Byrd Appointment Rejected

Pastor Ike Byrd has been a fixture in northeast Louisiana for decades as the shepherd of Mount Zion Baptist Church and one of the community's most valued leaders. He has served in various civic and religious capacities, where his passion has been preaching the gospel. Recently, Monroe Mayor Friday Ellis announced Byrd as the city's next Community Affairs Director. A resolution for his appointment was on the agenda for the August 27, 2024, city council meeting, where it was expected to pass but failed by a 3-2 vote. The issue stemmed from the mayor appointing Byrd without prior council approval...