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.

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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.

Monica Hudson Fundraiser

I attended Monica Hudson's fundraiser at Silver Star tonight, she had a pretty good turnout. It was from 5 to 8, when I got there at 6:30 there were a number of people coming and going. She was answering questions, discussing her plans for the office and sharing anecdotes about working for Wilna Mabry.

Midway through coming and going

Monica with Paul Carmouche and volunteers ready to serve food

Chow time

The inevitable mingling

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.

Clerk of Court Candidate Monica Hudson

Monica Hudson, Victim Advocate for the Bossier Parish District Attorney, has announced her candidacy for the Bossier Parish Clerk of Court. She is a lifelong resident of Bossier Parish and earned an Associate Degree in Business Administration from Bossier Parish Community College.  She continued her education and earned a B.A. from Minot State University. 

Hudson began her career in August 1982 with the Bossier Parish Clerk of Courts Office and continued with that office until May 1990.  Her duties there included: running Mortgage Certificates for sheriff’s sales, lenders, and the general public, issuing marriage licenses, assisting in the indexing of Mortgage and Conveyance records, microfilming mortgage and conveyance records, typing court minutes for civil and criminal cases, and training COE workers.

Hudson worked for The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for three years after leaving the Clerk of Courts Office.  At the FDIC she started in the file room and within three months moved to records management where she handled released mortgage notes and cancelled them at the various clerks offices.  She also maintained a data base with all closed files.  She then moved to Asset Management Department and performed various special projects as well as ordering appraisals, insurance, asset lien searches, and credit reports. She paid bills and re-inscribed mortgages at the clerk’s offices.  One year later she was promoted to the job of energy technician for the site.  There she wrote and implemented procedures for the oil and gas department and prepared monthly reports for upper management.  Her duties also included tracking all oil and gas revenue and expenses, keeping up with all accounts receivable and accounts payable records on each oil and gas asset, and researching and issuing division orders. 

Hudson’s experience also includes having been a legal secretary and paralegal for attorneys which involved the preparation of legal documents and filing them in the parish and federal clerks offices. 

Still employed at the Bossier Parish District Attorney’s Office, she began her career there in the incoming area and was quickly moved to the misdemeanor department where she worked cases and assisted attorneys with legal documentation,

subpoenas, motions, discoveries as well as other legal documentation. Her duties also included working with attorneys in trial preparation. 

Hudson has been the victim advocate for the past 12 years of her 15 years she has been employed in the District Attorney’s Office. She works with victims of crime ranging from domestic violence, sexual assault, robbery, and murder cases just to name a few. She works with attorneys in trial preparation and obtains certified medical records when needed. She assists victims in obtaining counseling and restitution. She assisted Representative Billy Montgomery in writing legislation to assist victims in obtaining restraining orders. She accompanies victims to court, prepares legal documents, and helps with statistical data for grants.

She is civic minded and has served as president on several non-profit boards. Her unique combination of career experiences has provided her with insight into the functioning of the Clerk of Courts Office as well as providing insight into needed enhancements to the services it offers by implementing streamlined procedures that increase efficiency. Her first priority is to ensure the integrity of the records as they are reported and expand currently limited online documents. She will begin to work backwards from 1982 to the present microfilming documents so all documents will be online. Another enhancement to services will be the ability to pay for services using debit or credit cards. She believes that a satellite office in Bossier is long over-due. She intends to save taxpayers money by making cuts in the budget without cutting services. She plans to expand technology and add more forms on the website. She will seek legislation to help with making e-filing a reality. She will seek grants to expand services for victims. She intends to implement records management procedures that will ensure a suit does not get lost or sit on a desk too long. In addition, she will have a transparent office and an open door policy. She will implement procedures tol meet attorney’s needs in 24 hour filing.

She is a Notary Public and with more than 27 years of legal experience. She wants to serve you. She is for the people and would like you to Hire Her for your Clerk of Court.

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.

Randall Lord, Candidate for Congress

I'm Randall Lord and I am the Libertarian candidate for US Congress. I am a life long resident and native of Shreveport, serving our area as a Chiropractor for nearly 25 years. After the 9/11 attacks, like most people, I wanted to give the government a little latitude to

to find and go after our attackers. Never in my wildest dreams did I think our government would institute mass warrantless spying on average US citizens, but they have. Our biggest threat to our liberties are not the terrorists but an out of control government. 

Our protracted war on terrorists, drugs and poverty is about to bankrupt us and destroy any liberties we had left. I want our government to once again live within its means and within the enumerated powers listed by our Constitution. My campaign isn't about left verses right, it's about Tyranny verses Liberty. I'm asking for your vote this fall. "For Liberty, For Louisiana."
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.

