EPPJ hires attorney to handle Green’s case

By: MICHAEL BORDELON

News Editor

During a special meeting Tuesday, May 27, the Evangeline Parish Police Jury hired its legal representation for a lawsuit filed against the jury by Phyllis J. Green.

In the lawsuit, Green is seeking monetary damages for “mental anguish, anxiety, humiliation and embarrassment,” as well as income loss and attorney’s fees stemming from the jury’s failure to appoint her as registrar of voters. Green’s suit also claims the jury discriminated against her on the basis of race, age and gender. Green has served as an employee in the registrar’s office for over 30 years.

Jury President Bob Manuel said he received a letter from the district attorney’s office stating no one in that office could represent the jury, as discrimination suits are a very specialized field. Manuel added the letter goes on to recommend hiring Joel Babineaux of Lafayette. Babineaux will receive $195 per hour for his services.

Manuel said all guidelines in appointing a new registrar were followed and there was no discrimination in the jury’s decision.

In other business, the jury briefly discussed allowing Quality Plating, a business located in the Industrial Park, to purchase an additional acre for future expansion. Manuel said he would speak with the owner of Quality Plating and report to the jury at its next meeting as to whether or not he is interested in purchasing the property.

The jury also approved the hiring of a part-time employee for Region B. L.J. Dickins was hired at a rate of $7 per hour.