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Internal allegations of misconduct have prompted the Houma-Terrebonne Housing Authority Board of Commissioners to launch an investigation into the organization’s top management.
HTHA Executive Director Wayne Thibodeaux came under fire during Thursday’s board meeting. Following an agenda item, commissioners entered into a three-hour, 18-minute executive session to discuss allegations brought against Thibodeaux by Senator Circle manager Troy Johnson.
During the closed-door session, several employees from both Senator Circle and Bayou Towers were called one-by-one to answer questions posed by commissioners. Each staff member asked about the session, following his or her individual interview, declined to comment about the proceedings.
Public housing residents waiting outside the Senator Circle activities building declined to be identified with their comments for fear of retribution from Thibodeaux. Each one approached did voice complaints ranging from safety concerns at Senator Circle to an infestation of roaches at Bayou Towers.
One resident was asked why public housing tenants present for the meeting appeared to have disdain for the executive director. “Because he’s the man,” the male occupant said. “If you don’t do as he says, he makes it tough on you.”
By contrast, six residents spoke in favor of Johnson during a segment of the meeting open for public comment. “He’s doing the best he can,” resident Betty Welch said. James Ray said he simply wanted to join others as going on record supporting Johnson.
A few observers, again not wanting to be identified, who are not public housing residents and did not remain during the executive session, speculated that any conflict boils down to a personality battle between Johnson and Thibodeaux.
Coming out of executive session, the board revealed nothing of the proceedings, but agreed to take time to digest the information they had received and meet in a special session at a time and date yet to be determined.
HTHA Board Chairman Allan Luke did not reveal if the executive session was combative or congenial. “I think everyone said what they needed to in a professional manner,” he said. “I can’t answer more than that.”
Asked about his claims against Thibodeaux, Johnson said only that the executive session contained “moments that were tense.” He went on to admit many rumors circulated among public housing residents sounded extreme in nature. “I can’t comment until the board makes a decision,” he said. “I gave the main grievance, but we had several employees that were speaking about some things that have happened.”
Thibodeaux did not reveal details of the executive session and declined to offer any personal response. “You know I can’t talk about that,” he said.
“I can’t really give out information [regarding the internal investigation],” HTHA lawyer Jimmy Dagate said after the board adjourned. “I have to respect the process. They went into an investigation after allegations of misconduct [regarding Thibodeaux] and to discuss professional competency.”
As of press time, the board had not determined when it might resume the investigation as a group.
The next regular board meeting is set for 3 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 23, at the Bayou Towers auditorium in Houma.
Houma-Terrebonne Housing Authority Executive Director Wayne Thibodeaux emerges from a three-hour, 18-minute executive session of the organization’s board of commissioners. Thibodeaux is being accused of misconduct by Senator Circle manager Troy Johnson.
