Once again, and for the sixth consecutive year, State Civil Service employees are being forced to go without a pay raise.
And on the heels of this, the Office of Group Benefits is raising premiums by about 7.5 percent.
But not to worry: what Louisiana State Police (LSP) Superintendent Mike Edmonson couldn’t accomplish two years ago via what was literally a last-minute amendment to an obscure legislative bill, State Police Maj. Jason Starnes has done for him—and for himself and other high-ranking troopers, as well.
The tactic was pulled off so quickly and with such surprise that it could be considered a variation of the old smash and grab move where you strike suddenly, grab what you can and make a fast getaway.
Edmonson got a healthy salary increase of $43,100 (32 percent), from $134,350 to $177,450, effective Aug. 1, LouisianaVoice has learned.
Edmonson says several sheriffs, national guard officers and some State Police majors were making more than he did and that the increases were needed to make state police salaries more competitive.
But Edmonson also receives free housing, meals and furnishings, free butler, cooks and lawn care (courtesy of prisoners of the Louisiana Department of Corrections), a state vehicle and fuel—all at taxpayer expense.
So, just how competitive does he need to be?
Edmonson’s Chief of Staff Charles Dupuy also got a 14.5 percent raise, from $140,900 to $161,300, a jump of $20,400.
Starnes, promoted to LSP Chief Administrative Officer on Aug. 15, received a $21,850 (17 percent) raise, from $128,900 to $150,750.
State Fire Marshal Butch Browning received a raise of $33,500 (32.2 percent), from $104,000 to $137,500.
The Baton Rouge Advocate, which broke its story an hour before ours went up and which cited the same sources (State Civil Service), listed two other LSP Deputy Superintendents who received raises: Glenn Staton and Murphy Paul, who got raises from $140,890 to $150,752 (7 percent). http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/crime_police/article_4b9471c4-76e0-11e6-ab44-ffb987ff581f.html?sr_source=lift_amplify
It’s also worth noting here, since we’re talking about getting the records from Civil Service, that The Advocate also made a request to LSP for the records on Sept. 1 and The Advocate is still waiting. It’s not certain when The Advocate made its request to Civil Service but LouisianaVoice made its request to Civil Service about 3:30 p.m. on Friday (Sept. 9) and the records were produced within an hour. LSP, meanwhile, was busy doing the Kristy Nichols Shuffle, i.e. delaying providing the most basic of information. The Advocate story said the official LSP position was that it was still checking for redactions. Paraphrasing former New Orleans and Indianapolis Colts Head Coach Jim Mora, we can only respond with incredulity, “Redactions?! REDACTIONS?! Are you kidding me? REDACTIONS? Don’t talk to me about redactions! We’re not thinking about redactions; we just want basic information.”
Starnes, who has enjoyed a meteoric rise through the LSP ranks, apparently is the one who usurped legislative intent by signing off on the raises of Edmonson, Dupuy and Browning, each retroactive to Aug. 1.
http://www.forward-now.com/2014/08/09/louisianavoice-tracks-careers-of-key-edmonson-associates/
You’ll remember that in 2014, in the closing minutes of the regular legislative session, State Sen. Neil Riser (R-Columbia) tacked an amendment onto a bill that would have given Edmonson an additional $50,000 or so in retirement benefits. https://louisianavoice.com/2014/07/11/generous-retirement-benefit-boost-slipped-into-bill-for-state-police-col-mike-edmonson-on-last-day-of-legislative-session/
Here is a copy of Amendment 4, which was passed but subsequently struck down in Baton Rouge state district court pursuant to a lawsuit filed by State Sen. Dan Claitor. http://www.legis.la.gov/legis/ViewDocument.aspx?d=911551&n=Conference
Earlier this year, the Legislature, through passage of House Bill 1, set the salaries of statewide elected officials and the governor’s cabinet members. Edmonson’s salary, like that of the governor, was set at $134,400.
But thanks to even more creative maneuvering by Edmonson (he continues to insist he had nothing to do with that retirement gambit but it’s our contention the amendment didn’t write itself and since it applied only to Edmonson and one other trooper….well, you do the math), certain select LSP personnel are getting generous pay bumps over and above last year’s two separate raises that amounted to 30 percent or more across the board.
Edmonson said last year that pay raises would not be going to troopers of ranks higher than major but with this latest round, which went into effect on Aug. 1, that promise appears to have been conveniently forgotten—as was Edmonson’s salary, supposedly set by HB 1.
