DANIEL TYLER GOODEN / L’Observateur / March 4, 2000

LUTCHER – “When lives are at risk you do something about it,” said Brandy Siears, a resident of Paulina.

Siears stood before the St. James Parish Council Wednesday and describedthe hazardous condition of her backyard, which is adjacent to the baseball field at Paulina Park.

The Siears house sits right behind the field, right in line with any baseball that is hit over the fence.

“I’ve been standing outside with my 2-year-old in the yard, gone inside and two minutes later watched a ball hit right where I was standing,” said Siears.

The parish previously erected a net to catch the balls, but Siears explained that it has not been successful due to its small size and frailty in harsh weather. The Siears built a 7-foot fence at their own expense, but it still hasnot helped the problem.

“You can be assured that any property damage will be taken care of,” said Councilman Timothy Roussel.

“I’m not worried about damage, I’m worried about my children,” responded Siears.

Councilman Wilson Malbrough Jr., who has visited the Siears’ home, tooksteps to solve the problem.

“What really got me was when Brandy told me about how their 2-year-old daughter came in from outside with a baseball in her hand.” Malbrough assured Siears the problem was being fixed. The parish hasordered a 40×200-foot net, which is heavy enough to handle bad weather.

Councilmen apologized that the problem had not been remedied sooner, stating the issue had not been brought to their attention. They said they arethankful that she came to speak to them directly so they were made aware of what needed to be done and could take steps toward helping her family.

In another matter, St. James Parish Hospital Administrator Joan Murray andDr. K. Mathew discussed the appointment of a board member to fill Dr. WardTurner’s unexpired term. Turner has retired due to health problems.Murray discussed Bocz’s concerns that the hospital was spreading rumors of his dislike for the facility, which was discussed at a previous council meeting.

“I was surprised at the alleged rumors. We were only there to show supportfor Joe Turner,” said Murray. “I would like to say that no one at the hospitalstarted any rumors.”Turner is the hospital’s recommendation for the replacement board member.

Murray explained to the council that her approaching the board that night was strictly motivated by her concern for the well being of the hospital. Sheasked the council to strongly consider Joe Turner, Dr. Ward Turner’s son. “It is vital we have a physician on the board. They face the same problems asthe staff; they understand,” said Murray. “We are so lucky to have a man ofthe caliber of Joe to help us.”Mathew rose before the council and echoed Murray’s sentiments.

“If you look at a hospital there will be at least one doctor on their board,” Mathew said. “The doctor serves as a liaison to the medical staff.”Mathew also added that Turner is a role model who can keep them moving forward. He said he hopes that any egos bruised in the last two weeks couldbe set aside in favor of the hospital.

The council unanimously voted Turner into his father’s vacant seat on the hospital board. It also reappointed Wilber Reynaud to the board.The council also appointed Councilman James Mitchell minority representative for the South Central Planning and Development Commission.

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