Article archive / July 1, 2010
Originally published: . Volume 1, No. 11. Source pages: 1, 4, 3.
Dr. John Simoneaux’s appoint- ment to the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (LSBEP) was not confirmed, surprising and disappointing many in the community. A June 29th press release announced the appointment of Dr. Lee Matthews. This memo noted that all nominees come from a list of names submitted by the Louisiana Psychological Asso- ciation and are subject to Senate approval.
Drs. Simoneaux and Matthews were the top vote getters in a statewide election conducted in November, with 141 and 103 votes respectively.
According to available information, the Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee considered Dr. Simoneaux’s appointment on May 26th. Ms. Yolanda Dixon, 1st Assistant to the Secretary of the Senate, told the Times that the committee reviewed his appointment in private.
Dr. Simoneaux had been appointed by Governor Jindal in April and had already begun to serve on the LSBEP. According to Ms. Lowe, a nominee not being confirmed has occurred only one other time during her service. Mrs. Connie Stigall, who was the LPA Executive Director from 1986 to 2001, noted that this may happen if “… it’s a clerical error, or some date is missed.” But that “It doesn’t happen very often.”
An undisclosed source told the Times, “John is a man of utmost integrity… he is particularly well- informed about the ethical parameters of our profession, and speaks openly and candidly about our shortcomings. I wonder if he is experiencing backlash for his candor.”
Dr. Simoneaux had written openly on the LPA listserv during 2009 regarding the long-term consequences to the profession of Act 251. Sources indicated that he confronted what he viewed as financial irregularities while on the LPA executive committee. Later in the town-hall meeting held by the association, December 13th, 2009, he spoke up in opposition to the arrangement between LPA and Louisiana Academy of Medical Psychologists, where LPA subcontracted with LAMP for lobbyists. He also had objected to the lack of a written contract.
Dr. Simoneaux reluctantly spoke with the Times saying, “I received a letter from the President of the Senate, informing me that the appointment had not been confirmed. The letter directed me to call the office of the President of the Senate, if I had any questions. I was told that I needed to speak with either the Chairman of that committee, or my home senator, Joe McPherson.” Dr. Simoneaux indicated he would not pursue this any further.
Dr. Matthews is from Kenner, owner of Psychological Resources, a clinical and clinical neuropsychologist, with ABPP. He is married to Dr. Janet Matthews. His background, including some of his military and professional accomplishments, were reviewed in Dr. Janet Matthews’ Close-Up, Psychology Times (PT) No 3.
Dr. Simoneaux was interviewed for Close- Up in PT No. 2.
Dr. John Simoneaux encouraged a more ethical approach at LPA’s town hall meeting in Dec. 09
Dr. Lee Matthews (R) was recently appointed to the board. Here he speaks with Dr. Susan Dardard and Dr. Mike Chafetz at the Bylaws vote in April.
This article is part of a historical newspaper archive. Read the original issue for its original layout, photographs and graphics.