The whole affair appears to have stemmed from Edmonson’s determination to promote Starnes. He first attempted to move him into the position of Interim Undersecretary to succeed Jill Boudreaux who retired (for a second time) earlier this year. https://louisianavoice.com/2016/02/29/dps-undersecretary-jill-boudreaux-retiring-for-real-this-time-6-years-after-taking-incentive-buyout-at-governors-directive/
But retired State Trooper Bucky Millet filed a formal complaint, claiming the appointment was illegal. The move, Millet’s complaint said, was in violation of Rule 14.3(G), which says:
- No classified member of the State Police shall be appointed, promoted, transferred or any way employed in or to any position that is not within the State Police Service.
Edmonson subsequently pulled the appointment. https://louisianavoice.com/2016/06/06/starnes-promotion-pulled-by-edmonson-after-complaint-governor-fails-to-sign-lsp-pay-plan-rescinded-by-lspc/
But last month Edmonson came before the Louisiana State Police Commission (LSPC), the equivalent to the State Civil Service Board, with a proposal to create a new classified position, Chief Administrative Officer, apparently with the same duties and powers as the unclassified—and still vacant—Undersecretary position.
On Thursday (Sept. 8) of this week, the formal approval of the new position came before the LSPC, which immediately went into an illegal executive session.
Upon emerging from that closed-door session, Townsend recommended no action on Millet’s complaint and explained away Millet’s complaint by claiming Edmonson never actually appointed Starnes because that can only be done by the governor. Townsend failed to explain how the “non-appointed” Starnes’ appointment was posted briefly on the LSP Web page before quietly being taken down after Millet filed his complaint.
First of all, LSPC legal counsel Taylor Townsend (who has become a major disappointment as a $75,000 contract investigator who twice in as many “investigations,” has recommended no action by the commission while conducting no interviews and without introducing any pertinent recordings in his possession and writing no reports of his “findings”) said the executive session was to discuss “personnel matters” when in fact, the smart money says it was to discuss the legality of Edmonson’s move. https://louisianavoice.com/2016/09/08/calling-out-the-hayride-pseudo-investigations-backdoor-contracts-and-executive-sessions-cloistered-in-subterfuge/
Here are the guidelines for an executive session to discuss “personnel” matters:
La. R.S. 42:17 Exceptions to open meetings
- A public body may hold an executive session pursuant to R.S. 42:16 for one or more of the following reasons:
(1) Discussion of the character, professional competence, or physical or mental health of a person, provided that such person is notified in writing at least twenty-four hours, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, before the scheduled time contained in the notice of the meeting at which such executive session is to take place and that such person may require that such discussion be held at an open meeting. However, nothing in this Paragraph shall permit an executive session for discussion of the appointment of a person to a public body or, except as provided in R.S. 39:1593(C)(2)(c), for discussing the award of a public contract. In cases of extraordinary emergency, written notice to such person shall not be required; however, the public body shall give such notice as it deems appropriate and circumstances permit.
The closed-door meeting was illegal on at least three levels:
- To our knowledge, there was no discussion of the “character, professional competence, or physical or mental health” of Starnes.
- If that was what was discussed, the commission again violated the law by not complying with the requirement that “such person is notified in writing at least twenty-four hours, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays.” By failing to notify Starnes, he was denied the opportunity to say whether or not he desired a closed meeting.
- Moreover, the public meetings law says, “Nothing…shall permit an executive session for discussion of the appointment of a person to a public body or, except as provided in R.S. 39:1593(C)(2)(c), for discussing the award of a public contract.”
Besides Townsend, the commission has one other full-time attorney who sits at the table during LSPC meetings. Between the two, someone should advise the commission of it legal obligations when trying to conduct its business away from the eyes and ears of the public.
Here’s the short version: Guys, there’s no app for that.
But then it was Townsend who in August attempted to tell LouisianaVoice (incorrectly, it was pointed out to him at the time by LouisianaVoice) that the commission was not required to give a reason for an executive session. And this from a man who once served in the Louisiana Legislature where our laws are written.
For Mr. Townsend’s enlightenment, here is that law:
La. R.S. 42:16 Executive Sessions
A public body may hold executive sessions upon an affirmative vote, taken at an open meeting for which notice has been given pursuant to R.S. 42:19, of two-thirds of its constituent members present. An executive session shall be limited to matters allowed to be exempted from discussion at open meetings by R.S. 42:17 (see above-quoted statute); however, no final or binding action shall be taken during an executive session. The vote of each member on the question of holding such an executive session and the reason for holding such an executive session shall be recorded and entered into the minutes of the meeting. Nothing in this Section or R.S. 42:17 shall be construed to require that any meeting be closed to the public, nor shall any executive session be used as a subterfuge to defeat the purposes of R.S. 42:12 through R.S. 42:2 (Emphasis added).
Do you know if Major Starns is in all but title the Undersecretary. Because the law is pretty clear (see below link) that DPS must have an actual Undersecretary. This kind of seems like they are trying to skirt the law.
http://www.legis.la.gov/legis/law.aspx?d=92760
Good question and very astute observation. That’s precisely the end run that Edmonson was executing in creating the “new position” and moving Starnes into it after retired Trooper Bucky Millet stopped Edmonson cold with his formal complaint over his “non-appointment” appointment of Starnes as Interim Undersecretary.
