Editor, The Era-Leader:
What is going on with the mayors of Franklinton and Bogalusa?
Do they want to rid their towns of their police departments?
On December 18, Bogalusa Mayor Tyrin Truong requested the city council disband the police department. He has had a “contentious” history with the police chief, Kendall Bullen. Truong wants WPSO to take over policing duties in Bogalusa. This is “his” solution to “his” problem.
On December 20 there was an “active shooter” situation in the Sunset Aces neighborhood. Yes, now would be a good time to disband the police department.
Now, onto Mayor Gregory Route of Franklinton. From almost his first days in office, Mayor Route has been trying to get rid of Chief of Police Justin Brown. He has been thwarted in his efforts by the Attorney General of the State of Louisiana, the board of Aldermen, and the town's charter. He has meddled in the police department's promotion process by completely bypassing the current department policy concerning officer promotions. He even threatened to sue the town's board of aldermen over this matter. In my opinion, Mayor Route and Chief Brown have a “contentious” history and, in my opinion, it started when Mayor Route didn't get his way in his attempts to replace Chief Brown. In my opinion this is childish.
And, then in a recent town meeting, Alderman T. J. Butler states, “The police department is going to take us down.” His solution is that they take $1 million dollars and pay WPSO to take over the job. “So we will be without a police department,” states Alderman Butler.
However, Alderman Butler had no problem with Mayor Route's circumventing policy in “his” promoting of officers. I heard no outcry from him over the costs of these promotions.
In his concern over money and the budget, Alderman Butler didn't have a problem with Mayor Route's spending $67,000.00 for two EV chargers that have two of the four connection cables that are obsolete.
In my opinion, what we really have is two mayors that seem unable to work in harmony with the chiefs of police of their respective towns. I find this to be immature and irresponsible. Like little children not getting their own way, they figuratively, stomp their feet, pout, hold their breaths and complain loudly. Tsk, tsk, tsk......
Ben M Sarro, Franklinton
