Has Lafayette reached this point? 

"Niccolo Machiavelli's The Prince is arguably one of the most popular books about politics ever written. Its observations about human behavior are as true today as they were five hundred years ago.  Although The Prince is taught in many schools, there are few reputable teachers who would recommend actually following the advice that Machiavelli offers; it is meant to serve the prince's selfish interests, not to serve society in general."



Lafayette Planning Commissioner Fred Prejean  says Machiavellian politics in Lafayette will not succeed.   Prejean recently e-mailed a letter to LCG Planning Zoning and Codes Chairman seeking to preserve the absence of intimidation at commission briefings.  It is apparent to me that some non-staff members present at our briefings are sponges, soaking up significant information demonstrated through our commissioners attitudes and using that knowledge to calculate future actions, Machiavellian style. "My trust level regarding non-staff at our briefing sessions has diminished by recent events and requires a justified proactive response. I do not wish to convey my concerns to non-staff members prior to discussing them in our open public meetings".  

Since sending the e-mail, Prejean says he is not sure his request will meet legal requirements.  A legal opinion is required to settle that question, Prejean said and whatever the outcome, so be it.
Prejean opines that "the political landscape of Lafayette is fragmented, polarized, paranoid and filled with mean spirited individuals. This atmosphere is unacceptable because citizens lives are impacted in a negative way.  A disjointed community is not in the best interest of the city nor parish. Those individuals seeking to exploit the weakness of a community by utilizing Machiavellian tactics will not succeed.  The Prince and the Little Napoleon characters will be challenged and hopefully deterred."

While our local media may spin this editorial and e-mail to accommodate their purposes, let it be known that I am an advocate of democracy and the ideals of the proud American People who gave their lives for this country.  My letter to the commission chairman was written with the intent of promoting democracy by excluding The Prince and the little Napoleons in Lafayette who abuse the confidence given to them.  I am confident that people of goodwill, in time, will extricate the cunning foxes and supplant them with people who don't have an ego problem.

Prejean said, "I urge citizens of Lafayette to engage in the civic affairs of our community by attending public meetings and participating in government advisory committees. Your civic involvement is the only way we can protect the best interest of "We the People", our children, our elderly, our uneducated and our diversified cultures."  

Finally, I have avoided naming individuals who emulate The Prince and the Little Napoleon because this is not a personal matter, it is a political conflict that will be resolved politically.  

Below, please find the original text of the e-mail referred to.

By: Fred Prejean

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Mr. John Barras, Chairman
Laf.Pfc Commission
 
Chairman, Barras,
 
 
This communication is submitted following a lengthy thought process.  Specifically, I am requesting that our commission discontinue allowing non staff members to be present at our commission briefing sessions that occur prior to each commission meeting.  The briefing sessions are not open public meetings and there is no obligation to admit non-staff.
 
I do not feel comfortable asking legal or technical questions pertaining to cases on our commission agenda in the company of non-staff members.  My trust level regarding non-staff at our briefing sessions has diminished by recent events and requires a justified proactive response. I do not wish to convey my concerns to non-staff members prior to discussing them in our open public meeting.
 
It is apparent to me that some non-staff members present at our briefings are sponges, soaking up significant information demonstrated through our commissioners attitudes and using that knowledge to calculate future actions. I think you know who I am referring to. I resent the indifference shown to me and our entire commission and I am predisposed to confront such foul play. I'm not intimidated by non-staff members, just cautious about who I will now trust. 
 
My intention is to get rid of the "little Napoleon Bonaparte(s)" who frequent our briefings.  Reason does not seem to have an impact, therefore exclusion from our briefings seem appropriate.  I am contemplating additional action but will wait to hear from you first. There's a war going on with an enemy that is oblivious to other people and their interest.   
 
I urge you to consider this request without having to discuss it in a public meeting or forum.  (I'm sure the news media would blow this out of proportion).  As Chairman, this request falls within your authority. I'm available if you would like to further discuss this matter (phone # removed).
 
Thanks in advance, I look forward to hearing from you.
 
 
Fred Prejean
 
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