Fenton, Louisiana, Mayor Eddie Alfred is the judge and jury when it comes to traffic fines and punishments. Residents flag the conflict of interest.
Pro Publica reported that the residents of the small town of Fenton, Louisiana, were shocked to find that speeding tickets generated more than one million in revenue.
Fenton village attorney Mike Holmes says the mayor presides in a “neutral, impartial manner,” coinciding with Louisiana law.
However, court records showed the town may be biased in handling certain situations. Case summaries included notes from village employees and officers saying not to “fix” tickets or reduce charges for drivers with what is described as having a “bad attitude.” Other notes suggest the police chief and other administration play a part in charges being dismissed, but Holmes said tickets are only dismissed through him.
During the investigation, Mayor Eddie Alfred discussed the need for police to write more tickets.
“We need to write more traffic tickets,” Alfred said. “I talked to the chief yesterday.”
Residents didn’t take too kindly to the mayor’s comments.
“Like it’s annoying, it’s annoying, it’s really annoying,” Fenton resident Cody Brock said regarding speed limits in the city.
Another resident, Danny Alfred, says there needs to be someone held accountable. He mentioned that he believes the city is setting up intentional traps for him and his fellow residents.
“Where is the money going? There’s only one person that has access to it,” Alfred said.
Alfred pointed out that other things need to be fixed and updated in their small city, like faulty water systems, open ditches, and providing a safe space for children to play.
Source: Black Enterprise
