Here Comes The Boom

Okay sports fans, here comes the boom! My Bossier is about to start back up! Get Ready! Here it comes! The cold hard truth! Don't hate the player! Hate the Game! Check Back Regularly!!!

Louisiana Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee Says Judge Caraway Attack Is FALSE

The Louisiana Judicial Campaign Oversight Committee issued a public statement today saying the negative attacks being run on social media by Judge Jay Caraway's campaign are false.

"The complaint concerns a statement posted to Judge Caraway's campaign committee Facebook page, "Jeff Cox Record," which says, 'Jeff Cox spent $33,500 to help elect Hillary Clinton.'...  The Committee believes the statement at issue is false and in violation of Canon 7A(9)."

Judge Caraway violated Canon 7A(9) of the Louisiana Code of Judicial Conduct, which provides that a judge or judicial candidate shall not "knowingly make, or cause to be made, a false statement concerning the identity, qualifications, present position, or other fact concerning the candidate or opponent,"

"Judge Cox has run a positive campaign, with the endorsement of law enforcement and hard working, honest people from throughout North Louisiana.  Meanwhile, his opponent has been caught playing dirty politics.   The  committee found Judge Caraway's ad linking Judge Cox to Hillary Clinton as being "false." The truth is, judges cannot endorse or help any candidate and Judge Caraway knew this, but he chose to lie about it anyway.  We are still waiting on one ad as to why Judge Caraway should keep his job as Judge.   One ad- and I'm betting you won't see one before Tuesday.  Shame on Judge Caraway.   He should know dirty politicians don't win,"  said H. Lyn Lawrence, Jr., a member of Judge Cox's Campaign Committee.

About Judge Jeff Cox

Judge Jeff Cox currently serves the 26th Judicial District Judge and has run a campaign based on five core principals:

• Faith, family and service
• Fair, honest and respectful treatment for everyone
• Protect the U.S. Constitution and our 2nd Amendment right
• Strictly interpret the law instead of legislating from the bench
• No special treatment for any special interest

Judge Cox has been re-elected twice, without opposition, as the District Judge for Bossier and Webster Parishes in Division C. These two parishes comprise a majority of the votes in the Second Circuit. The other seven parishes include: Bienville, Caldwell, Claiborne, Jackson, Lincoln, Union and Winn.  He and wife, Susan, are the parents of two children, live in Bossier and attend First Baptist of Bossier.

Louisiana Republican Party endorses Jeff Cox for Court of Appeal

Baton Rouge, LA – The Republican Party of Louisiana announced today that it is endorsing Judge Jeff Cox in the race for 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal.

"Judge Jeff Cox is a lifelong Republican and in his 12 years on the bench, he has shown integrity and fairness to everyone who has come before his court.  He will work diligently with law enforcement to protect communities throughout North Louisiana and will impartially apply the law, without legislating from the bench.  He is an honest and reputable public servant and we are confident he will be a tremendous addition to the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal,” said Anne Price, Deputy Director of the Republican Party of Louisiana. 

Judge Jeff Cox currently serves the 26th Judicial District Judge and has run a campaign based on five core principals:

• Faith, family and service
• Fair, honest and respectful treatment for everyone
• Protect the U.S. Constitution and our 2nd Amendment right
• Strictly interpret the law instead of legislating from the bench
• No special treatment for any special interest

Judge Cox has been re-elected twice, without opposition, as the District Judge for Bossier and Webster Parishes in Division C. These two parishes comprise a majority of the votes in the Second Circuit. The other seven parishes include: Bienville, Caldwell, Claiborne, Jackson, Lincoln, Union and Winn.  He and wife, Susan, are the parents of two children, live in Bossier and attend First Baptist of Bossier

Honor Trey Hutchison

August 11, 2004 is a date that is etched in the annals of Bossier City history, and not for a good reason. On this date, BCPD Officer Trey Hutchison was murdered as he walked up to a house on a domestic call. It left a permanent scar on his family, his brothers in the department, and on the city.

