Controversial agency secretary ‘still coming to work,’ anonymous source reveals
Embattled Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Charlie Melancon has been asked to resign but “is still coming to work,” a source told LouisianaSportsman.com.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said it was unclear if Melancon has actually tendered his resignation, despite news reports.
NOLA.com reported today that Meloncon has resigned, based on interviews with “a high-ranking source.” However, LouisianaSportsman.com’s source says it’s unclear whether that Melancon has actually tendered his resignation.
“He’s here today,” the source said. “He’s still coming to work.”
Richard Carbo, communications director for Gov. John Bel Edward, declined to confirm Melancon’s resignation, according to NOLA.com.
“We can confirm that some changes are being made at the department, but at this time we can’t comment on any personnel matters,” Carbo told the news outlet.
LouisianaSportsman.com’s source also said Melancon’s confidential assistant, Toby Gascon, has been asked to resign.
Melancon’s administration has been marked by conflict almost from the beginning of his tenure, but became particularly contentious in June when he announced opposition to H.R. 3094 sponsored by Congressman Garret Graves.
Melancon said the bill, which would turn over management of the Gulf of Mexico red snapper fisheries to the states bordering the Gulf, would cost the state tens of millions. That announcement came after Melancon’s predecessor, Robert Barham, had publicly supported the bill and helped build support for removing the fishery from the National Marine Fisheries’ perview.
During heated debate over the bill, Melancon referred to Graves as “Pinocchio” in a public meeting.
Melancon’s administration also angered recreational anglers recently when it announced the ending of the popular TAG Louisiana program that uses volunteers to tag fish. The agency also has killed the Louisiana Saltwater Series, and said it would stop tagging redfish and trout as part of a Lake Pontchartrain telemetry study.
