Elected officials carry a dual burden. On one hand, they must represent the public with dignity, fairness, and adherence to the rules of order. On the other hand, their private and business dealings often serve as the true test of their character. A leader who stands tall in the Police Jury chamber but treats employees with disrespect in private is sending mixed messages about integrity.
The case of Ouachita Parish Police Jury President Shane Smiley highlights this dilemma. In his role as president, there have been no recorded infractions of decorum. Meetings have proceeded under the rules, and he has represented the body with the decorum required of the office.
Yet, a leaked recording from his private business paints a different picture—one of harsh and profane language, a disrespectful tone, and a disregard for the dignity of a youthful employee.
While Smiley has publicly apologized and expressed regret, the fact remains that public trust hinges not only on what is done before cameras, but also on what is done behind closed doors.
The community is now fa…
We’ve all heard bosses talk bad to incompetent employees. A lot of these employees do not realize or care how much the employers have invested. Especially when a employer expects competency in it’s employees. Has for foul language, that was mild compared to most including business owners on city council. SHANE SMILEY has been a good public servant for quite a while, done alot of good for monoe and ouichita parish. I’m sure he has learned from this experience and will vent the quality of the employees he employees from now on.