I have a lot of memories that center around Highway 80 and East Texas Street, beginning with weekends in High School cruising through the KoKoMo on Saturday nights, 

The most lasting memory, and certainly the saddest, was standing on the street in front of the mall and watching the funeral procession of Trey Hutchison leave First Baptist Church and proceed to Hillcrest. I was only one of thousands who watched every officer of BCPD in their police cars as they followed their fallen brother to his final resting place.

A bridge in Bossier Parish is being named in honor of SPD Officer Thomas LaValley, a very fitting tribute. 

Why can't the same be done for one of Bossier's own?

Why can't East Texas Street from Benton Road to Hillcrest be renamed the Trey Hutchison Memorial Highway? That's just one idea, there are many possibilities. 

Politicians, make it happen.

Judge Jay Caraway qualifies for re-election to Court of Appeal

Judge Jay Caraway has qualified as a candidate for re-election to the Second Circuit Court of Appeal.

 In 35 years as a lawyer, including 20 years also being a judge, the Republican resident of Bossier City has seen more than 6,000 legal disputes, with approximately 2,500 being appeals of criminal and civil judgments. He was also selected by the state Supreme Court to sit on the Judiciary Commission, and was invited by the Louisiana State University Law School to be an adjunct professor. 

 Judge Caraway touts his appellate court experience as a distinguishing qualification in this election. "I dealt with major appellate cases as a lawyer, and argued before the appellate courts of this state and the U.S. 5th Circuit," he said. "That cumulative experience prepares me for the next set of facts, for the next dispute that I will see as a judge; and working with other judges, we can reach the proper resolution under our law."

 Judge Caraway credits his roots in the North-Central Parishes of Louisiana as the life experience that prepared him for his public service as judge.

 This November 8 election covers the parishes of Bossier, Webster, Claiborne, Union, Lincoln, Caldwell, Bienville, Jackson and Winn.

 To learn more about Judge Caraway visit judgejaycaraway.com.

If you are a candidate for office and would like to address the voters with your platform for office, please send a few paragraphs to mybossier@gmail.com and we will publish it.  Attach a picture if you like and we’ll include it.

Judge Cox qualifies for Court of Appeals

Judge Jeff Cox qualified today as a candidate for the Second Circuit Court of Appeal.  Judge Cox has been re-elected twice without opposition as a District Judge in  Bossier and Webster Parishes.  These two parishes comprise a majority of the votes in the Second Circuit race.  The other seven parishes include:  Bienville, Caldwell, Claiborne, Jackson, Lincoln, Union, and Winn. 

A Republican with broad support from the law enforcement community, Judge Cox understands the concerns expressed by law enforcement and the broader community about criminals being released from jail and felony sentences being reversed.  “I am honored to have such strong support of people from every walk of life—especially our law enforcement officers,” Cox said.  Judge Cox is the only candidate in the race with courtroom experience as a prosecutor and trial judge.  He favors strict interpretation of the Constitution and is opposed to legislating from the bench.  

Judge Cox continues to be a strong advocate for the elderly, and he supports Second Amendment rights. 

Judge Cox, a native of Webster Parish, resides in Bossier City with his wife, Susan, and their children:  Gabrielle and Stephen, who are students at Louisiana Tech University.  Judge Cox serves as deacon and teacher at First Baptist Church Bossier and is a member of a number of civic and wildlife organizations. 

For more information, visit electjudgejeffcox.com.

Judge Jeff Cox signs the paperwork to officially become a candidate in the race for the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal

Judge Jeff Cox, and his wife Susan, at the Secretary of State's office, where Judge Cox qualified as a candidate for the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeal this morning.

