The Monroe City Council has leveled strong accusations against Mayor Friday Ellis, claiming he sought to sidestep the city’s charter after the council refused to confirm his fire chief nominee. At the heart of the conflict is new state legislation—sponsored by Sen. Stewart Cathey at Ellis’ request—that would allow Gov. Jeff Landry to appoint a Monroe fire chief without council approval if the post remains vacant for a year.
In a 14-minute address that dominated the council’s discussion, Council Chairman Rev. Rodney McFarland laid out the case for why the council voted to file suit against the law. Speaking forcefully, McFarland framed the issue as one of protecting Monroe’s governing principles rather than a personal or racial dispute.
“Let’s be real—T-R-U-S-T—trust has been broken,” McFarland began. He reminded the public that the city’s charter, adopted in 1979, functions much like a constitution. “It governs this body and this city. The mayor makes the ap…
