and Bossier Councilman David Montgomery as defendants. He claims the city has failed to respond to his legal public records requests he submitted on December 18, 2023.
What Information Is Merriott Requesting from the City?
1. Cell phone call logs for the city-issued Cell Phone to Rodney Taylor, Director of Permits, for the following dates 7/7/2022-7/9/2022.
2. Cell phone call logs from City Councilman David Montgomery on the dates 7/7/20222-7/9/2022 on either a city-issued cell phone or any personal cell phone used to conduct city business.
3. All text messages sent to for from the city-issued cell phone for Rodney Taylor for the following dates, 7/7/2022-7/9/2022.
4. All text messages to and from City Councilman David Montgomery on the dates 7/7/20222-7/9/2022 on either a city-issued cell phone or any personal cell phone used to conduct city business.
Merriott says Bossier City Assistant City Attorney Richard Ray asked for 10 more days to provide the information. But then on January 5 Ray indicated the documents would be ready by January 16. Merriott has not received any more communication.
What Is Public Records Law in Louisiana?
In Louisiana, public records requests are supposed to be answered within 3 business days (open Records Law La. R.S. 44:1). Things that are exempt are pending criminal litigation; juvenile status offenders; sexual offense victims; security procedures; trade secrets; and some public employee information.
Merriott is urging a judge to order the city to immediately send the information to him and pay for his court costs. The case is set for a hearing on February 15 before Judge Allie Stahl.