On November 6th, Bossier and Webster Parish voters will elect a Judge for Section E to replace Judge Bruce Bolin, who retired early this year. That spot has been filled temporarily by Judge & former Supreme Court Justice Joe Bleich of Ruston.
Three candidates qualifed for the position, Mike Nerren of Bossier City, who is an Assistant District Attorney and who maintains a private practice, Springhill City Judge John Slattery, who is also a former Assistant District Attorney and who also has a private practice, and Whit Graves, another former Assistant District Attorney who has a private practice in Bossier City.
I invited all three candidates to address My Bossier readers with two or three paragraphs discussing their qualifications and experience.
I know that I can do the job of District Judge because I have performed it before! I was previously appointed by the Louisiana Supreme Court to temporarily serve as judge for the 26th Judicial District Court. I have also been temporarily appointed to preside as Bossier City Court Judge. During my twelve year tenure as Springhill City Court and Ward II Judge, I have ruled on almost 40,000 cases and am very proud of the fact that not a single decision from my court has been overturned! In addition, I have served as a Juvenile Drug Court Judge for the past ten years. As a judge, I have presided over felony and misdemeanor cases such as rape, burglary, arson, DWI, and possession of controlled dangerous substances. Furthermore, I have received the honor of being chosen as one of 19 judges from the state of Louisiana to serve on the Board of Governors. This Board provides quality legal education for all of the judges in our state. I have also been elected by my peers as the President of the Louisiana City Judges Association.
In addition to my judicial experience, I have practiced law for 29 years. I
was legal counsel for Citizen Bank and Trust Company, which recently merged
with Citizens National Bank in Bossier. As an attorney, I have represented
doctors, contractors, insurance companies, businesses, and thousands of
individuals. For fifteen years, I worked under Henry Brown as an assistant district attorney for Bossier and Webster Parishes. Additionally, I served as Springhill’s City Attorney for 13 years, and I represented four other municipalities as their attorney before becoming a Judge. I have handled virtually every type of case that a District Judge will hear.
My greatest strength as a candidate is that I do not need any ‘on the job
training’ since I have already performed the job as 26th Judicial District Court
Judge, Ward II Judge, and Juvenile Drug Court Judge for the state of Louisiana. As a judge and attorney, I strive to ensure that everyone is treated fairly and equally under the law. I am the only candidate that has actual judicial experience. As a result, I feel that I possess the necessary experience, qualifications and judicial temperament to be the next 26th Judicial District Court Judge for Bossier and
Webster Parishes.
Mike Nerren
Mike Nerren has been a Bossier Parish Resident for over 40 years. After graduating from Haughton High School in 1981, Mike attained a double major in Management and Finance at LSU Shreveport and then a Juris Doctorate from LSU Law School in Baton Rouge.
For the past 18 years Mike Nerren has practiced law both privately and as an Assistant District Attorney for the 26th Judicial District. During this time he has
gained invaluable experience in Domestic, Civil and Criminal Law and has 12 years experience in Juvenile Law having tried over 1,000 cases.
Mike and his wife Suzanne have three children, Chancellor, Laurel and Coleman. As a husband and a father, Mike believes in strong family principles. With his proven record in all areas of the law, his integrity and dedication, there is no doubt that he will be a good choice to serve as District Judge for Bossier and Webster Parishes.
Whit Graves
I have been involved in the legal system for over 35 years as a Louisiana State Police Trooper, undercover narcotics agent, chief prosecuting attorney and private counsel. The vast majority of my career has been in the District Court system with an emphasis on felony jury trials having tried more than 100 successful jury trials. I have practiced before the appellate courts dozens of times, the Louisiana Supreme Court several times, and have been accepted to practice before the United States Supreme Court.
Because of my extensive and varied time in the legal system, I will bring to the Court a unique quality of experience rarely seen in any jurisdiction. My greatest experience is in the administration of jury trials, which I consider to be the most important aspect of our system. Jury trials are where citizens not normally involved in the court system directly impact the parties and issues by deciding the outcome and rendering a verdict. A proper understanding of how to conduct a jury trial is a necessity. Most jury trials are reviewed by the appellate courts and Supreme Court. If a jury trial is not conducted properly, the jury verdict could be overturned and the trial will have to be conducted again. This is not something that can be learned from sitting on a committee. One has to be involved in jury trials to understand how to conduct them.
Jury trials are not held in city courts or juvenile courts and the only felony crimes that can be heard in a city court are juvenile offenses which do not have juries to decide the issue. The longest a juvenile can be held after a city court trial is until he turns 21 years old.
I will be firm and will administer justice based on the law and evidence pertinent to the case before me and not because of the relationships the parties have with politicians or the attorney they employed. While I have sent defendants to the P-farm all the way to Death Row, I have also realized and conducted my decisions based on whether the evidence showed the offender truly set out to cause the harm or just got caught up in a bad situation.
I seek the position of District Court Judge to help improve the court system and head off problems before they fester to the point that solutions may only be obtained through raising taxes. I have proposed an assignment of the six judge positions to 2 criminal, 2 civil and 2 domestic and juvenile. This would allow the judges to keep closer tabs on the cases and caseloads they are assigned to bring the same quality of service in a more efficient, quicker manner. Since I proposed this system, I have learned that the current five judges have considered the same or similar system and are waiting for this election to be finalized before working towards a final decision. I am open to all suggestions and plans with the final objective to better serve the citizens of the district.
Whit is by far the most qualified candidate for this job.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure that Mike Nerren is a nice guy, but I cat vote for anyone who works for Schuyler Marvin's scandal laden DA's office.
Schuyler and his employees (like Nerren) can't be trusted to lead, because they obviously care more for the good ole boys and other allies than the people in their district.
Whit has worked for the good of his clients and been involved in Bossier/Webster more than the other guys. He gets my vote without question.
I agree with the previous poster. Whit Graves has the most comprehensive experience on both sides. Putting Nerrin in there is putting another judge in Marvin's back pocket---we all know about the scandals of that office, although I have not heard any updates recently on the FBI investigation into the DA's office.
ReplyDeleteLooks like we have heard from Mr. Collier and Mr. Burchett. Both seem to overlook rules 1&2
ReplyDeleteWhit Graves is by far the most qualified and will do an excellent job as judge.
ReplyDeleteI'm not one to go along with the crowd, but in this case "me too". I'm voting for Whit Graves by process of elimination because I fer dern shur ain't gonna vote for either of the ones looking to draw a big paycheck for rubberstamping whatever the crooked DA tells him. Someone should ask "Judge" Slattery how many people he ever found "not guilty" in all those years that none of his decisions were overturned. Why are we paying all that money for a judge who never makes any decision because he considers everbody to be guilty as charged.
ReplyDeleteIn other words, a trial in Webster Parish is about like an election in the former Soviet Union. You don't have to hold your breath awaiting the outcome.
ReplyDeleteI don't have a dog in this hunt, but, I have found that most people will promise you the moon to get elected and then do what they want to when they get elected!!! In todays times you can't trust a man on his word. I think Donald Duck would do as good a job as anybody, and that is very sad.
ReplyDelete@ Anon 8:15---Mr. Burchett? That's amazing since he died a few years ago. Try again.
ReplyDeleteGuys, you will make a much better case for your candidate by stressing his strong points, rather than by kicking the opposition or the DA.
