The Livingston Parish Library Board of Controls meeting offered some insights into the ongoing dynamics within the board. For several years, the board of control has been split into two factions: the Conservative and Non-Conservative. Historically, the Non-Conservative members have held the majority, maintaining control over decisions and policies. During this period, the Conservatives, including a member currently serving on the Parish Council, consistently attended meetings and advocated for their perspectives, even though their efforts seemed futile due to their minority status. Their persistence and dedication were commendable, albeit likely frustrating and disheartening.
However, the situation took a turn when the Conservatives gained the majority of the Livingston Parish Library. At the most recent meeting, the non-conservative members, perhaps anticipating the shift in power dynamics, chose not to attend. The absence of most non-Conservative members and the strategic departure of Kathy deGeneres (who did attend) led to the lack of a quorum, thereby forcing the meeting to adjourn without addressing critical items on the agenda, such as the 2025 budget approval.
How embarrassing!
This incident was a setback for the board’s operations and an embarrassing reflection of the ongoing partisan tensions. It drew parallels to children who take their toys and leave the playground when faced with unfavorable outcomes. The inability to hold a productive discussion due to the lack of quorum illustrated a breakdown in governance and cooperation, highlighting the need for all members to work together for the community’s benefit, regardless of their political differences.
The recent Livingston Parish Library Board of Control meeting underscored the shifting partisan tensions within the board. The historical division between the Conservative and Non-Conservative factions has now reached a pivotal moment, with the Conservatives finally gaining majority control. The absence of the Non-Conservative members, leading to a lack of quorum, signifies a critical impasse that jeopardizes the board’s ability to govern and effectively make crucial decisions such as budget approvals. This situation disrupts the board’s operations and serves as a stark reminder of the importance of collaboration and constructive dialogue among all members, regardless of political affiliation.
As the parish council considers filling two vacancies, it should reflect on the actions of these non-conservative members. Rather than quickly address important library issues, their temper tantrum has blocked budget approval and stifled board operations.
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Give us the tools, and we'll finish the job.
One historical figure I frequently look to for inspiration is Winston Churchill. With little more than grit and determination, he rallied his countrymen to overcome overwhelming odds and save the world. He had a plan and a team, but in February 1941, he needed resources to further stimey the evil forces bearing down on England.
Here we are some eighty years later, and evil is again upon us. To be sure, Donald Trump will do his part in Washington, DC. However, Louisiana and her local communities are our jobs - yours and mine. It's up to us to hold the line against the Left's encroachment in Louisiana. That's the work Citizens for a New Louisiana has already been doing for nearly eight years. We've shored up our gains in Lafayette, Livingston, and St. Tammany parishes. However, many more parishes are currently unguarded! Will you help us to expand more Conservative bulwarks into other parishes?
Churchill knew that success was only possible with additional resources. That remains true today. We can only continue this critical work with support from friends like you. We don't just think Louisiana is worth saving; we're doing our part to accomplish it, one little bit at a time. Are you on board? Here's your chance to prove it. Partner with our movement or chip in monthly so this critical work continues.
If everyone who read this article chipped in just $10 a year, we could double our reach.
