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Commission votes to terminate chief legal officer; lobbying contract with Mercury Public Affairs deferred
Summary
The commission approved termination of Jacob Lee, the port’s chief legal officer, and debated—and ultimately deferred—a monthly lobbying contract with Mercury Public Affairs amid questions on registration and return on investment.
The commission considered and approved a resolution terminating Jacob Lee, identified in the resolution as the chief legal officer of the Plaquemines Port Harbor and Terminal District. The termination language was amended to adjust the effective date, commissioners discussed HR exit logistics (access removal, vehicle collection and paperwork), and the item passed with a majority of votes (the meeting record notes six yeses on the item).
Discussion included whether the termination should be immediate and practical steps for HR to secure equipment and systems access. Commissioner Jurich moved to amend to make the termination immediate, which prompted procedural votes and a discussion about HR availability and scheduling; the commission scheduled the effective timing to allow HR to prepare exit paperwork and vehicle collection.
Separately, the commission debated a proposed contract with Mercury Public Affairs for federal and state lobbying and administrative representation (including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers). Several commissioners and members of the public questioned the value and timing of the contract, noting a reported lapse in the lobbyist’s registration for 2025 and asking for evidence of return on investment. Dr. Gooey and others explained that the contract is month‑to‑month and that the lobbyist had continued work; supporters said lobbying coverage in Baton Rouge and Washington is important for the port.
After extended discussion, the chair deferred the Mercury Public Affairs contract for two weeks so commissioners can review the corrected contract terms and consult with Senator Vidder and other stakeholders.
Next steps: the termination becomes effective per HR scheduling and the Mercury Public Affairs item will return to the commission for a vote after further review. The port also approved routine audit resolutions and named the Plaquemines Gazette as the official journal during the same meeting.
