By Tracie Burke | Motion to Quash LLC | August 14, 2019
The purpose of the Motion to Quash LLC Blacklist is to analyze the Jefferson Parish elected officials and candidates. The stress is on reports of problems and issues with unfair business practices, discrimination, corruption, and on key issues that can be identified to inform campaign contribution policy and guide further campaign laws. In particular, this report focuses on problems and issues in the matter of candidate for Jefferson Parish council, Marion Edwards.
Methodology
Motion to quash LLC conducted methodology utilizing observations of program operations conducted by OJP Court Clearinghouse and technical assistance project assignment number 154, for the 24th Judicial Court and its organization of the treatment module and the provision of critical services provided by the drug court program. Motion to Quash also obtained information by query through the Louisiana Secretary of State Commercial Division, the Louisiana Ethics Board campaign finance portal, PACER, and by telephone interview with Louisiana Ethics Board Executive Secretary.
Section A. Issues and Problems Implementing the Drug Court Program
1. Unrealistic Program Design
- Lacking too many critical areas needed for the for the delivery of sound services
- Unrealistic program design needed to be simplified to a more reasonable treatment design
- No grievance procedure
2. Discrimination
- The ethnic gender diversity program of staff was not reflective of the community population
- More minorities and women needed to be recruited as clinicians to work this program
- Staff needed Cultural Competence training
3. Confidentiality Laws
- Staff needed comprehensive training in federal confidentiality regulations, 42 CFR.
The review of the treatment program of the 24th Judicial District intense program probation drug court Jefferson Parish Louisiana was prepared by the OJP Drug Court Clearinghouse and Technical Assistance Project at American University, Washington, D.C.
Section B. Conflict of Interest- Director of Responsibility House Inc.
Responsibility House Incorporated RH is a private non-profit organization for substance abuse treatment.
- Marion Edwards was appointed Director of Responsibility House Inc.- a conflict of interest because clients were referred from the court/judicial system.
- No annual report for Responsibility House Inc. filed with the Louisiana Secretary of State
- No disclosure forms for Marion Edwards filed with the Louisiana Board of Ethics, required according to the Campaign Finance Disclosure Act. Candidate is required to file disclosure statements pursuant to R.S. 42 1124,1124.2, 1124.3 for the office he is candidate. Any person who fails to file or fails to timely file the statement required is subject to penalties as provided in R.S. 42:1124.4.
Section C.- Over 20 businesses not in good standing, revoked by the Louisiana Secretary of State
1. – This signifies a willful attempt to evade or defeat any tax imposed by Tax Titles and shall be guilty of a felony, an attempt to reduce tax liability by deceit subterfuge, or concealing information.
Section D- Bribes through Campaign Contributions
A. A number of consultant groups, engineers, construction companies, and special interest groups that do business with the Parish have issued campaign contributions in the amount of $103,8000.
Section V- Excessive Civil Rights Complaints
Exceeding 20 complaints against Marion Edwards for Injunctive Relief and Damages brought under 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1983 in connection with but not limited to the following violations:
- 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1981 Equal Rights
- 42 U.S.C. Sec. 1985 Conspiracy to Interfere With Human Rights
- 42 U.S.C Sec. 1986 Action for Neglect to Prevent Conspiracy
Conclusion
Marion Edwards’ long standing financial ties to Jefferson Parish has unbalanced the scales of justice. After reviewing Marion Edwards’ practices, a number of problems and issues have been outlined and Motion to Quash LLC’s consideration is to request that the Ethics Adjudicatory Board (a) conduct a hearing on the foregoing charges; (b) determine that Marion Edwards violated La. R.S. 42:111A(1)(a). La. R.S. 42:1111C(1)(a), and La. R.S. 42:111C(2)(b); and assess appropriate penalties in accordance with the recommendation of the Louisiana Board of Ethics to be submitted at a hearing.
Tracie Burke is Louisiana author of Motion to Quash. Her work focuses on providing information, education, and justice for women survivors of domestic violence. She can be reached at tracie@motiontoquash.org
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