Elton mayor blocks petition update at city council meeting

LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Wednesday night there was a debate over who would be allowed to speak at the Elton City Council meeting. The first person to speak during the public comments portion of the meeting wanted to know why his name was not included on the agenda.

Roderick Williams wanted to give an update on the recall petition of the mayor. Williams was highlighted in a 7News Investigation after he brought up possible voter fraud in the mayoral election. After the last council meeting, a form was created that residents have to fill out to request to speak. Williams said he filled out two forms, and initially made the agenda, but the most recent agenda didn’t have his name on it.

7NEWS requested previous versions of the agenda and found Williams’ name was scratched out, and the time for public comments was reduced from 3 to 2 minutes. The mayor said she did it on the recommendation of the city attorney who felt it wasn’t “official city business.” The council though asked if they could still allow him on the agenda because they thought his update was pertinent, and the city attorney said ultimately it was up to them. They voted unanimously to allow Williams to speak.

He said the state statute requires signatures to be obtained from 40% of the qualified voters to hold a recall election. Williams also said within the town’s limit, there are currently 612 registered active voters, and they have more than 300 signatures so far. The recall petition is due to the state on August 13.

Williams also says following the 7NEWS’ investigation highlighting potential voter fraud, 110 voters were removed from the rolls, either because they were questionable, inactive, or moved. Williams stresses the petition is not an attack against the mayor, just an effort to have a fair election.

No comments were given by the Council following the statement. They just thanked Williams for the update.

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