ReplyDeleteAnon at 9:35 - I do believe they are referring to my friend Edward Burchett, the judge's son.
You want strong points, let me give you some: When Whit takes a case to trial, the bailiffs come from the other courtrooms to watch. Retired homicide investigator Kenny Hamm brags that he and Whit NEVER lost a murder trial. When BCPD Jeremy Kennedy's son had a brain tumor, Whit organized a chicken dinner sale and raised over $15,000 to cover expenses. He MC's the Shrine circus every year to raise money for the children's hospital. When my friend's 18 year old daughter got a DWI, he refused to take her case until she started going to a counselor to stop drinking. When you ask him how he's doing, he always answers "I'm wonderful" with a big smile. I only wish that more politicians would be like Whit looking out for other people instead of lining their own pockets.
ReplyDeleteWhit graves has my vote. It seems he has the most "overall " experience from starting at ground level being a trooper, to working his way up to where he is now. I think he is the best candidate for the job
ReplyDeleteI agree Jim, it would be nice if we could just point out the positive attributes of the candidates. On the other hand, if we are presenting facts about the candidates, facts dictate some negative attributes as well. If we are voting on dog catcher, if the candidate has been abusing animals that will go into my decision.
ReplyDeleteWould love to observe a debate, or better yet, a "town hall" Q and A, so that the candidates could elaborate. Such as, when Slattery temporarily was appointed to the 26th JDC, what division, when and for how long? Further, did he preside over actual trials or simply take pleas? If he did conduct trials at the district level, were they bench trials or jury trials. Regarding Slattery commenting 40,000 plus cases never overturned, have 40,000 plus cases been appealed? Or is it uncommon that city court cases are appealed. How many civil cases involve parties representing themselves because an attorney would cost more than what's in dispute?
ReplyDeleteRegarding graves, over 100 jury trials, what were the outcomes and how many were overturned? As a state trooper, how many arrest resulted in not guilty verdicts or dismissals.
Regarding Nerren, his post says 18 years as an assistant and private practice? Well, how long as an assistant da? As an assistant da, how long, what type of cases, bench or jury trials?
This is very hard for me to decide who to vote for. I know all 3 very well and think they all are very decent honorable men and would do just fine as our newest judge. I admire each one of them for being willing to run and put up with the political process and all the trash talks that comes with elections. This is an election however it turns out that a good man will be our next judge.
ReplyDeleteI don't always comment on MyBossier. But when I do, its edburchett.
ReplyDeleteAll the people who don't plan on voting for Nerran simply because he works for the D.A's office may consider the reason he is running for judge could be he no longer wants to work under Schylur Marvin.
ReplyDeleteI havent weighed in for a while, so I guess I will on this issue. This is the way I see it, Judge Slattery will win with ADA Nerren coming in second and Att. Graves last. Judge Slattery will take ALL of Webster Parish with ADA Nerren and Att. Graves splitting the vote here in Bossier Parish. This is exactly why the 26th Judicial District needs to be split. A Bossier boy has no chance of winning an election when it comes to District Attorney or District Judge.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the person that said they will all make fine judges and whoever doesn't win this time can run again, when the next two judges retire in a few years.
ReplyDelete@Anon 6:56 Your comment might have held water except that Nerren went to work for Marvin right when he started telling everyone he wanted to run for the juvenile judge seat he thought we were going to get. Nerren wanted to put ADA on his resume and get Marvin's support.
ReplyDeleteNerren wins over graves in a runoff.
ReplyDeleteYou're dreaming. Slattery in a runoff with either Nerren or Graves and Slattery wins.
ReplyDeleteOh get real both of you. Slattery and Nerren are fighting for 2nd place to see who gets in a runoff with Graves. Graves will be at the top in the primary and will easily take the general in December. Slattery won't run again because he would have to give up his position in Springhill to run. Nerren will take a position in 2014 unless someone runs against Marvin. Marvin will abandon Nerren if that happens and Nerren might lose again.
ReplyDeleteI believe Judge Slattery and Graves will be in the run off and Slattery will win. However, I do not like the negativity that both the Nerren and Graves people are putting out there to get elected. Im gonna follow Judge Slattery's lead and not say anything bad about either candidate. Lets stop attacking and start talking about issues. Nerrens people have been putting out robo calls bashing Graves and Slattery. Its sad that Nerren is doing that to both these good men but its their tactics to win. Also, the Graves people should remain civil and not get lost in this mud flying. The blogs are read by many people and it does not put your candidate on a judicial level to accuse a sitting Judge of Former Soviet Union Gestapo tactics. Additionally, Slattery started the juvenille drug court program that is designed to give children on drugs a second chance in life and not just incarcerate them. Judge Slattery formed this program without extra money or incentives but did it because he's a Christian man who wants to help people. I know Judge Slattery personally and he is the kind of guy that does not cheat on the salad bar. The man is honest to a fault and is in no way affiliated with the good ole boy network.
ReplyDeleteI've known Judge Slattery for many years, in fact, three decades- and have been bested on the tennis court by him, more time than I care to remember; after which, he'd come over and as a gentleman, shake the hand of the bested. I've called John on more than one occasion just to ask him some prickly legal question, never once has he said, "I'm too busy." I've stopped John in the parking lot to ask him a legal question, and didn't get a look of disdain, that look that says "hey, I'm driving and busy and get real-" you know that look. So while I don't know the other candidates personally to comment on them, I do know John Slattery personally and can and do heartily endorse him, suggest that we cannot do better, though the others running be qualified, John, in my opinion, is a man that must be respected, because, he stands as a man of integrity. This one thing I know, even if it cost John a vote, he'd tell the truth- and that in this age - unfortunately, is rare- but it is the one quality we must have on the bench- John Slattery is a man of integrity! - Dr. Dana C. Richardson, CEO - DDP Group. drd1201@gmail.com
ReplyDeletedoes slattery live in bossier/webster? or shreveport?
ReplyDeleteShreveport - check his water bill. Bet toilet only flushes on court days - tha is since he started running for this judgeship
ReplyDeleteShreveport - check his water bill. Bet toilet only flushes on court days - tha is since he started running for this judgeship
ReplyDeleteHe lives in Springhill
ReplyDeleteThe Judge rents his out to his kids...check your facts. I guess you guys think that smear politics is what the people are looking for in order to get your candidate elected
ReplyDeleteI hope the best man wins. When Cox comes up
ReplyDeletefor election, I will help anyone that wants
to run, get him out of there. He doesn't know
the law.
Graves was suspended by the LA Supreme Court for 2 years for lying to them when he was an Asst. DA. I don't want anyone as a Judge with that background.
ReplyDeleteAnon at 7:30, been waiting for that one. Not true. He was disciplined at one point for failing to file an appeal in a timely manner. He fully cooperated with the disciplinary board. It is public record.
ReplyDeleteAt least now we know where all of the personal attacks are coming from, so thanks.
It is public record and the discipline WAS NOT FOR FAILURE TO FILE, but for not telling the truth (lying) when asked why he hadn't filed. The public record will reveal that truth. Get your facts straight Jim before defending one who distorts the truth. Let's attach a copy of the ODC opinion and La Supreme Court opinion and let your readers draw their own conclusions.
DeleteLet's see, attacks on Slattery, attacks on Graves. Wonder where they are coming from.
ReplyDeleteWow Jim. Let's see... The attacks began with Nerren as target at top of this post. Wonder where they were from - Graves/Slattery folks? Come on. Be fair.