Breakfast 101

I put this on Facebook this morning and a few people seemed to like it, so I feel compelled to share it on this forum. I know you all love it when I share my wisdom.
Biscuits were created to be complemented with butter. Some people brush the top with butter, in fact, I have done that myself. That is not a ‘buttered biscuit’. A buttered biscuit is a biscuit that has been split open and has a big hunk of butter put in the center. It’s allowed to melt and run down the sides (and down your chin in the process). THAT is a buttered biscuit.
Eggs are composed of two parts, the yolk and the white. The white is all protein and the yolk is fat. The yolk is the good part. They are meant to be eaten together, that’s why God made them the way they are. I like eggs in any form, and I usually eat them scrambled. They were orginially intended, however, to be fried in bacon grease.
Sausage - As long as the label says ‘pork sausage’ you’re good to go. (At this point I'll embellish a bit, because it was pointed out in the original post that I left off Biscuits smothered in sausage gravy. By all means - smother them. Do not use packaged gravy mix! Cook your sausage down, sprinkle a little flour on it, let it cook for about a minute then hit it with milk.)
Bacon is cured pork belly. Simple test – if it’s not pork, it’s not bacon. Of course, the pork belly can be cooked in other ways, braised with a nice glaze for instance. Let me see you eat a nice glazed ‘turkey belly’ and maybe you can make a believer out of me.
Grits, yes grits. This is the south, not freaking Idaho. We eat grits down here. Grits, when they were created by the Lord, were intended to be eaten with salt and butter. Personally, I also prefer lots of black pepper. I have heard of people putting sugar on grits; they are obviously confusing them with cream of wheat, and they probably are Yankees.
If you enjoyed a breakfast of ‘turkey bacon’ and an ‘egg white omelet’, more power to you. Now get in your Prius and head on over to the Hillary rally. 
I’m going to eat breakfast.

Wally World or No?

By John E Settle Jr. 
The Bossier City-Parish Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC) meeting on Monday (June 13) has 8 agenda items dealing with the proposed new north Bossier Wal-Mart. This hearing will probably be standing room only,—and the votes by the MPC will then head to the Bossier City Council. This proposed development has created the largest citizen outcry in this decade by a city known to be very very business friendly,—so much that private citizens believe that their interests are frequently ignored.
 
The Oden family owns a substantial tract that fronts on Airline and Wemple road that they hope to develop much like the Target/Sams commercial area just north of I-220 and Airline. The first effort is the proposed transaction with the Wal-Mart Real Estate Business Trust (WMREB) and the MPC applications have created a storm of opposition that Wal-Marts have experienced in other locations throughout the nation. Specifically the WMREB has the following items up for vote on Monday: to change zoning classification from residential agriculture to B-3 General Business for a Walmart Supercenter and Fueling Station, for preliminary plat approval for the Wal-Mart Wemple Commercial Development Subdivision, an application for an exterior lighting review of the proposed Walmart Supercenter, an application for a Conditional Use Approval for 24 hour operation of the proposed Walmart Supercenter,  an application for Conditional Use Approval for the sale of high and low content alcohol for off premise consumption at the proposed Walmart Supercenter, a Conditional Use Approval for the sale of low content alcohol for off premise consumption at the proposed Walmart Fuel Station, a landscape review for the proposed Walmart Supercenter as well as a landscape review of the proposed Walmart Fuel Station.
 
The new store would be located approximately 3 miles north of the existing Walmart Supercenter on Airline, which naturally has lead to many questions as to the future of the existing location if the new SuperCenter is approved. Bossier has already experienced the major closing of commercial center on Benton Road near the overpass when the Kroger Market Place opened  and  the Kroger at that center. A Walmart spokesman declined to directly answer that closing issue, only stating that the new proposed Supercenter was a completely separate market—the growth north of I-220.
 
An MPC spokesman indicated that 2 major planning concerns were drainage in that area if the development is approved along with additional traffic on Airline Drive. WMREB is to present their proposals on drainage and traffic at Monday’s meeting, which should include the $64 question—who is to pay for any remedial efforts to alleviate the negative impacts of the development on both drainage and traffic. Neighborhood opposition has also focused on potential declines in values of personal homes and a possible increase in crime.

