The president of St. Tammany Parish has had to clarify language in the law that gives his office certain powers over the ability to conscript property in time of an emergency.
President Michael Cooper stated: “We are not taking control of any property or belongings. This language, which was included in every emergency Executive Order, is designed to protect citizens during an emergency when the resources are otherwise not available. I want our citizens to rest assured that we are not assuming control over any private properties with regard to COVID-19.”
This announcement comes following a dust-up started when a group of anti-mask activists took to social media and incorrectly claimed an emergency COVID order could give powers to seize private property to the Parish President.
Apparently, the confusion came as partial screenshots of the statewide executive emergency order were posted leading to the misunderstanding by the general public.