The Public Service Commission votes to strip Davante Lewis of his vice chairmanship and install Eric Skrmetta into that role. The vote was three to two, right down party lines. The move comes after Lewis directed vulgar language towards Governor Landry on social media. During public comment prior to the vote, liberal activist Melissa Flournoy says Lewis’ social media post was no reason to strip him of his leadership role.
“If we believe in democracy, if we believe in the private speech of individuals on social media, this is not a cause to remove the vice chair,” Flournoy said.
Lewis defended himself, saying he was not going to apologize for his remarks.
“So whatever actions are taken today, I’m okay with. I’m good. Because I know I stand on a solid rock. All of this is sinking sand to me,” Lewis said.
Lewis, who is the lone black member on the PSC, said stripping him of his leadership role reeks of racism.
“If you’re young. If you’re black. If you’re outspoken, you’ve got to do whatever the white man tells you to do,” Lewis said.
Chairman Mike Francis said the decision to hold a vote to strip Lewis of his leadership role was his and his alone.
Lewis used an expletive towards Landry in response to the governor posting on “X” that new Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F Kennedy was a major upgrade over his predecessor from the Biden administration.
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