After the MPC votes, the Walmart circus will then move to the Bossier City Council for final approval. The Council recently voted to annex the 99 acres that includes the land intended for the Supercenter. This vote was taken after the Council had previously voted to de-annex this tract due to citizens. Eventually, this dispute could end up in he courts.
 

John E. Settle, Jr. is a attorney in private practice in Shreveport-Bossier and owner of ArkLaTex Title Company. John is a member of the State Bars of Louisiana, Georgia and California and has been practicing law for over 40 years. John writes a weekly column for The Inquisitor and is featured in other local interest publications.
Copyright © 2016 John E. Settle, Jr., All rights reserved

Memorial Day 2016

On Memorial Day, we honor those who have fallen in service to our country.  I have compiled a list of service men and women from Bossier Parish who have died in action, beginning with World War I. This list is as complete as I could make it; if you know of anyone who is not on the list, please let me know and I will add them. List of everyone from Louisiana who was killed in all wars.

WORLD WAR  I

Thomas E Doty

Robert N Gaynor

James H Roach

Clark Strayhan

Allie Bryant

Stephen Fullwood

Allen Gleason

Arthur Jackson

Gus Williams

Murphy Williams

WORLD WAR II

Willie B American

James O Avery

William Bedingfield

Guy A Buie

Gay Clark

Charles R Clemens

Thomas B Cole

Lamar Coleman

Harold J Courtney

Garland E Hickman

Campbell B Hodges

Woodrow W Holland

Louis A Johnson

Robert A Johnson

Grant King

Eugene E Lossett

Jake Maniscalco Jr

Horace J Miller

James V Palmer

Allen S Powell

Hines N Ritch

George F Rowe

Wilburn Sheppard

Roy T Strange

Stephen T Strayhan

John L Swilley

Harold M Valentine

Charles W Watson Jr

Kenneth Winham

KOREAN WAR

David Grisham

James Kelleher

C Steelman

VIETNAM WAR

Arthur Norman Welch

Dennis Bedelle Black

Alton Delaney Kellogg

Wallace Lee Ogea

Isaac David Faughn

Charles Reuben Miller Jr

Arnold John Rahm

Dolroy Francies

James Walter Myles

Herbert Walter

Milford Donovin Carter

IRAQ

Craig T Nelson

Bernard C Sembly

Julia V Atkins

Joshua C Burrows

AFGHANISTAN

Michael Garcia

Larry D Bunn

Republished from 2015

Election Day Predictions

My record at predicting is mixed at best, but here are my predictions for tomorrow. This is based strictly on my observations, not necessarily my preferences.

Governor - John Bel Edwards
Lt. Governor - Billy Nungesser
Attorney General - Buddy Caldwell
State Senate District 36 - Henry Burns

I'll post the results tomorrow night.

Hollenshead endorses Gatti

Todd Hollenshead, who finished third in the State Senate District 36 primary with 26% of the vote, officially endorsed Ryan Gatti in the State Senate District 36 runoff to be held November 21st.  Gatti finished second in the October 24th primary with 34% of the vote.  

Todd Hollenshead Endorsement Statement:

"Today, I want to publicly endorse Ryan Gatti in the State Senate District 36 runoff on November 21st and I ask that you join me in supporting him to represent us all in Baton Rouge.

 During this election season at public forums and events, I have gotten to know him, and like me, I feel he has Louisiana's best interests in mind.  In Ryan, I see a person with the tenacity to do what is right for Northwest Louisiana.  He is a Christian, a dedicated husband, and devoted father. 

 Ryan and I both grew up working with our hands.  I went to work in the oilfield to pay my way through college.  He worked for his dad's salvage yard.  We both learned early on the value of a strong work ethic.

 We need fresh ideas and someone that won't be a "yes man" to anyone but the people he represents.  Career politicians helped Bobby Jindal make a mess of our state.  As I have said throughout this campaign, the definition of insanity is electing the same legislators over and over again and expecting different results.

