AI Resources
Podcast Production Kit: Denham Springs Streets Department 2022 Audit
Complete podcast production kit investigating Denham Springs Streets Department misuse of public resources. Includes interview scripts, key quotes, and evidence of Anti-Donation Clause violations. Ready for independent media use.
By LRA, published , updated .
Podcast Provider Notice:
The following is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, governmental, or professional advice. The Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) is a private entity and is not a government agency. Laws, procedures, and agency contacts are subject to change. Users are solely responsible for ensuring the accuracy of information and for complying with all applicable laws and regulations when engaging with government bodies. The views expressed are those of the LRA and do not reflect the official policy or position of any government entity.
License: This production kit is provided under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0. Attribution to the Louisiana Recovery Authority is required.
Podcast Production Kit
Denham Springs Public Resource Misuse Investigation
Investigation Snapshot
- What: City crews & equipment used on private rental property
- Who: Streets Superintendent George Lathers + 4 crew members
- When: Documented incidents from 2018-2022
- Legal Issue: Violation of LA Constitution Anti-Donation Clause
- Status: Formal complaint filed with LA Legislative Auditor
Host & Expert Interview Script
(8-10 minute format with citizen commentary integration)
[SOUNDBED: Subtle investigative music fades in, then under]
HOST: Welcome back. Today we're digging into a story that sounds like something out of a political thriller—city workers, on the clock, using taxpayer-funded equipment to do private work. But this isn't fiction—this is Denham Springs, Louisiana, where a new investigation alleges serious violations of the state constitution.
HOST: Joining us is [Expert Name], a government accountability specialist with the Louisiana Recovery Authority. [Expert], this case involves something called the "Anti-Donation Clause." Can you break down what that means for our listeners?
EXPERT: Absolutely. The Anti-Donation Clause in Louisiana's Constitution is crystal clear—it prohibits giving away public resources to private entities. Think of it as the state's way of saying "you can't use taxpayer money as your personal piggy bank." When city workers use equipment, materials, and their paid time to benefit private property, that's exactly what's happening here.
[SFX: Paper rustling, document sounds]
HOST: The documentation shows this wasn't a one-time thing. We're talking about a pattern going back to 2018—multiple incidents where a front loader was used to haul gravel and maintain a private driveway. What makes this particularly concerning?
EXPERT: Two words: systemic failure. Back in 2016, the Legislative Auditor already caught Denham Springs doing this exact same thing. Mayor Landry promised reforms—new policies, log books, formal agreements. But here we are years later, and not only are the same violations happening, but when a citizen tried to document it in 2022, Superintendent George Lathers literally said "I'm not talking to him" and drove away.
CITIZEN COMMENTARY INSERT
HOST: We actually spoke with a Denham Springs resident who's been tracking this issue for years. Here's what they told us:
"You see the same trucks, the same crews, working on private properties while our own streets have potholes that could swallow a small car. When you try to ask questions, they shut down. It's like there's two sets of rules—one for connected people and one for the rest of us."
HOST: That's pretty damning. So what happens when you have this kind of culture?
EXPERT: It creates a ripple effect. Taxpayers pay twice—once for the misused resources, and again when those same resources aren't available for actual public works. But more importantly, it erodes trust. When citizens see their officials breaking the rules with impunity, why should anyone follow the rules?
CITIZEN REACTION INSERT
HOST: We asked another resident how this affects their view of local government:
"It makes you feel helpless. You pay your taxes, you try to do everything right, and then you see this. The mayor knows about it, the council knows about it, and nobody does anything. It's why people get cynical about politics."
HOST: So where does this stand now? What's being done?
EXPERT: The Louisiana Recovery Authority has filed a formal complaint with the Legislative Auditor—that's the state's watchdog. They're asking for a full investigation, including subpoenas for payroll records, equipment logs, and communications. But here's the concerning part: as of early October, they haven't even received an acknowledgment.
HOST: That seems like a long time to wait when you're alleging constitutional violations.
EXPERT: It is. And every day that passes without action reinforces this culture of impunity. That's why public pressure matters now more than ever.
[SOUNDBED: Music comes up slightly]
HOST: So what can listeners do if this concerns them?
EXPERT: Contact the Denham Springs City Council—all five members. Remember, they're elected "at-large," meaning they all represent you. Demand they pressure the mayor for transparency and support the state auditor's investigation. The days of "long-standing traditions" of misuse need to end.
HOST: [Expert Name], thank you for shedding light on this important investigation.
[SOUNDBED: Music fades out]
Production Note: This script is adaptable for solo host or interview format. Citizen commentary can be read by co-host or voice actor. Full documentation available at LouisianaRecoveryAuthority.org.
Key Quotes & Soundbites
"The actions of Streets Superintendent George Lathers and his crew violate the Louisiana Constitution's Anti-Donation Clause and echo a pattern of systemic misuse identified by the Legislative Auditor in 2016."
"When informed of the Streets Department's activities, Mayor Landry refused to discipline Superintendent Lathers, dismissing the accusations."
"The City of Denham Springs does not remove debris or perform driveway maintenance on private property." — City Clerk Buffy Anderson, in response to public records request
Call to Action Script
For your outro: "If you want to see accountability in Denham Springs, don't stay silent. Contact all five city council members—Robert Poole, Lori Lamm Williams, Amber Dugas, Jim Gilbert, and Jeff Wesley. Demand they support a full investigation into the misuse of public resources. Find their contact information and the complete evidence file at Louisiana Recovery Authority dot org."