Sucette Harbor texts, emails, docs released in public records request

MANDEVILLE — The City of Mandeville has released as part of a public records request a massive trove of Sucette Harbor-related text messages, emails and other documents that the city or its officials, including City Council members, had in their possession.

A first-read reveals a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the entire process from start to finish from the perspectives of those on the City Council.

Mandeville Daily will provide in-depth coverage at a later date, which will include a cross-referenced timeline of events, allowing the reader to inspect the information with context.

These documents were released as part of a public records request made recently by Mandeville Daily, mirroring a request made on September 11th by Bear Cheezem, Vice President of Woodward Interests, the Sucette Harbor project developer.

Text messages, emails and other electronic documents in the custody of elected officials — even those received or created on personal devices — are part of the public record as long as they were created or received while conducting or discussing official business, according to Louisiana State Attorneys General opinions on the matter.

Mandeville Daily believes it was in the public interest to assert the right of the people to inspect these public documents and to report on them.

We believe this will preserve the public trust and will contribute significantly to the public’s understanding of the controversial Sucette Harbor issue.

This is a developing story.

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