DeleteVote for the one who is an organ donor and has dirt under the fingernails. That is real folks who can be fair and just. True colors.
ReplyDeleteNot the popularity contest.
Oh, I'm being fair, it's just that this isn't our first dance. We know where the most dirt will come from.
ReplyDelete"In the petition, the parties propose a nine-month suspension, totally deferred, and two years of active probation with a monitor.[ii]No aggravating factors are cited by the parties. The following mitigating factors are present: a) absence of a prior disciplinary record; b) full and free disclosure to the Disciplinary Board and cooperative attitude toward proceedings; c) character and reputation; d) imposition of other sanctions[iii]; and e) remorse."
ReplyDeleteDecision here
If you really want to argue about an 11 year old slap on the wrist . .
ReplyDeleteNo argument. If you want a guy who is willing to lie to the Supreme Court and be caught red handed doing it, he's your guy. I'd like someone else.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing in the record that he lied to the Supreme Court, quite the opposite.
ReplyDeleteOf course, if you are more worried about an 11 year old failure to file a memorandum (that was dealt with), even to the point of lying about what actually happened, or if you're interested in how many times Judge Slattery flushes his toilet, we know where you're coming from.
Jim, I've been waiting on this attack also. Whit told me to expect this but I told him they would be foolish to make a false accusation that can easily be checked. He was right, the mud is being slung. I asked Whit to respond but he said no, those willing to sling the mud would only sling it more. Ignore it and it will go away. I can't ignore a lie!
ReplyDeleteThe opinion is listed in the Supreme Court reports as 802 So.2d 530 eleven years ago. It says, "We hold that Whitley Graves willfully disobeyed a lawful order of this court by failing to file the required Sentence Review Memorandum in a timely manner, and thus, hold him in contempt. Accordingly, we fine him $250.00 and a copy of this opinion will be forwarded to the Office of Disciplinary Counsel."
Whit told me that the "lying to the Supreme Court" portion would come from one sentence issued by one board member of the Office of Disciplinary Counsel who said, "The board further recognized respondent misled this court by representing that he had a copy of the memorandum with him and would file it after oral argument." Whit said that was his statement to the Supreme Court when he thought they were asking about the main brief, not the Sentence Review Memorandum which was not due until the judge issued his memorandum, which had not been done.
The opinion goes on to say,"In determining an appropriate sanction, the board agreed that there were numerous mitigating factors in this case which justified a downward deviation from the baseline sanction of a suspenion. Accordingly, the board recommended adoption of the proposed discipline of a nine-month suspension,totally deferred, subject to a two-year period of supervised probation. One board member dissented, concluding a two-month period of actualy suspension was warranted under the facts." Whit said the baseline sanction was a full one year suspension but that the Supreme Court wrote, "We recognized the existence of mitigating factors which justify a deviation from the baseline sanction. Respondent has no prior disciplinary record and has cooperated with disciplinary authorities, as evidenced by his petition for consent discipline."
Whit said this was the first death penalty case in Bossier-Webster since Henry Brown had left and that he was on his own and made a mistake, took his medicine instead of fighting it, and moved on suspecting this was prompted by Corky Marvin (Chief Judge of the Court of Appeal) who was afraid Whit would run against his son Schuyler for DA in 2002. It should be noted that 3 of the 7 Supreme Court Justices didn't want to impose this sanction against Whit.
I admire more the man who takes on a task, fails and then moves on and corrects the situation. At least Whit tried. Has Nerren or Slattery ever tried a death penalty case? Has either of them ever even been before the Supreme Court? NO! This is the experience we need in a District Court Judge, one that has tried and now knows how to do it, not one that never has and doesn't know how.
Love how Nerren signs are put up on people's property without permission- not good campaigning if u ask me. Just say'n...
ReplyDeleteAnon 11:18 check out the Nerren sign on Airline Drive across from Asbury Methodist Church. Whit put up a sign and then Nerren came in right behind him and put one up so close to the road it was in the ditch. The highway dept. told him to move it. He did--right in front of Whit's sign so you can't see it anymore!
ReplyDeleteWhat about the big billboard he pulls around on the trailer and brings to football games? It doesnt have a license plate but the cops won't do anything about it because he has his brother in law Dale Touch pull it around because he's a retired cop and they dont want to have to answer to Skylar Marvin.
ReplyDeleteHahaaa... Didn't know that! But, not a good example for the high school kids to see!
DeleteJust thinking your above the law.. Not the candidate that I want to elect!
ReplyDeleteAnon at 1033, the Supreme Court, in its opinion, not the Disciplinary Board, said White "MISLED THIS COURT" - which means he misled (lied to) this court (the Supreme Court). Don't run from it. And interesting Whit's excuse now is that he misunderstood what they were asking for. Another lie. He didn't offer that excuse when he was caught lying. Once he was busted he smartly fell on his sword, admitted he lied but offered excuses of poor health and incompetent staff. No where in the record did he say he "misunderstood" as he now claims. Read the opinion closely. The devil is in the details. This keeps getting better!!!!
ReplyDeleteNot running from anything. The Supreme Court in its opinion said:
ReplyDelete"Nonetheless, we recognize the existence of mitigating factors which justify a deviation from the baseline sanction. Respondent has no prior disciplinary record and has cooperated with disciplinary authorities, as evidenced by his petition for consent discipline. Respondent’s conduct has been the subject of other penalties, in the form of this court’s contempt judgment. Finally, respondent has expressed sincere remorse for his actions by sending letters of apology to a member of this court, as well as to the clerk of court."
That was eleven years ago and no problems since.
Anon at 6:30, you are right, it does keep getting better. The issue here is mudslingging and distoring the truth. The original statement was by Anon 7:30 who said, "Graves was suspended by the LA Supreme Court for 2 years for lying to them when he was an Asst. DA." Thanks Jim for putting up the website so I could read it myself. Anon at 7:30-- That's mudsling #1 and #2. First he wasn't suspended for two years, he received a COMPLETELY DEFERRED 9 month suspension and a 2 year probation, not a 2 year suspension. Second it was for "failing to file the required Sentence Review Memorandum in a timely manner", not for misleading (lied to) the court. I agree with Jim that this was a slap on the wrist 11 years ago. Anon at 7:30 and Anon at 6:30 MUDSLINGING, MUDSLINGING, MUDSLINGING!!! Keep it up. You just convinced me who to vote for and its not for a mudslinger.
ReplyDeleteI just read the ruling quoted above. It does state that mr graves tried to mislead the supreme court. I haven't made up my mind on who I will vote for but this is disturbing How should this be viewed by the voting public? I'm not sure but it is not the kind of thing you want people talking about
ReplyDeleteIf you are trying to make your own light shine brighter by dimming someone elses, you won't get my vote. Most people are sick of dirty politics.
ReplyDeleteI don't see it as dirt if it is true, which apparently it is. Doesn't the public have a right to know if you have been disbarred by the supreme court?
ReplyDeleteWas someone disbarred? Please leave a link.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, getting disbared for two
ReplyDeleteyears, means a slap on the hand to Jim. I
hope that our new Judge can see thru to the
truth. And when any law officer is dishonest
like the one in the Copperhead case, we lock
them up. There should be no turning our heads
like we have in the past. The tax payers
are watching.