Edmonson failed to enrich himself with the Edmonson Amendment. Where there is a will, there is a way. He found another way. Thanks to all the taxpayers for paying the justified salary of this hard-working Trooper. To all who have criticized him, it is best for you to back off. You might get hurt.
http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/crime_police/article_4b9471c4-76e0-11e6-ab44-ffb987ff581f.html?sr_source=lift_amplify
The MSM chose to give this prominent coverage, as well.
Paraphrasing Mel Brooks: It’s good to be the colonel.
Once again, cronies skirt the law and play possum with taxpayer money. Total BS. WE NEED LAWS WITH TEETH THAT PUNISH THIS CORRUPTION!!!
If you look for a pay grid or pay plan submitted for approval to the State Police Commission on the Deputy Superintendents you won’t find one. A pay grid that is not promulgated with public funds should be illegal!
Tom
Does anyone care?
I am not a stock broker and not qualified to give investment advice but state employees should take a look at the investment strategy of Mike Edmonson and the Louisiana State Troopers Association. Apparently they have invested in the “GOOSE THAT LAID THE GOLDEN EGG” through an apparent violation of the State Constitution and LSPC rules. They invested in John Bel Edwards and several Legislators (WITH BAD ADVICE FROM THEIR ATTORNEY, FLOYD FALCON). They have and continue to receive a substantial return on their investments. After reviewing T. Taylor Townsend’s “INVESTIGATION” and his conclusion, other state employees may want to change their investment strategy. What has happened to the HONOR CODE?
Do we really want to restore the coastline or should we just let Louisiana slip below the sea? Are we worth saving? Thing is, there are so many good people in the state. How do we get so many corrupt or indifferent politicians?
I would love to see a story on how the DPS Police Officers that work directly for Col Edmonson have not received a pay increase for years even though they are held to the same standards as LSP Troopers. DPS has been told over and over again by the Colonel that he is working on something. When the Troopers received their pay raises, DPS was told their raise was coming. Well, its been a while. Where is their money?
I suppose there will be no Sunday Note today! Always highlighted by remember your Core Values! Those same Core Values don’t apply if you reside on the 2nd floor. Wonder if he has an ounce of “Integrity” left? I think not!
And making the pay increase retroactive to August 1 would seem to fly in the face of what I recall are several long-standing Attorney General opinions saying except in limited conditions retro pay is a violation of the La Constitution prohibition against gifts. Wendell Lindsay
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Corrupt Democrat Governor JBE has already started misappropriating FEMA Disaster Relief Funds to enrich his Cronies and Minions. I will be writing to House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell urging that special restraints be placed on any FEMA Louisiana Flood Disaster Relief funds that this obviously crooked Democratic Governor may have the authority to direct.
is this why DPS Police get all the used LSP equipment? DPS Police are currently using units that are 8-10 yrs old with in excess 300K miles on them as their front line patrol vehicles while LSP rank and troopers complain that their 2014 Tahoe has 60k for mileage. DPS Police get all the crap details that the troopers don’t want as well as the crap assignments. I guess its good to be the king when your living expenses are paid by somebody else.
Boy, has JBE come a LONG WAYS from the days he says he was “duped” by Edmonson & crew (see 2nd video of JBE on this webpage):
http://www.jbefraud.com/appoint_edmonson_LSP.htm.
Simply amazing what the changes brought about by PPI (poitical power intoxication) can be, huh?
Mr. Dupuy, because he does not deserve to be called anything more, said that he had found a loop hole and that they were going to fix things. Guess he was honest about that because in my book he needs to be in the cell with Edmonson, Starnes, Besson, Guillory, Lewis, Cannon, etc. Sad that there are that many criminals leading our law enforcement agency with no accountability, who are worse than those they lock up! Courtesy, INTEGRITY, Service, they fail in all three. They have no Integrity, are courtesy and service only those that will return favors! I love Louisiana but this kind of money and power grab sickens me!
As a generic retired state employee, I would like to offer a few comments. First, I support law enforcement. Second, local enforcement (parish and city enforcement) are grossly underpaid compared to State police because the latter aggressively lobbies state legislators, whom tend to be very supportive. Of course, it is well documented that state legislators often receive free rides and other benefits from State Troopers.
Among state employees, the State troopers are among he highest paid employees, and only because they aggressively (unethically??) lobby state legislators.
Do we want someone with this level of character to be in charge of LSP, a position that requires great integrity? Edmondson is obviously sorely lacking in integrity. Gov. Edwards would do well to remove this scum from his post. I wondered why Edwards kept him in the first place.