Byrd Appointment Rejected

Pastor Ike Byrd has been a fixture in northeast Louisiana for decades as the shepherd of Mount Zion Baptist Church and one of the community's most valued leaders. He has served in various civic and religious capacities, where his passion has been preaching the gospel. Recently, Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis announced Byrd as the city's next Community Affairs Director. A resolution for his appointment was on the agenda for the August 27, 2024, city council meeting, where it was expected to pass but failed by a 3-2 vote. The issue stemmed from the mayor appointing Byrd without prior council approval, as required by the city's charter. While Byrd's qualifications were not questioned, the council expressed concerns about the lack of vetting. Pastor Byrd addressed the council after the vote, noting that he had spoken to some council members about the appointment. The controversy highlighted ongoing concerns among council members about how appointments of department heads are conducted, with some criticism directed at the mayor for bypassing established procedures.

Photo: Pastor Ike Byrd was introduced by Jimmy Bryant as the city's next Community Affairs Director on Monday, August 26, 2024, at a city hall media event