 Lobbyists in Baton Rouge know that certain legislators will be a good return on their investment, which is why they keep flooding campaign accounts with PAC donations.

 We need someone like Ryan who will make things right again and represent the people of this district, not lobbyists and out-of-state special interests.  I am trusting now that Ryan will fight for our businesses and our families, make our teachers and children's education a top priority, protect our precious unborn and build a firewall around the Second Amendment. 

 I am asking that you also support him with your vote.  Join me and let's all work together to make sure we elect Ryan Gatti on November 21st."

Edmiston, Sessions both win in landslides

Congratulations to Jill Sessions and Bobby Edmiston who won their races for Clerk of Court and Tax Assessor.

In other local races, Henry Burns and Ryan Gatti will face off in the general election for State Senate in District 36. Dodie Horton handily won her bid for Burns’ 9^th Representative District seat.

For Police Jury District 4, Sonny Cook is the winner. Jack “Bump” Skaggs carried District 5 easily and Freddy Shewmake won Distric t 9.

In Statewide races, we’ll have a runoff for governor between John Bel Edwards and David Vitter. At this point, it appears the Lt. Governor race will be between Kip Holden and Billy Nungesser. Buddy Caldwell and Jeff Landry will be in a runoff for Attorney General.

Tom Schedler walked back into the Secretary of State’s office, as John Kennedy did for Treasurer, Mike Strain for Commissioner of Agriculture and Jim Donelon for Insurance Commissioner.

Election Day

Finally.
Tonight after the LSU game the results should be coming in and I will post them.
We will know who is in the runoff for Governor.
We will know who will serve as Clerk of Court and Assessor.
Legislative races will be settled in most cases.
Comments are open again without moderation. Please keep it decent and respectful.

One more shot at the race for Clerk of Court

I pulled most of this from my first blog post about the Clerk’s race back in April. Even after all of the back and forth in the comments, so bad at times that I had to take down a blog post to stop it, these are still the basic facts of the race.

Your comments are welcome, but as badly as I hate to do it, they will be moderated and must have my approval before they go up on the blog. It’s a shame, but I won’t allow it to turn into pandemonium in the henhouse. Please keep your comments on point – you all know the rules. If you believe that anything I have stated is not factual, by all means call me out.

Today I want to talk about the race for Bossier Parish Clerk of Court. A lot of people are a little unclear as to the duties of the Clerk of Court and they are manifold. This is one office that will definitely affect you if you live in Bossier Parish.

Do you vote? The Clerk of Court is the chief election official for the Parish. The Clerk is responsible for making sure those precincts are staffed and equipped, that they operate as prescribed by law for the hours prescribed. The clerk also tallies the totals to report to the Secretary of State.

Own property? Your deed and mortgage are recorded with the Clerk. The office has all property records from the inception of the parish in 1843, so the Clerk is also an archivist.

Getting married? Guess who issues your marriage license.

Getting Divorced? Guess where you file that lawsuit.

Need a Protective Order to deal with an abusive household member? You go to the Clerk of Court to get it in motion.

Criminal cases, ditto. Staffing each Civil and Criminal Courtroom and issuing subpoenas? The Clerk’s office.

Been summoned to serve on a jury? That too.

This year the candidates are Jill Sessions, an eight year veteran of the office, and Monica Hudson, who served in the office for about that length of time under Wilna Mabry.

In the past, this was a hand-me-down office. Since the 1930’s, in fact, the person elected had experience in that office.

Wilna Mabry was Chief Deputy to Mrs. Broussard, who was elected after her husband, the Clerk, passed away. By the time Miss Mabry ran for Clerk, she had decades of experience and had served for years as Chief Deputy.

Joan Carraway succeeded Wilna Mabry. Mrs. Carraway had decades of experience and had served for years as Chief Deputy.

Cindy Johnston, our current Clerk, ditto. Decades of experience in the office and years as Chief Deputy.

This is where the chain ends.