Whit Graves, Candidate for District Attorney

            Over forty years ago I became a Louisiana State Police Trooper when I was nineteen years old.  My college degrees are in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice.  I was accepted into the prestigious Paul M. Hebert Law Center at LSU where I earned my Juris Doctorate.  After graduating and passing the Bar Admission Exam on my first taking, I immediately came home and became a prosecutor under then District Attorney Henry Brown rising to the position of Chief Prosecutor.

            I left the District Attorney’s Office after Schuyler Marvin was cited by the Legislative Auditor for unconstitutionally using government funds from a bank account established when he was in the Webster Parish office.  That money was largely obtained from drug runners who then received lenient sentences.  He resigned but I correctly predicted he would oust the then District Attorney Jim Bullers who was incapacitated from a motorcycle accident and I would not be associated with Marvin as the District Attorney.

            Since then the operations and practices of the District Attorney has been shrouded and lacks necessary transparency.  I intend to reinstate the placing of police reports into the files of the Clerk of Court, minus of course the names and other identifying information about sex crime victims, children and others who would be at risk if their identities were revealed.  Confidence in the operations of the office by the citizens it serves dictates that its endeavors are open and obvious for all to inspect, agree with, and /or critique.

            As District Attorney, my first act will be to fire Frank “Buddy” Mondello, a convicted criminal who has served as an “investigator” for Schuyler Marvin.  He is the good friend of the confessed murderer for hire Larry Thompson who admitted to helping Marvin get elected solely to assist Mondello to get the position of great authority and power he has.  His continuance with police power is indefensible.

            I want to move to a position where more of the current Assistant District Attorneys are full time employees.  Not every position dictates a need for a full time status, but the ability to consolidate responsibilities and duties will provide the opportunity to have career prosecutors who will only become more effective with a broad base experience.  Our main objective will be to serve you with a special attention towards the victims of crimes because a successful prosecution mandates that the needs and desires of victims be carefully considered. The allowance of greatly reduced sentences through plea bargains in order to obtain a cheap conviction for statistical purposes will cease to be the objective.  Such practice only insures the speedy return of violent or career criminals through shorter sentences than the crimes actually committed demand.

            As the Chief Prosecutor, I did the job more efficiently and with greater results. I will return that effectiveness through providing the instruction, direction, and examples to the many staff members who have great potential only needing to be properly channeled towards serving you and your families.  I look forward to joining with the police and judges in insuring our district will be a place where our children and grandchildren will want to stay, feeling safe and secure.

This photo was published at the top of the post when I put it up Sunday. Since it is no longer timely, I'm moving to the bottom.
Whit Graves sent me his submission for the blog, along with a note saying that he would be busy emceeing the Shrine Circus this weekend. While he was busy keeping that commitment, two of his tires were slashed.

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Tammy Armer Smith, School Board District 3

 For the last eight years, it has been my sincere honor to serve as your Bossier Parish School Board representative for District 4.  To give you a snapshot of what has been accomplished while serving as a Bossier Parish School Board member, we were cited among the top 10 districts in the state; number one for highly effective teachers; and while President of the Board in 2012, voters approved a $210 million bond issue (the largest in parish history) to build new schools and address growth. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with Barksdale Air Force Base to provide school of choice and a Military Student Transition Consultant.  A renewal of property taxes in 2013 also enabled the board to grant across-the-board pay raises for teachers and support personnel, as well as allowed for placement of School Resource Officers (SRO’s) in all schools.  

 I have been and will remain committed to the students, their families and the employees of Bossier Schools, as well as responsible to the citizens of our great parish. As a product of Bossier Schools and now mother of four children, I have a vested interest in ensuring our district continues to provide students the best education and most opportunities. This also means backing our teachers and giving them the support and professional development needed to excel in the classroom and engage young learners.

 As a Bossier businesswoman,  I understand the strain on small business and the impact of changes to property and sales taxes.   I also understand the need for workforce readiness and the benefits these employees will offer local businesses. I am excited about offering business employment solutions with the opening of the Bossier Parish School for Technology and Innovative Learning in fall 2015. It promises many opportunities to benefit both our students and local business industry. 

 My record is one of proven leadership, dedication and fiscal responsibility.  I look forward to continuing my service to the citizens of District 3. Due to the 2010 Census, reapportionment moved my physical address into District 3 from District 4.  Although my district has changed, my passion to have an impact on our educational system has not.  It is my desire to continue making positive changes for the future, which is why I am asking for your support as I seek re-election November 4, 2014.

I am accessible to you at 318-965-9839, Email:  Smithswb@aol.com  Facebook:  Tammy Armer Smith

Visit my website to learn more:  www.Tammyarmersmith.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.

