Meetings
 
Agenda Item
Docket No. 22-538
 
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RE:
Advisory opinion request from Lake Charles Mayor Nicholas Hunter regarding whether the Code of Ethics would prohibit him from continuing to rent property a tenant if that tenant receives a voucher for partial rent subsidies through the Section 8 program administered by the Lake Charles Housing Authority.
Facts:
Nicholas Hunter was elected Mayor of Lake Charles. Nicholas Hunter owns a house which he rents to a tenant that may apply to receive vouchers for partial rent subsidies through the Section 8 program administered by the Lake Charles Housing Authority. As Mayor, Mr. Hunter makes appointments to the board of commissioners of the Lake Charles Housing Authority, but otherwise has no control over the agency. The Lake Charles Housing Authority was created under R.S. 40:381, the "Louisiana Housing Authorities Law."
Comments:
Docket No. 2019-209 recognized that the New Roads Housing Authority was a separate governmental entity from the City of New Roads and any landlord contracts between a New Roads Mayor's company and the Housing Authority were not contracts under the supervision or jurisdiction of the Mayor's agency.
Law:
La. R.S. 40:384(16) defines "Housing authority" to mean a public body, corporate and politic, previously established, or to be established, by a municipality or a parish pursuant to the authority provided in this Chapter, exercising necessary and essential governmental functions for the purposes stated in this Chapter in matters of statewide concern, although its operations are local in nature. It is a political subdivision of this state, independent from the municipality or parish which established or establishes it or which may appoint some or all of its commissioners, and is not a state agency for any purpose, including R.S. 42:421(B)
Recommendations:
Adopt proposed advisory opinion.
Assigned Attorney: Suzanne Mooney
 
 
ATTACHMENTS:
Description:
2022-538 - AO Request
AO 2019-209
2022-538 - Advisory Opinion Draft - Hunter