A divided Jefferson Parish Council on Wednesday put off selecting a private company to lease the parish's two public hospitals. Instead, amid lingering anxiety and political squabbling, the council decided to commission a financial analysis of proposals from the three finalists for the 30-year lease.
Councilman Mark Spears, Jr., who has stayed quiet on his preferences, sought the deferral in order to solicit an independent audit. Paul Johnston, Cynthia Lee-Sheng and Ben Zahn joined him in voting to defer. Elton Lagasse, Chris Robersts and Ricky Templet, who want Louisiana Children's Medical Center for the lease, opposed the delay.
