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Council delays Library Board appointment after heated public comments
Summary
The Saint Tammany Parish Council closed nominations but deferred selecting a new Library Board of Control member for one month after citizens voiced concerns about political influence and board dysfunction.
The Saint Tammany Parish Council on a September meeting closed nominations for a vacancy on the Library Board of Control but deferred the appointment for a one‑month layover after extended public comment and competing nominations.
The delay followed public testimony from residents and nominees that highlighted deep disagreement about the library board’s direction and allegations of outside political influence. Jamie Segura, a Covington resident who spoke during the nomination period, asked, “Could it be the Slidell Ministers Association has undue influence over members of the council and the LBOC?” and urged the council to consider broader community representation.
Why this matters: The Library Board of Control oversees library policy and collection decisions that affect children and public programming in the parish. Several speakers said recent turnover and board actions have damaged trust between the board and parts of the public.
Several nominees introduced themselves during the public comment period. Penny Petri, who identified herself as a retired teacher and school librarian, described 24 years working in parish schools and said she would bring library management experience. Lisa Rustemeyer said she was concerned about “dysfunction and toxicity” on the board and urged the council to appoint someone who would prioritize library operations and professionals. Resident Devin McGee criticized board behavior toward public commenters and said the board “deserves someone who won't snidely prevent the public from having the board hear out concerns.” Lorraine Norman Kinchin and other nominees also spoke about community service and qualifications.
Council procedure and outcome: Council members opened the floor to nominations and received multiple nominees. No final appointment was made; the council agreed to a one‑month layover to allow additional vetting and interviews. The council chair closed nominations and directed that the appointment proceed after the layover.
What’s next: With the layover, the council said it will revisit the appointment at a future meeting; in the meantime the incumbents continue to serve under existing rules.
Ending: The council also asked members of the public to refrain from personal attacks during the interim review process and encouraged participation in the upcoming interview period.
