MONROE, La. — Outrage continues to grow in Ouachita Parish following a controversial outburst by Police Jury President Shane Smiley. His remarks, which surfaced on social media, have prompted community members to call for his resignation, initiating a petition that has garnered thousands of signatures.
Shelby Metesh, a former employee at Catahoula’s who worked under Smiley for two months, spoke with local media about her decision to leave the job, attributing it largely to Smiley’s treatment of his staff. She expressed concern over his language, suggesting that the profanity revealed in a recorded phone conversation is indicative of a pattern rather than an isolated incident.
In an exclusive interview, Smiley acknowledged the negative impact of his words. “I regret that it happened. I’m embarrassed by the words that I chose to use,” he stated, adding that he is committed to improving how he interacts with employees and the community. Smiley emphasized that he does not intend to resign from his position, highlighting his belief that one mistake does not define his character or future work.
Community response has been swift, with many residents questioning Smiley’s ability to serve effectively as president. The petition circulating online reflects the public’s desire for accountability among local leaders, as they express dissatisfaction with Smiley’s conduct.
Metesh urged the community to remain vigilant regarding the behavior of elected officials, reminding voters of the authority that comes with public positions. “People should be aware of what has come to light and realize this is a person who has a lot of power,” she said, calling for greater scrutiny of those in leadership roles.
Despite the ongoing controversy, Smiley insists that the work being done in Ouachita Parish is crucial, stating that there is “so much positive movement” that he hopes to continue fostering.
While the fallout from Smiley’s comments is far from over, he expressed remorse for any hurt he caused to employees and is viewing the situation as a personal “hard reset” that will influence how he manages his office moving forward.
This incident raises broader questions about professionalism and accountability among public officials, emphasizing the importance of thoughtful communication in leadership.
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