Parish home rule charter review panel kicks off

Members of the home rule charter review committee of St. Mary Parish met for the first time Tuesday.
In a short initial session, members elected officers among their ranks. Oray Rogers, of Franklin, is chairman, Nick LaRocca, of Morgan City, vice-chair and Edward Jones, of Patterson, secretary.
The parish council created the committee to review the 35-year-old document adopted in 1983. It was created by a committee formed by the St. Mary Parish Police Jury.
Over the last few years, council members have expressed concerns that the charter needs updating to meet the needs of modern concerns.
The committee will meet on the last Tuesday of the month at 5:45 p.m.
Councilman J Ina, who was instrumental in the committee’s formation, said that by ordinance any recommendations they may have will be due no later than the first parish council meeting in April, 2019. He said that the committee could also wrap up its work earlier and make suggestions. It may also suggest no changes at all.
Also present were members Ricky Armelin of Baldwin, Deborah Price of Morgan City, Rev. Allen Randle Sr., of Franklin, Mark Duhon of Amelia, and Chris Lipari of Patterson.
Appointed member Logan Fromenthal resigned before the first meeting, and member Stan Robison was not in attendance.