The current Chief Deputy, Jill Sessions, was just appointed in February at the time that Mrs. Johnston announced her retirement. She only has 8 years with the office, and has served in limited capacities, so it is not the level of experience that people have expected in the past.

Monica Hudson, who currently works for DA Schuyler Marvin as a victim’s rights advocate, also has almost 8 years experience with the Clerk of Court’s office, albeit in the past.

The experience that counts comes from the 35 deputy clerks who work in the office. For the most part, they are capable and some have the decades of experience that really does matter. These are the people who will make a new Clerk, whomever is chosen, a success.

Race for State Senate 36th District

Robert Adley is being term-limited out of the State Senate, leaving the seat open. There are three contenders, and in my opinion all are top quality. Burns comes closest to being an incumbent in this race with all of the blessings and burdens that go along with that. My opinion is that it won't make a difference.

Gatti is running a very aggressive campaign and seems to be very well funded. Hollenshead is also campaigning actively. Frankly, I'm undecided in this one, they all have points that I like. Click on their names to go to their websites.

Henry Burns has been serving as Representative for the 9^th District and was the first to announce for the seat. Burns, a retired Army Officer, is a former owner/operator of The Wooden Spoon Bakery for 22 years. He is also an independent oil & gas operator and raises thoroughbreds.

“My sole purpose has been to serve you and encourage you...on the frontline everyday. We share the same concerns of taxes, highways, ethical government, economic development, and education.”

Burns could have run for another term in the State House, but chose to seek the Senate Seat instead.

Ryan Gatti is a Bossier City attorney who is seeking his first political office.

For the last 15 years, Ryan Gatti has served Northwest Louisiana as a Bossier based attorney and small business owner. He has helped countless families going through their toughest times, including families dealing with situations resulting in traumatic brain injuries. He served as President of the Bossier Bar Association and in 2013, he was selected to receive a Crystal Gavel Award for his commendable efforts in aiding the administration of justice by gathering and reviewing a significant number of cases on behalf of the 26th Judicial District Court. Ryan also sat as District 1W Judge in Shreveport from 2007-2009, presiding over Workers’ Compensation trials.

A lifelong conservative, Ryan is the Vice President of the Republican Party of Bossier Parish.  An active member of First Baptist Church of Bossier, he is both a deacon and teacher for kids and youth.

Todd Hollenshead is a businessman and farmer and like Gatti is seeking his first political office. Hollenshead is concerned about the state’s $700 million annual budget deficit, the rising cost of college tuition, industry leaving the state, and the struggles facing Louisiana-based small businesses. He is pro-life, pro-traditional marriage, and supports gun rights.

“I believe our state needs new direction. We need leaders who will work hard for Louisiana and not be tied to the lobbyists and out-of-state special interests. I will listen to the concerns of our small-business owners, working families and the middle class and get to work for them.”

If you are a candidate for office and would like to address the voters with your platform for office, please send a few paragraphs to mybossier@gmail.com and we will publish it.  Attach a picture if you like and we’ll include it.

To the Candidates

This isn’t addressed to any one candidate, but to all, especially those running for a legislative seat.

Dear Candidate:

Louisiana is faced with a lot of problems, and nearly all of them are budget related. I’m glad that you are pro family values – so am I. I value my family and want them to be good productive citizens. My family values are based on my upbringing and from raising two children. Now I have grandchildren and great-grandchildren and I value them very much. I didn’t get any part of my belief in family values from a politician. You worry about the budget and get Louisiana on a sustainable course. We’ll handle the family values.

I know politicians love the 2^nd amendment to the constitution. It’s great that you support it, but that is hardly a brave stand in Louisiana, where everyone and their grandmothers own guns. There is absolutely no chance that a Louisiana Legislature will pass, nor a Louisiana governor sign, any bill that limits gun rights. In fact, quite the opposite is true. So while we are glad that you support the 2^nd amendment, don’t worry. Spend your time worrying about the budget and how you would rectify the funding problems that we face.

