Reagan Beshara demands Shreveport City Council enforce public records laws

Concerns over public records access took center stage at the February 25 City Council meeting in Shreveport, Louisiana, as community member Reagan Beshara voiced her frustrations regarding the administration's handling of public records requests. Beshara, who returned as a special guest, highlighted ongoing issues with the Shreveport Police Department's compliance with state laws governing public records.

In her passionate address, Beshara referenced her previous writings, including an essay published in the Shreveport Times in June 2021, which has been cited in legal cases. She argued that the city's failure to comply with public records laws has led to unnecessary litigation costs for taxpayers. "Taxpayer funds will continue to be spent because the Shreveport police refused to comply with public records laws," she stated, urging the council to take action.

Beshara criticized the city's new virtual portal for public records requests, claiming it has made the process more cumbersome. She specifically called out Officer Brad Sotak for allegedly closing requests without fulfilling them, violating Louisiana's public records statutes. "The city cannot be more strict than the state's laws," she emphasized, demanding that the council and Mayor Arceneaux ensure transparency and access to public records.

In response, City Attorney Edwards acknowledged Beshara's concerns and indicated he would investigate the matter further. He committed to reviewing the requests made by Beshara and promised to provide updates on the situation.

The meeting underscored the ongoing struggle for transparency in local government, with Beshara's call to action resonating as a reminder of the importance of accessible public information. As the city navigates these challenges, the outcome of this discussion could have significant implications for how Shreveport handles public records in the future.