Classic dirty politics, make an outrageous claim that is patently untrue and stick with it. Although there is no truth in your posts, I admire your tenacity.
ReplyDeleteIf you are suspended for two years , aren't you disbarred for two years? What's the difference? I do agree that graves should not run from this. He should be man enough to admit to it
ReplyDeleteAgain, good try. No one was suspended for two years.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard for people to believe posts in a public forum when the poster(s) refuse to post as who they are. If you're afraid to post in your own name, why should any reader give what you're saying any validity? We ARE talking about a Judge. So credibility becomes an issue. PLEASE retain your credibility and don't be just a "drive by shooter." Who are you? Who is speaking goes a long way in choosing to believe or disbelieve what's said.
ReplyDeleteI thought this was for a message from the candidates. It has turned into an attack on all three Candidates and I am sure all three have good Honest Qualities. I realize everyone feels they need to support who they feel is the best for the job and can do so without all the negative things that may or may not even be true. Its so easy to to find fault and blame and try to bring others down to try to make your own light shine but when it is all said and done only one can be Judge. I feel everyone seems to want to talk about what all they have done wrong and never the good!!!!!!! I know the Candidates didn't get where they are today from doing all bad so support who you feel is best for the Job and respect others and people get tired of all the negative and are going to vote for who they want no matter what others say!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteGet ready Slattery and Nerren. Graves has run and lost twice before and his campaigns were nothing but negative attacks on opponents. Y'all are next!!!
DeleteYou guys are so funny.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous at 1:38 PM - THANK YOU! I am in total agreement with you.
ReplyDeleteI have one question for JOHN Q PUBLIC. Who in this world is perfect, besides God. Who out there has never made a mistake? You righteous bunch of hippocrits.Those that live in glass houses, shouldn't throw stones. I know all 3 men running,too. Whit Graves, is the most qualified by far. Nerran, is a divorce attorney. Slattery, is a city court judge. Neither one has ever tried a murder case or gone to the supreme court. Wake up people, experience counts. Do we want some want-to-be on our court? Please use your heads for a change.
ReplyDeleteI don't think because you've tried a murder case makes you the most qualified to be a judge. I think they all know the law. I believe they all can listen to evidence presented and make good judgements. I think it's basically going to come down to who you like better.
ReplyDelete5:59 - I think it always does.
ReplyDelete^
ReplyDeleteYep.
''JOHN Q PUBLIC", Have you ever heard "Practice Makes Perfect"? My mother always told me, the more you practice, the better you'll get. If your life is on the line, do you want an attorney that is so so, or a dream team that knows what to do? Do you want to go to a general practioner, or a qualified physician to do your back surgery? Thats what's wrong with this country, nobody makes a stand for what is the right thing to do. Whit Graves, is a homegrown boy from Bossier. He's worked since he was 14 years old, and hasn't stopped. His parents were both school teachers, trying to help the young become good citizens. They wanted to make a difference, just like Whit Graves wants to do. He is the man to be our new district judge. EXPERIENCE COUNTS.
ReplyDeleteI agree. But experience can be both good and bad. I'm not voting for anyone for Judge who's been suspended from practicing law and I'm not going to any doctor who's been suspended from the practice of medicine. Too many other choices in both professions than, as you say, to risk my freedom or my spine.
DeleteIs this position a criminal judge or family court or something else?
ReplyDeleteThis position is for the attorney that has done it all. The man that knows everything about the law. Every kind of case is going to walk through that court house. Why doesn't anyone understand that experience and intelligence is whats counts. All 3 men are smart, but again, experience is what we need.
ReplyDeleteWow. "done it all" - that's pretty self serving WG. All Whit has done for 10+ years is represent drunk drivers - exclusively. Go to the clerks office and count the number of domestic, corporate, juvenile, and non-DWI cases he's had. 99% of his practice is Drunk Drivers. He says so himself. Stay tuned.
Delete7:50 - our District Judges do everything, civil and criminal. No separation so far as family court etc.
ReplyDeleteNerron wins over Graves in a runoff, I love to watch people predict with no data. Marshall race, Rep. Race. Not in any camp but find you entertaining. Read 'em and weep..
ReplyDeleteabraham lincoln lost a few races too as i recall!
ReplyDeleteTrue. And every time I think of Linclon I think of Graves. Come on. Get in this stratosphere.
DeleteGo Whit!!
ReplyDeleteSee, you can support your guy without disparaging the others ;)
Go Mike.
ReplyDeleteMike Nerren has worked hard all his life and nothing has been handed to him. He is honest and has experience as well. I along with many people know Mike Nerren will make a great Judge. GO MIKE NERREN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteGO MIKE NERREN!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI have totally lost all my respect for one of these candidates who has allowed distortions to occur. I could have supported him in an election if he had not stooped to such allegations. The good news is that the erroneous information erupted in time for the truth to be heard. I am sad that he has sold himself. It was not necessary, and a great error and injustice to his family and supporters. He will never be qualified to hold any public office.
ReplyDeleteUnless you heard it from the candidate himself, don't believe it. Candidates in this nor any other race control what people say. I learned long ago not to hold against a candidate what someone else says about his opponent unless the candidate approved the message publicly. Hope this race remains clean.
DeleteNerren is probably mad at his supporter who let the cat out of the bag early. I'm sure that he would rather have waited until one week before the election to spread his "distortion" so Graves would not have time to respond. Look out Slattery! I've heard whisperings about a malpractice suit. If it's another false allegation, you'ld better be ready to answer it.
ReplyDeleteThere is an old saying that says the guilty dog always barks the loudest it always proves to be true!!!!
ReplyDeleteNever heard the guilty dog saying.... Just sayin...
Deletei always heard that the dog that yelps is the one that got hit
ReplyDeleteI think one candidate knew just what he was doing to try and turn all this around to make it look like the other leaked information. Trust me the proof is in the pudding!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI am so hurt and offended that people are saying mean things about my candiate on this blog! Because everyone knows that if the mybossier is against you then you have no chance to win.
ReplyDeleteI read the opinion that suspended Graves. It does state that he lied as the reason for the suspension. I personally think that all lawyers lie so to get suspended for it must mean it is a big deal. Also, since all of this is a public record, he better not deny it (that is what got him suspended in the first place) but rather explain it so that it is less damaging to him.
ReplyDeleteIf Whit Graves was suspended from practicing law, can he even run for judge? Surely there has to be some law or ethics ruling that prohibits that.
ReplyDeleteAnon at 11:20--You must have read a different opinion than I did. The reason for the COMPLETELY DEFERRED 9 month suspension was for NOT FILING THE MEMORANDUM TIMELY. NO WHERE, NO WHERE, NO WHERE in the opinion does it say "LIE". The only lie that has been put out was the lie that "Graves was suspended by the LA supreme court for 2 years for lying to them when he was an asst. DA." by Anon Sept. 19 @ 7:30 PM. You and your friends are so afraid your candidate will not be the next judge you will stoop to such mudslinging and keep mudslinging because of the lack of qualifications of your candidate. Don't deny it was a lie and a bold face lie that Graves was suspended for 2 years. Misled is a misunderstanding and Anon on Sept. 19 at 10:33 PM explained that Graves told him (or her) that the misunderstanding occurred when he thought they were talking about the main brief, not the sentencing memorandum which are two different things. The issue here is lying about the candidate which Anon Sept. 19 @ 7:30 PM did. Is your candidate really a saint? Have you said anything good about him? NO! All you want to do is sling mud at Graves. I wasn't sure who I was going to vote for but you mudslingers have made my mind up for me. WHIT GRAVES for District Judge! At least he has the decency to not sling false accusations at Nerren and Slattery.