So far as loving constitutional amendments goes, some of you don’t seem too fond of the 14^th amendment. The Supreme Court recently made a ruling using the equal protection clause of that amendment which has stirred up a lot of controversy. Alas, neither you nor a clerk of court from Kentucky can overrule the Supreme Court. I know that some of you have tried to turn this into a religious freedom argument, but it simply isn’t. If the lady in Kentucky can’t uphold her oath and do her job, she is free to get a job where she doesn’t have to do that. And she is free to believe and worship as she pleases; she doesn’t have the right as a public official to impose her beliefs on others. Neither do you. Don’t waste our time with this, concentrate on the budget.

While you are at it, how about sharing your ideas for solving the recurring budget crisis. There aren’t any more cans to kick down the road. The legislature has begged, borrowed and stolen from every available fund to fill the gaps in the budget for the last several years. There are no more left to plunder. Tell us what your ideas are to solve the problem on a long term basis.

Leave the family values and such to us.

Bobby Edmiston for Tax Assessor

I said that I might be making an endorsement, so consider this the first one.

Bobby Edmiston is a lifelong resident of Bossier Parish and a graduate of Airline High School. He has a BA from Louisiana Tech University. Bobby has been Bossier’s Tax Assessor since 1998.

I like Bobby, he does a good job running the Assessor’s office. He has also served his country in the National Guard for years, and was deployed in 2010. He’s a nice guy.

Let’s remove the elephant in the room before we proceed. Bobby got a DWI ticket earlier this year. If guilty, he used terrible judgment in driving while he was drinking. At worst, he could be described as an occasional social drinker. The case hasn’t gone to trial yet, and he has the capable counsel of H. Lyn Lawrence, Jr. If he is found guilty, he will be sentenced. For a 1^st DWI that would likely be a fairly hefty fine and some probation, and he would serve it. He was not serving in an official capacity at the time of the alleged offense.

In summary, he has served for the last 17 years and discharged his duties well. He also discharged his duties to our country in honorable fashion.

He wants to keep his job. I believe that he should. I have no reservations in urging your support of Bobby Edmiston for another term as Bossier Parish Tax Assessor.
If you are a candidate for office and would like to address the voters with your platform for office, please send a few paragraphs to mybossier@gmail.com and we will publish it.  Attach a picture if you like and we’ll include it.

Qualifying: Day One

UPDATE: Day 3 - Not sure if complete, will double check tomorrow. Today Charles Gray filed for Police Jury District 9, and Patsy Maggio filed for Tax Assessor.
UPDATE: Ryan Gatti and Todd Hollenshead were the only two notices filed on Wednesday. Both are running for the Senate District 36 seat.

The following candidates qualified at the Bossier Parish Clerk of Court's office for the October 24th primary election. I will update for the next two days. Then we'll get into discussions. Then the fun begins.

State Senate District 36:

• Henry Burns
• Ryan Gatti
• Todd Hollenshead

State Representative District 8:

• Mike Johnson

State Representative District 9:

• Dodie Horton
• Michael McHalffey

Coroner:

• John Chandler

Tax Assessor:

• Bobby Edmiston
• Patsy Maggio

Sheriff:

• Julian Whittington

Clerk of Court:

• Monica Hudson
• Jill Sessions

POLICE JURY:
District 1:

• Robert Brotherton

District 2:

• Glenn Benton

District 3:

• Wanda Bennett

District 4:

• Douglas Cook
• Johnnie Jorden

District 5:

• Barry Butler
• Jack Skaggs

District 6:

• Rickey Avery

District 7:

• James Cochran

District 8:

• Douglas Rimmer

District 9: 

• Fred M Shewmake Jr
• Charles Gray

District 10:

• Jerome Darby

District 11:

• William Hammack

District 12:

• Paul Plummer

If you are a candidate for office and would like to address the voters with your platform for office, please send a few paragraphs to mybossier@gmail.com and we will publish it.  Attach a picture if you like and we’ll include it.

