Hmmm. District 3 City-Parish Councilman Brandon Shelvin is helping kids with the supplies they need for back to school?
District 3 City-Parish Councilman Brandon Shelvin, who plans to seek re-election but has yet to pay his ethics fine of $1,900, is partnering with local businesses for an Aug. 6 "equipping our kids to learn, back to school rally."
"According to our records, Mr. Shelvin owes $1,900 plus court costs," writes Ethics Administrator Kathleen Allen in response to an Independent inquiry into the status of Shelvin's ethics obligation. "He did not timely file his 2009 supplemental report. He asked for a payment plan; however, he only made one payment of $100 and is currently not in compliance with the plan."
The ethics fine is but one component of the Brandon Shelvin ethical/financial/legal fiasco. But at least he'll have to pay that debt before qualifying for re-election, thanks to a new law. The first-term councilman has yet to publicly address the remainder of his shady dealings. So far, he has no opposition, though two opponents he faced in 2007, Shawn Wilson and Amos Batiste, are reportedly eyeing the race.
According to the flyer for the school supplies' event, its mission is to provide the necessary tools kids need to receive a good education, including book sacks, uniforms, pencils, pens, socks, paper, crayons, glue and computers.
The sponsors of the event include Greg and Julia Gachassin (oh, the ethical coincidence), Mello Joy Coffee, Angel Manor, Atmos Energy, Sam's Fashions, Ricky Gary's AC, Urban Trends, Country Cuisine, KJCB Radio, Cox Communications, Sid's One Stop, Harold's Barber Shop and Glenn Armentor Law Corp. Those in need of supplies can fill out applications at Sid's One Stop, KJCB Radio, Harold's Barbership, Mouton's Grocery, Country Cuisine, Truman's Grocery Store, Archie's Beauty and Barber Salon, The Hair Depot, Sam's Fashions and Urban Trends.
The rally supports a worthwhile cause in our community, as we readily acknowledge there are families needing help and kids who deserve the tools essential to a great start for the new school year. But surely having Shelvin tied to this effort should have given these sponsors pause.
Let's just hope he doesn't offer students advice on ethics and honesty or how to run for office in a district you don't even reside in. Read more on Shelvin's troubles here, here, here and here.