Other Council members have perfect attendance

Whoever believes that attendance at Council meetings is important to representation of one’s council district obviously did not send the memo to Shreveport Council member Stephanie Lynch. The City Council meets twice monthly – it has a Monday work session and a Tuesday Council meeting. When it comes to “no shows,” Lynch leads the pack—unfortunately, by a large margin.

Lynch was elected in 2014 and was sworn into office in December of that year; she previously served as Caddo Parish Commissioner. In 2015, Lynch missed 11 of the 24 work sessions; she missed five of the 24 regular Council meetings. This year she has missed (through Sept. 26) 15 of the 18 work sessions; she has been absent six of the 18 regular Council meetings. She has missed two special meetings of the Council this year.

Unlike Lynch, the attendance records of the other six Council members are indeed impressive. In 2015 Willie Bradford, impressive. In 2015 Willie Bradford, impressive. In 2015 Willie Bradford, James Flurry, Jerry Bowman and Jeff  Everson had perfect attendance at all work sessions and regular Council meetings. Oliver Jenkins missed one work session, and Mike Corbin missed one work session and one regular meeting.

In 2016, Bradford, Flurry, Bowman and Everson have perfect attendance at all work sessions and regular Council meetings through Sept. 26. Jenkins has missed one regular Council meeting, and Corbin missed one special Council meeting.

Lynch was outspoken on the Caddo Commission, and she has been even more so at Council meetings — when more so at Council meetings — when more so at Council meetings — when she attends. Unlike the other two black Council members, Bradford and Bowman, Lynch is not known for compromise on issues not to her liking. Many observers question if she really presents the views of her constituency, which she generally categorizes as those living in “the Hood.” Seemingly, residents of her district would push her to be more visible at all Council meetings; any complaints by Lynch (or the voters in District F) about not getting a “fair share” should fall on deaf ears – or better put, on Lynch’s frequently empty Council seat.

Many observers question if she really presents the views of her constituency, which she generally categorizes as those living in “the Hood.” Seemingly, residents of her district would push her to be more visible at all Council meetings.”

John E. -Settle Jr. is an attorney who has practiced ShreveportPrint - Bossier since 1977. His columns have appeared Instructions in local publications Bossier since 1977. His columns have appeared Instructions in local publications for more None than 15 years. He can be reached at 742-5513 or John@ Bossier since 1977. His columns have appeared Instructions in local publications settlelawfirm.com.