Benjamin Arnold Enters District 10 Caddo Parish Commissioners Race

Benjamin Arnold, Shreveport business owner, is entering the race for Caddo Parish Commission District 10.

 “My roots remain in Caddo Parish,” stated Arnold. “The blood of the parish that shaped me runs through my veins. It’s time we took it to heart.”

 Arnold is a hardworker that has a passion for clear mindedness, strong leadership and common sense decisions. “The leadership in our parish and district wasn’t strong and wasn’t meeting the real needs of its community members,” stated Arnold. “I want leadership that is reflective of its constituents.”

 Arnold has a plan – a plan to execute and follow through until the end to assure the job is complete. Several of his strategies include:

●     Promote the increase of police patrolling neighborhoods to ensure the safety of residents

●     Identify areas in which to increase intermodal transportation and improve neglected roads

●     Promote a more advanced education system to prepare students for career training and job placement

●     Support entrepreneurs and small business owners who are interested in building sustainable businesses that keep young people home and attract others within the region

●     Ensure that measures are taken to establish a transparent and open government that is accountable to its citizens

 He is a lifetime resident of southwest Shreveport, father of three children, independent business owner, served six years in the United States Military and truly loves his community.

 “It’s time someone stepped up to the plate to give to our community what is best, what is sensible and what is right. This is our pride, our passion and our community. It’s time our beliefs matched our reality.”

 Be sure to register and vote for the change District 10 needs this coming election. For more information about Benjamin Arnold, visit benjaminarnold.vote. 

If you are a candidate for office and would like to address the voters with your platform for office, please send a few paragraphs to mybossier@gmail.com and we will publish it.  Attach a picture if you like and we’ll include it.

Ryan Gatti ends month of events in Minden Thursday

Ryan Gatti, candidate for State Senate District 36, will end a month of district wide meet and greets and town hall meetings with an event in Minden on August 27 at Orleans on Main.  The public is invited to the event that starts at 6:00.  Gatti has spent the past few weeks traveling and getting to know people from the smallest towns in the district, areas often forgotten by elected officials in Baton Rouge.   

“The needs and concerns of these small towns is so personal and often times, very unique, however, very few people take the time to really get to know these issues and spend time in the towns with the people who live there.  I’ve gotten to know place likes Castor, Sibley, Plain Dealing and Doyline.  I’ve come to know what they really care about and will be able to truly represent them as the State Senator for District 36.  I look forward to having the same conversation with the people in Minden Thursday night and I will keep visiting this entire district, long after election day, because energetic and present leadership is what we deserve,” said Gatti.

About Ryan

Ryan Gatti is running to replace Senator Robert Adley for the seat that represents constituents in Bossier, Webster, Claiborne and Bienville Parishes. 

For the last 15 years, Ryan Gatti has served Northwest Louisiana as a Bossier based attorney and small business owner. He has helped countless families going through their toughest times, including families dealing with situations resulting in traumatic brain injuries. He served as President of the Bossier Bar Association and in 2013, he was selected to receive a Crystal Gavel Award for his commendable efforts in aiding the administration of justice by gathering and reviewing a significant number of cases on behalf of the 26th Judicial District Court. Ryan also sat as District 1W Judge in Shreveport from 2007-2009, presiding over Workers’ Compensation trials.

A lifelong conservative, Ryan is the Vice President of the Republican Party of Bossier Parish.  An active member of First Baptist Church of Bossier, he is both a deacon and teacher for kids and youth, and has participated in mission trips to impoverished parts of the world such as Haiti, El Salvador and Mexico. Ryan has also served as a trustee on the Ethics and Religious Liberties Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention since 2012. He also volunteered as a coach of Dixie League Softball and Upwards Soccer.

Ryan is a graduate of Airline High School, LSU and LSU Law School. He has been married to Susan Gatti, Ph.D. for over 18 years.  Together they have created their greatest accomplishments – their four daughters Katherine (15), Elizabeth (12), Rebecca (8) and Charlotte (5). 

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