EPPJ discusses complaint against city marshal

By: MICHAEL BORDELON

News Editor

A special meeting of the Evangeline Parish Police Jury’s Executive Committee was held Wednesday, April 2, to discuss the recent complaint made by Brecky T. Lavigne against newly-appointed City Marshal Mike Lee.

Lavigne said she filed the complaint against Lee after he made, in her words, “very offensive, outrageous, insulting and, most of all, intimidating remarks” toward her. She stated her work environment has been compromised by this, and she no longer feels comfortable.

“He showed total disrespect for me and my co-workers,” Lavigne said. “My family has been subjected to stares and gossip. I feel like I’ve been judged by Mr. Lee’s remarks. His actions harmed my reputation and possibly my career.”

Lavigne said she came forward about this harassment because she refused to remain silent. “I feel violated. No matter what form harassment takes, it is ugly.” She added she has fear and anxiety at work, and is afraid of possible retaliation. Although, she admitted Lee did not threaten her in any way.

Lavigne’s husband, Gene Lavigne, asked jurors to try to put themselves in his shoes, having to hear about this incident from his wife.

Lavigne also added Lee said he apologized to her, but she never received an apology. The only thing he did, according to Lavigne, was offer her his first deer next hunting season.

Jury President Bob Manuel said he was very sorry this incident had occurred and believed Lavigne did the right thing in standing up for herself and filing a complaint with the state Board of Ethics. However, he added the jury has no power over Lee, as his position falls under the laws that govern an elected official’s position. Manuel stated the jury cannot remove or replace anyone in an elected position. The jury was mandated by the state to fill the position until an election can be held, but other than that, the jury has no power over that position.

“Legally, there is no action we could take,” Manuel said.

District Attorney Brent Coreil said he applauded Lavigne for her courage in coming forward, but reiterated what Manuel said. Coreil said he did speak with Mayor Bill Jeanmard and Judge Donald Launey Jr., her immediate supervisor, and he believed Jeanmard had taken steps to prevent this type of incident from occurring again. He also stated the Board of Ethics is very powerful and could possibly take action if they deem it necessary in this case.

Coreil said he also suggested to Lavigne prior to the meeting to consult with an attorney if she wished to take the matter to civil court.

City Marshal Mike Lee stated he did apologize to her and she accepted. That is what started their conversations about deer hunting. “You should have no fear of me,” he said to Lavigne.

In other business, the jury:

•Agreed to advertise for a maintenance contract for the courthouse. Currently, the jury is contracted with Siemens, but Manuel said the jury wanted to get out of the contract as it was too expensive and did not save the parish any money in its utility bills, which Siemen’s energy saving techniques were supposed to do. Manuel said he wanted to have another maintenance contract in place before eliminating the contract with Siemens.

•Heard from Sheriff Eddie Soileau, who promised to help the parish with trustees as much as he possibly can for the purpose of litter abatement. He said he had eight trustees lined up now, but they could not work the previously suggested 10 to eight-hour days. However, he said he and his office will do everything they can to help the parish. How many crews of trustees and when they would work will be discussed at a later date.

Soileau added his office will begin to closely observe and act on littering violations.

•Learned approximately 35 to 40 street and road signs are stolen each week, according to Public Works Supervisor Chester Granger. Granger said the signs are made of aluminum and people are stealing them to sell, as the value of all metal is climbing.

Liz Hill, director of 911/Office of Emergency Preparedness said in 2010, DOTD (Department of Transportation and Development) will be required to use high density grade metal signs, which will be even more valuable than the signs currently used. Hill said this will create a huge problem for the parish, as the signs will cost twice as much as the signs currently. This matter will be discussed further at the jury’s next meeting.