ReplyDeleteAny of the three would make a great judge. We have always had fair and good judges in Bossier. I doubt that will change anytime soon. Good luck to all three.
ReplyDeleteJust saw Judge Slattery's commercial. Why is he on the second floor of the Shreveport City Court House? Anybody know?
ReplyDeleteThe courthouse is right around the corner from his house in Shreveport.
DeleteHe has a rental property in Shreveport and his kids live there.
Delete11:02 ask Sam Wyatt and Marsha McAllister about your observation. What a funny comment.
ReplyDeleteI'm not a Graves hater but why doesn't he simply admit what the facts are. All of the explaining that he thought the court was talking about a different memorandum is NOT supported by the opinion they wrote. They did list some mitigatingf factors but this was not one of them. It appears that this is something he has now simply made up to confuse this issue. I would be more inclined to vote for someone who says "I screwed up and am sorry"
ReplyDeleteI believe that is what showing remorse means.
ReplyDeletewho are you talking about with rental property
ReplyDeleteWhat could everyone watching TV understand that the only one of these gentlemen is wearing a judge's robe. This would steer my attention to a gentleman with experience rather 2 other gentlemen, one with baggage of one lawyer showing he is capiable of telling lie's to a Court and expecting to be honest sitting in the District Court chair. The other candidate has no experience but has support from the _________of Bossier. I think the truth will win over the hard un-truth's other people sling. Just had to get this off my chest. Thx
ReplyDeleteThe fact one candidate is a City Court Judge in Springhill should not be interpreted that he is more qualified to be a District Court Judge. There is a big difference in the two courts. If you do believe Slattery is the most qualified candidate because he conducts court at the city level, you obviously do not know the drastic difference in the two courts. In all likelyhood, the majority of "civil cases" being brought before Springhill City Court could just as well be handled by a Justice of the Peace, who doesn't have to be an attorney to get elected. The person more qualified to be a Ditrict Court Judge is the one who has the most experience practicing in District Court, handling matters which have the propensity to substantially effect peoples lives. I
ReplyDeleteJOHN Q Public: Whit Graves admitted he did make a mistake. Who in this world has never made a mistake. All this happened years ago. I would love to know a perfect person. Mike Nerren is so arrogant, and thinks because he works in the DA's office, he is unapproachable. The voters will know that Whit Graves, is the most experienced. His community service with the Shriners Hospital, shows what a compassionate man he really is.
ReplyDeleteRegardless of the fact all candidates are busy campaigning, is anyone aware which candidate put campaigning to the side this past Friday-Sunday evening and focused his efforts raising money for Shriners hospitals for children?
ReplyDeleteYou talking about Graves announcing the circus? He does it this years a candidate. Bet he has never done it before.
ReplyDeleteI remember taking my kid to the circus when he was in elementary school and Whit Graves was announcing the Shrine circus then. My kid is in college now, so that's like 6 or 7 years ago. Glad to see you went Anon 9:48 and supported the Shrine hospital.
ReplyDeleteI'm voting for Nerren but I do know Graves has done the Shrine circus for several years. Hope he continues to do that but Nerren is still the best guy for this job.
ReplyDeleteAre Constitutional issues ever impacted upon by someone who sits at this level? When we consider the importance of the Parish court system, one thing you might want to consider is the impact that this level of decision can have on far reaching precedent? It's my understanding that such decisions reached at this level can impact in their review at the higher level courts systems(?), that judges who sit on this bench can be involved in Constitutional issues, which have far reaching impact, and far reaching precedent. Now my sense of Mr. Graves is that he has many years experience, and as he states, he has been "accepted to practice before the Supreme Court," a tremendous honor, one we can be very proud of in reflecting upon it. Judge Slattery, on the other hand, certainly could, should he deign to do so, be accepted to do the same- BUT, while reaching over 40 thousand decisions, Judge Slattery has been involved in the ground work. Yes Mr. Graves needs to be recognized for his legal knowledge, but Judge Slattery can be trutsted, IMHO, to be a guardian of the Constitional results of decisions- whom I trust. Can't ask you not to trust him, because Judge Slattery has proved to me since the early 80's, just what a magnificently trustworthy, honorable and deeply devoted man of integrity he is. It's our constitutional future which is being eroded behind the scenes in battles fought at the level where these men will sit, my runner has been running for years, he's run in 40 thousand races, Mr. Graves is also a very strong runner, but he's seemingly focused on running in D.C. races? I'm gonna have to ask you to consider our local guy who's been running locally and seems to be focused there?
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me we have 3 good candidates. It seems to me the only negative thing anyone is saying about each candidate is very limited.
ReplyDeleteI personally can't wait till the mayor and city council election. That's when I bet the dirt is really gonna hit this blog page.
Welcome folks to the wonderful world of Whit Graves and Mike Nerren. In this magical land lawyers have more experience doing the job of a judge than a actual judge and mud throwing is the way of life. Listen up John Q PUBLIC or Joan Q Public, I've stayed silent on this nonsense for about as long as I can stand. Anon 5:26 pm, Judge Slattery is not just a City Judge of Springhill but a judge of Cotten Valley, Serepta, Cullen etc etc. Judge Slattery is a Ward II City Court Judge and his jurisdiction follows all the juvenilles in North Webster Parish. Also, Judge Slattery has sat on the 26th Judicial District Court bench and made decisions on all matters on the docket....this is the same bench that all three candidates are running for!!! Judge Slattery was one of 19 judges in the state of Louisiana selected to teach other judges how to be good judges. Whit keeps throwing out his jury trial experience but out of the 24,000 cases heard last year by the 26th judicial court only about 19 of them were jury trials. Its good that Whit knows jury trials and I hear he is a great attorney but I think I'd rather a 12 year veteran judge than a veteran DWI attorney. There are a lot of lives that depend on Judge Slattery and you insulted alot of small town Webster parish voters by lowering the position that Judge Slattery carries in his community. Judge Drew, Robinsons, and Lolley are just a few of the many who have moved up the ranks of district court judge.It is clear that you do not know what a Ward II City Court Judge does or what his civil jurisdiction is to make such an outlandish statement! Oh and by the way...Judge Slattery can own property wherever he wants to own property . Last I checked this is America and any one can own a piece of land any where they want. Whats next, you slander Judge Slattery because he likes the Saints over the Cowboys?? How bout you stop focusing on mud throwing and talk about the issues. Stop trying to discredit logic by focusing outside the court room. This is a Judge's job after all and its turned into a three ring circus of insults, lies, and meaningless accusations. I hope the public has a little common sense when they go to the polls.
ReplyDeleteAnon 2:13, save your fingertips. Slattery is a Distant 3rd. Drew never moved from minden. Robinson was invested enough in Springhill to send his kids to school there. Chief Justice Slattery is a shreveporter at heart. He's even named after the guy who built the Slattery building. He is providing some comic relief in the Graves Nerren race.
