Judge Orders Iberville Parish Town To Turn Over Records

PLACQUEMINE, La. (AP) — A judge has ordered an Iberville Parish town to turn over scores of documents to two residents who claim town officials routinely disregard the state's public records law.

State District Judge Alvin Batiste's ruled Friday in favor of June Landry and Garnell Young in their lawsuit against White Castle Mayor Gerald Jermarr Williams and Town Clerk Monica Hamilton.

The Advocate reports that Landry and Young requested copies of town audit reports, audio recordings of Town Council meetings, financial statements and a list of the mayor's travel expenses.

Town Attorney Valencia Vessel-Landry argued that the residents' frequent requests were politically motivated attempts to intimidate and harass the mayor and town clerk.

Batiste, however, said town officials are obligated to respond to any request no matter how many are filed.

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Information from: The Advocate, http://theadvocate.com

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