ReplyDeleteJudge Slatterys kids did go to Springhill. After the death of his 15 year old son the Judge decided to take his last three kids and give them a Catholic education...he wanted his family to be closer in Christ. Maybe you and the Nerren campaign should follow Judge Slatterys lead and read the Bible every now and again....you may learn something about how you and your buddies live your life. Your candidate has more than a few skeletons in his closet...and I'm surprised they have not been posted on this blog. I guess the Graves and Slattery people have a little more class than the Nerren camp...or DAs office
DeleteI have asked Slattery, and Nerren to reveiw
ReplyDeletea document to test their knowledge of the law
but neither have responded. I will keep you
fellow bloggers posted.
The only document not reviewable is Graves' SEALED first divorce (he's had more than one). Why would you hide and secret your divorce papers? Something to hide perhaps??? Only one candidate needs no training.
DeleteAnon at 6pm - you're dreaming. The only question is which candidate will make it into a runoff with Judge Slattery (if necessary).
ReplyDeleteCheap shot, wonder where that came from. Just joking, we know where it came from.
ReplyDeleteI HAVE SEEN AND HEARD LOTS OF NEGITIVE THINGS COMING FROM THE GRAVES CAMP AS WELL!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteNERREN WAS THE TARGET AT THE TOP OF THIS BLOG THEN GRAVES NOW SLATTERY!!!!!! IT IS COMING FROM ALL AROUND AND THE CANDIDATES I AM SURE HAVE NO PART IN ANY OF THIS!!!!! IT COMES FROM SUPPORTERS AND THE PUBLIC WHO MAY OR MAY NOT KNOW WHAT THEY ARE POSTING. I PRAY THAT YOU ALL SUPPORT THE ONE YOU KNOW IN YOUR HEART OF HEARTS THAT WILL MAKE THE BEST JUDGE!!!! I FEEL IF YOU ALL PUT MORE ENERGY INTO HELPING WHO EVER YOU FEEL WILL BE THE BEST JUDGE NOT INTO TRYING TO FIND EVERY LITTLE THING THAT ONE OF THEM HAVE DONE WRONG THIS RACE WILL SOON BE OVER AND ONLY ONE CAN BE JUDGE AND LIFE GOES ON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteAre you kidding me??....Nerren has a robo call making these same accusations on both candidates...If only people knew what was going on around them. And Nerrens target is warrented...do u really think that a judge should be put in office by someone who is suppose to be the lawyer standing in front of him??..a lawyer that is mentioned in the officer Vernon incident and is on the front page of the Inquisitor every day. I think its a fair question to ask all voters who believe in justice in the court room
DeleteAbsolute lie. There are no robo calls from the Nerren camp. If you receive a call and it's not Mike Nerren himself live and in person, it's a bogus call from an opponent.
DeleteI don't know why the big argument, everyone already know who they will vote for.
ReplyDeleteANON 9:20 Sept. 27--You say that Slattery doesn't need any training. Maybe he needs training on how to do a search in the clerk's file. Put in 113899 in the civil suit section. Graves divorce record. NOT SEALED!!!! Wonder where this came from? NEXT MUDBALL?
ReplyDeleteThats Graves second divorce mudball. His first one is sealed and Slattery will stomp Graves. Nerren finishes third!!!!
DeleteGO NERREN!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteFREEDOM - HUMAN RIGHTS - and TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE IN THE LEGAL REALM are going to be the clarion issues of this next decade. Only Judge Slattery has bench experience preparedness to deal with such issues- on the bench.
ReplyDeleteCharlie Rose on LPB 9/28/2012 has had President Clinton, Tony Blair and is wrapping it up with Amadinejad of Iran- it is the difference in a free country, with human rights, dignity and the ability to express disagreement, that we have a Charlie Rose show even surfacing such issues. Here we have a race with three gentlemen running to be elected to a position where long ranging strategic impacting decisions will be resolved in the public vote. In the midst of that, we have this forum; a forum protected by the very right of expression which many would limit or do away with- YET- in the very midst of this forum we have people who apparently have heard Edmund Burke- "all that has to happen for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing," - yet do not believe such is possible- and so, thoughts viewpoints and issues are surfaced without attaching responsibility to them by allowing anonymous entry. This is the heart of what makes us able to be free- the right to fight for the right of someone to express such, in such a way, without offense. On the other hand, it is important to stick to the issues as we see them- and certainly, Judge Slattery has spent years and years, in over 40 thousand decisions, proving a record of decision making, and it's a record which stands on it's own merits of service. The other gentlemen running, are also excellent, but I'd submit, Judge Slattery has the record of service which is dominant. Because I believe so strongly in what Burke has said, every entry made by me in this forum is made with my name attached to it. If a person comments here, it is in support of the public right to maintain forum, and expression, the danger to anonymity in such process is precisely what Burke was referring to. Be bold in your honesty - Democracy stands in need of such bold free persons to bring their courage forth to match their honesty- these candidates deserve such from us, wouldn't you agree? Looking at Mr. Nerren's stated curricula vitae- judgeship does not appear to be there? It's possible that I'm missing the difference between trying law as an assistant district attorney, or, being the judge on the bench measuring, guiding and deciding such practice? Mr. Nerren's history must be respected, as must his service, but in the area of experience in the bench, it does not seem to be there? Judge Slattery on the other hand has been in that seat, practiced those decisions and been part of the process? Quoting Mr. Graves entry: "I have been involved in the legal system for over 35 years as a Louisiana State Police Trooper, undercover narcotics agent, chief prosecuting attorney and private counsel. The vast majority of my career has been in the District Court system with an emphasis on felony jury trials having tried more than 100 successful jury trials. I have practiced before the appellate courts dozens of times, the Louisiana Supreme Court several times, and have been accepted to practice before the United States Supreme Court." There is herein the respect necessary to such great service, and yet again, it is not on the bench. Judge Slattery has that bench experience and because of that factor, he, more than Mr. Nerren or Mr. Graves, is supremely capable of bringing about improvements to the system that will carry us into the next decade prepared for the next century.
then maybe slattery needs to stay where he is doing the most good...he would be hard to replace dont you think!!!
ReplyDeleteI know of only one candidate who may be linked to altering the truth if one connects the dots and banks on past history. However, this same candidate recently mass mailed postcards which also showed his ability to mislead. On the card under his name are checks on items that one would desire for this office and leaves blanks for the other 2 gentlmen. Does he honestly think the voters are that stupid!!! This candidate will never get my vote in any election
ReplyDeleteat least nerrin has the support of the da's office. I know marvin is behind him which counts for something.
ReplyDeleteYep, you rite...it counts for sumthin...it means he is gonna lose. guilt by association am afraid!
ReplyDeleteGO NERREN!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteSeems like folks Marvin supports do pretty well
ReplyDeleteYou can't answer for your Opponents!!!! How would one Candidate know for sure what another will or will not do??? Why would you send out a postcard to try and help your Opponent???? I am sure the other TWO have mailed their own information with their qualifications!!!!!!!! Each Opponent has their own MAIL OUT INFORMATION that pertain to Them and what they stand for!!!!
ReplyDeleteGO NERREN!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat does experience on the bench mean? It means, first of all, that when you are an attorney (disinterested third party hired to defend or obligate a case for plaintiff) you are in front of the judge (one who presides over the matter of course, or, must render a decision), trying the case, but the judge, conducts the case- applies the law, and unless it's a jury decision, must render a decision in the matter- most especially in civil court. Huge difference between over 40 thousand decisions and cases which have been reviewed- and, trying cases in front of the bench. The level of difference in experience is probably the key factor central to why Judge Slattery would be a better result of a well placed vote. Whenever candidates are all good, roughly equivalent in knowledge then doesn't it seems what must decide the matter is experience? Only one of these gentlemen has been behind the gavel and my suggestion is that being in that position makes an enormous difference in the result when that elected person takes office.
ReplyDeleteGO NERREN!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteOne last comment, don't wanna hog lines, because the discussion here has been excellent, just want to be very clear, I believe Mike Nerren and Whit Graves are outstanding legal minds, no doubt in my "lil pea brain," about that- they are. Also want to make real clear, I think they're excellent men, men of courage, men who stand by what they believe- as you know, my knowing the Judge for so long and in so many non legal ways, has been the guiding factor in considering his experience as the prime key for my vote. I'd vote for John without that experience, because his mind is so sharp on the issues coming at us, but with his experience, there is simply no way I can vote for the opponents and believe in my vote counting as well for the future we need. - appreciate your patience with me...this social media stuff is new to me as you can tell...Dana
ReplyDeleteDr D, if Slattery has written over 40,000 decisions in his 12 years as a city judge, then that means that he writes over 66 of them every day. The springhill city court only has court one day a week. Indeed, he must have mastered the art of being a judge. I say we keep him where he is because whoever has to take his place could not do as good a job as him. He must work extremely hard and stay late to rule on so many cases!
ReplyDeleteI agree that slattery should stay where he is. he just needs to reside in his springhill house more. when the police need him to sign a warrant, they have to drive to his shreveport home to get him to sign it. that is a waste of time and money
ReplyDeleteIs Jimmy on Vacation? He has not gone Green
ReplyDeletesince Sept 21, that a record.
Just observing. Not a bad comment thread overall.
ReplyDeleteI think we have 3 good choices really. Slattery appears to be a good man with some experience as a judge albeit on a smaller level. No integrity issues it appears which is a big plus. Graves has a more diverse background with the most success on a private level, and Nerrin appears capable although Im concerned with his connection to Marvin and the implication of having more judges in his pockets. Apparently all the marvin supporters also support Nerrin which gives me great pause-guilty by association..."birds of a feather"
ReplyDeleteWhere do you go to get a copy of Mr. Graves disbarrment papers? I am in a argument with a friend about it and need proof of my position
ReplyDeleteAnon 11:31 The proof is in the pudding. You haven't even read anything on the issue but you contend Graves was disbarred. Disbarred means lost your law license. Suspended means cannot practice for a period of time. Coompletely deferred suspension means no loss of license. Thats what Graves got, a COMPLETELY DEFERRED SUSPENSION. Jim posted a link to the site earlier. You would do well to read some of the other reports at that site where people actually received a suspension of their license for things like being arrested but not even convicted for DWI.
ReplyDeleteWhy would anyone run for a public office if they had been on probation 2 years? I know Joe Shyne did it over in Shreveport but really, do we need Joe Shyne's sitting as Judges in Bossier/Webster. Good grief......
ReplyDeleteI live in Minden and just came from the parade we had in our town this evening and I would like to say that the only candidate who was actually there working the crowds was the Judge. He is awesome and their float was adorable with all of the kids and they also had a large support group walking and working with them. What does this tell me? That Judge Slattery cares about the people and he most definitely gets my vote. Nerren's ginormous and ridiculous sign was there, but no sign of Nerren or Graves. Where were they?? Shouldn't they be campaigning at this parade? Or do they actually believe they have the win. I believe the Judge has Minden, hands down! GO JUDGE SLATTERY, the only man with judicial experience!!!
ReplyDeleteAnon at 7:34, Graves was there handing out gratuitous amounts of candy for the kids and working the crowd also. Were you actually watching the parade or were you walking with Slattery's bunch?
ReplyDeleteseriously, I just want to know where is the link to the disbarrment/suspension/deferred stuff. I dont care what you cALL it. I just want to prove my point to my friend. Is it on this blog? where?
ReplyDeleteGraves was suspended? It's my understanding that only the Louisiana Supreme Court can do that.
ReplyDelete7:34pm, What does it tell me that people were walking with Judge Slattery? That they want to ingratiate themselves with the man who can drop the charges if they get traffic tickets.
ReplyDeleteBut I am certainly not going to vote for Nerren either. I just watched his advertisement on TV, and it is just incredible. The first scene, he is sitting between an antique gun on one side of him, and a giant Bible on the other side of him, while he sits there petting a dog. Then the scene switches to where he is using his wife and children as props. But in that scene, there is also a USA flag with a fancy Catholic-type cross in front of it. He thinks we are all too stupid to know that he is trying to manipulate us with all those props.
I am left with nobody but Whit Graves to vote for, so I will hold my nose and do so.
Those aren't props fella. That's his wife, his kids, his dog, etc. Just thought you might like to know that he's a God fearing, American family-man but if you think all of that is "props", vote for someone else. Hope you'll reconsider now that you know the facts!!
ReplyDeleteThose are not props APOV!!!!!! That is is family that he loves very much.His wife and children that love him very much and their family dog Marshall and trust me he does't have to use PROPS he is a wonderful Husband and father and Fmily man!!!!!!! I should know I am his SISTER!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThis suspension issue keeps coming up around town. Is it going to be discussed by Mr. Graves? Are there going to be any public debates? I hear both of the other camps talking about it
ReplyDelete7:59am, I don't doubt that it is his gun, his antique Bible, his family, his dog, his flag, and his antique cross, but he is using all of this as props in his political advertising in a cynical attempt to manipulate voters with symbolism. I, for one, find it patently offensive, to think that I will vote on the basis of personal life and not professional record, and I just will not be manipulated.
ReplyDeletei agree that a persons professional record should control. let's see, disbarred for lying---I don know how to top that. Yep that will get my vote every time. Another good one--you love the district so much you move out of it.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that Slattery had moved to Shreveport, but I did know that he was from a prominent Shreveport family. But Springhill is a nearly dead town, and the city attorney, Jacobs, is the only attorney here. He can hardly be judge, prosecutor, and executioner all in one. The only way anyone in North Webster, who is not a ward of the government, can have competent legal council is to pay big money for an attorney to come in from another city. The position of Ward II judge pays a ridiculously high salary for a one-day-a-week job, and I am suspicious about why Slattery wants to give it up for the 26th Judicial District. But I don't think they work very hard at Minden either. I have shown up for jury duty over and over to just be told that they don't need me. I have ruled out voting for Slattery because law enforcement is just not happening in North Webster, the criminals are running hog wild. But the Ward II court is simply engaged in municipal fund raising to take money from hard working citizens under guise of traffic tickets, while the lives and liberty of citizens are going unprotected from the thugs.
ReplyDeleteanon 3:16 - you're slamming Graves, lying about it too, and you're slamming Slattery. hmmm, wonder which one of the DA's boys you are?
ReplyDeleteAlright, I have read the opinion that suspended Graves. It turns out he was actually punished twice by the supreme court. First, he was fined for being in contempt of their court ($250.00). Then, he was suspended from practicing law. So there wss actually two separate violations by Graves.
ReplyDeleteThe citation for the contempt violation is 802 So.2d 530 (La Sup.Ct., May 11, 2001) (No.2001-B-0922)
ReplyDeleteIf there are no positives you can put up about your candidate, if the attacks are the best you can do, your man has probably already lost.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the deal with the grant Nerren got for the DA office?
ReplyDelete9:38 AM, you must be very young or naive or some sort of polyanna if you are so unaware of human nature and don't realize that the best we can do is choose the lesser evil. The candidates themselves, along with their friends, family, and co-horts, are going to be talking about their positives, while trying to hide the negatives. It is only self-defensive for us to be discussing why we will be voting against candidates.
ReplyDeleteI agree with APOV. I thought there was too much political pandering in Nerren's commercial. If I were undecided, and I am not, that commercial would have made up my mind to vote for someone other than him.
ReplyDeleteGo Nerren!!!
ReplyDeleteGO NERREN!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteThe Nerren group knocked on my door yesterday. They were very polite and knowledgable. Mr Nerren came by afterwards. He was very professional also.
ReplyDeleteAnon 10-5-12 @ 9:13 First you obviously do not understand the definition of deferred: Postponed or delayed as in a deferred military draft, withheld until a future date. When Graves received a 9 month COMPLETELY DEFERRED suspension with a 2 year probationary period, that means since he completed the probationary period without a problem then HIS LICENSE WAS NEVER SUSPENDED!!! Second, if you actually read the two documents you would see that they both were about not filing the same memorandum on time. I am obviously not going to change your mind on voting for Nerren but you should at least just state the facts and not try to spin this into something it is not.
ReplyDelete9:38 AM, you must be very young or naive or some sort of polyanna if you are so unaware of human nature and don't realize that the best we can do is choose the lesser evil.<<<<<<
ReplyDeleteVoting for the lesser evil is still voting for Evil......
what u talkin bout...all 3 men....each a good choice...however, Whit is my choice and i see no evil in anyone of these men!!!!!! Go whit go!
ReplyDeleteIs this the site you asked about
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ladb.org/NXT/gateway.dll?f=templates$fn=default.htm$vid=ladb:ladbview
Whit Graves suspended?
Yes. He definitely was suspended. I read it. What did he do for a living during those two years? I think that is something the public has a right to know about.
ReplyDeleteAnon 5:28 You don't understand the word deferred either do you. Graves has never missed a day of practicing law since he graduated from LSU Law School, and quite well I might add, because HE WAS NEVER SUSPENDED!!!
ReplyDelete5:28 - Not true. If you can actually read, you should look at the decision. 9 months deferred. As 6:19 said, he never missed a day.
ReplyDeleteAnd - he is not spreading disinformation about his opponents (aka lying).
Are we still arguing about this?
ReplyDeleteAnon 8:15 Of course they are. Nerren and Slattery supporters can't find anything good to say about their choice so they can only try to bring down Graves. Graves has his state police experience, his number of jury trials and his time as a private attorney they can't even come close to comparing with. Even the other attorneys voted him as a top attorney 8 times. Don't see that for either of the other two.
ReplyDeleteKinda would like to know more about him being suspended.Only Bill Clinton could pull that off.
ReplyDeleteGo Slattery!!
ReplyDeleteIf you are convicted of a crime and sentenced to two years in jail but the jail time is suspended and given 9 months probation. You were still sentenced to two years in jail. This is similar to the Graves situation. He completed his probation therefore he did not have to serve the suspension.
ReplyDeleteIt's stupid to keep arguing about it. Everyone has already decided who they are voting for anyways
Voting for the lesser evil is still voting for Evil......
ReplyDeleteInasmuch as there are no angels from Heaven leaving their holy estate to run for political office on the Earth, voting for the lesser evil is the option with which we are left.
I think all of you are missing the big picture. He was disciplined for lying to the supreme court. Isn't that what's important? If he has a record of lying, why should he get my vote. This would definitely send the wrong message to the public
ReplyDeleteIf he was guilty of lying why should he be judge?
ReplyDeleteGO GRAVES!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteI do agree that mr graves should address this issue head on He does nit seem like too bad a guy and can explain it If he chooses not to then I think people can draw their own conclusions about it
ReplyDeleteAre there any debates scheduled?
ReplyDeleteWhether he addresses it or not is not the issue! It happened ten years ago! Ancient history as far as I'm concerned
ReplyDeleteWho is the Slattery guy. Never heard of him. Is he from bossier or related to the Shreveport Slattery. If that's the case, let him stay over there
ReplyDeleteRelated to Slattery Shreveport folks. Not from Bossier. From Houston, TX.
DeleteJim, what is the record for number of posts? This ones gotta be close and Nov 6 still month away!! Gonna be fun!!
7:48 - If you will read what he wrote for us ^^ up there in the blog post you will see that he is a Judge in Springhill (that's in Webster Parish).
ReplyDeleteThe 26th JDC is made up of Bossier and Webster Parishes.
Of course, you already know all of that so I don't know why I waste the effort.
A debate was scheduled back in August for October 22. Simply put only one candidate was interested. Two candidates refused to respond to inquiry considering their willingness to participate.
ReplyDeleteAnon 10:09 Who was the one candidate with the guts to go head to head with the other two?
ReplyDeleteA Judges debate? I don't know who wanted that but it's silly. I don't wanna hear Nerren or Graves or Slattery tell me how many cases they've had, how many jury trials they've had, how many bad guys they put in jail, how many divorces they've had, how many suspensions they've had, how many bar complaints they've had, how many malpractice suits they've had filed against them, where they live......wait, yes I do. Where and what time, cause this could be juicy? But it wouldn't tell me who's most qualified to be Judge. And that's the point. Debates, just like Presidential ones, are worthless.
ReplyDeleteGraves will never say this but he took the fall for the elected D.A. When Marvin got fired and Graves became chief criminal prosecutor he inherited a mess of over 400 back logged cases. As normal around here the D.A. Was inefficient and a mess. The brief in question was missed and somebody had to fall on the sword. Wonder why Graves quit? You had to be there to see it to believe it.
ReplyDeleteOmg. You have to be the most misinformed person on the planet. Ask someone who worked at the da office why graves left employment there. Interesting!
ReplyDeleteI met Terri Ward, who said she was Slattery's campaign manager, at last weeks function. Seems nice.
ReplyDeleteOff topic and I apolgize. I am posting here because this is the only active topic on Jim's very fine and informative website.
ReplyDeleteI read an article that there was no public comments on the redistricting issue on the City councils agenda.
Pehaps if the meetings were held after work hours like most city goverments the citizens will have time attend meetings.
Seems like the ploys and decisions are made to make desions and pass ordinances at the city officials convience.
Jim, might be a good subject for a topic.Your informative and respected opinions are apreciated.
Dumb!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDelete11:48,
ReplyDeleteThey claimed they tried that but people didn't show up. I said that back when we trusted them.
9:05 PM - If you want to make that allegation, you need to offer some documentation.
ReplyDeleteSure the other two candidates are in this, but they have no experience- here's a choice interview where the questions pretty much match what I've used in the past- GREAT INTERVIEW:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ksla.com/category/240198/new-video-landing-page?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=7831770#.UHw1Mu9_z78.blogger
If the link won't link- it's on KSLA.com Full Interview with 26th Judicial District Candidate Judge John Slattery.
Check -R- out- good stuff.
Here's that link. If anyone else has a link for their candidate, feel free to add it.
ReplyDeleteJudge Slattery Interview
I didn't know that, thanks for the info. 11:28PM.
ReplyDelete