The Bossier/Webster Judge's race: an Update

Since the primary election on November 6^th, the race for 26^th JDC Judge has taken some twists and turns.
For anyone who is not aware of everything that has happened and is happening, this is an attempt to help you sort it out.
In case you have really been hiding under a rock, the candidates remaining are Michael Nerren. Nerren is an Assistant DA and has a private practice in Bossier City.
Whit Graves is a former State Trooper turned lawyer who served at one time as an Assistant DA, and is now in private practice.
Nerren has the endorsement of DA Schuyler Marvin, Mayor Lo Walker, Marshal Lynn Austin, and other public figures.
Graves has the endorsement of the Louisiana Republican Party.
Eleven years ago Whit Graves was sanctioned by the State Supreme Court for failing to file a sentencing memorandum in a timely manner. He received a nine-month suspension, deferred, and two years supervised probation.
You can read the Opinion here.
Earlier this week, the Nerren campaign sent out a flyer stating that Graves had been suspended. In response, the Graves campaign released this letter from the State Supreme Court.
In the meantime, the Louisiana Republican Party endorsed Whit Graves for the position. The reason was a flyer that had been distributed by Julian Darby prior to the November 6^th election. The Nerren campaign paid Darby $2,000, of which at least part was for the flyer.

The State Republican Party didn’t take kindly to issuing campaign material supporting Barack Obama for president, thus their endorsement of Graves.
The Bossier Parish Republican Executive Committee has a meeting scheduled for late next week, but I have no idea if this will be discussed.
I’ll keep you posted.

Whit Graves Endorsed by Republican Party of Louisiana

Whit Graves, candidate for District Judge in the 26th Judicial District in Bossier and Webster parishes, today announced that he has been formally endorsed by the Republican Party of Louisiana.

"I am happy to have earned the support of the Republican Party and look forward to serving all of the people of the 26th District with honor and fairness," Graves said.

Following the primary election in which Mr. Graves' opponent, Mike Nerren, issued payments from his campaign to the owner of a group who produced and distributed a flier supporting liberal Democrat Barack Obama, Mr. Graves is the only candidate who upholds the values and platform of the Republican Party.

Whit Graves has served honorably for 35 years as a decorated state trooper, prosecutor and private attorney. He has spent years serving as a Shriner, helping to ensure critical medical care for our children.

Whit Graves is the most experienced and honest candidate running for District Judge. On December 8, please vote for Whit Graves to be the next District Judge from the 26th Judicial District Court.

(Press release from the Graves campaign)

Clearing up the rumors

 

A lot of let's say, less than truthful things have circulated both on this blog and in the public in the race for District Judge. This should clear up at least one of them.

Evodna Springer endorses Whit Graves

Thank you for allowing citizens to express their views regarding the candidates for the 26^th Judicial District Court.  Although I differ with Graves in some areas, I am voting for Graves in this runoff. 

Whit Graves has a broad scope of personal and professional experiences which gives him a perspective rarely found among judges. In a conservative parish with disdain for the criminal element, it has become almost cliche for judicial candidates to express their toughness on crime.  But Graves doesn’t merely talk the “tough on crime” talk. He has walked that talk as a law enforcement officer, experiencing first-hand the difficult and dangerous job that no one truly comprehends unless they have been in uniformed patrol. As a former law enforcement officer, Graves no doubt fully understands the bitter and frustrating reality of prosecutors in district attorney’s offices who with shocking frequency plea bargain or nolle prosequi, or simply allow every manner of criminal and DWI case to die from inaction.    While a judge cannot fix issues such as these which exist in the Bossier/Webster District Attorney’s Office, a judge who is independent of direct ties to the current DA’s office will be far better suited to adjudicate cases fairly and impartially.

While both candidates’ campaign finance reports show a variety of donor sources, there appears to be a disproportionate number of contributions to Nerren from career politicians and others in the entrenched Bossier/Webster political establishment. This establishment not only defines Bossier Parish, but also keeps our parish divided into those with political influence, and those without.  Justice often seems skewed in favor of those who wield the influence. And the fear of retaliation from those in power is not mere paranoia. It is based upon real-life examples of what can happen to someone who incurs the wrath of those who broker true power in Bossier and Webster Parishes, particularly prosecutorial or judicial power. This bitter reality will only change by electing to office candidates such as Whit Graves, who are not christened into elected positions because they’ve developed tenure-like time as loyal employees of political players. 

Finally, in a perfect world, judges are impartial.  But judges are human, and bring to the job their own biases and philosophies, which are by nature, shaped by personal and professional experiences.  Unlike Nerren, Graves’ experiences are not shaped by any relationship with the current District Attorney’s Office or any other political entity in Bossier Parish.  I believe it is vital to keep the integrity of the 26^th Judicial District court system free from political influence as much as possible. In a sense, Graves is an outsider, a welcome, refreshing and sorely needed identity for the Bossier and Webster Parish judicial system.
- Evodna Springer

Make your endorsement for District Judge. Email it to mybossier@gmail.com

Roger Baten endorses Mike Nerren

When you are in trouble and you stand before the Judge your one hope is that he will be honest, fair and compassionate. No one exhibits those qualities any better than Mike Nerren. As a young man he excelled at whatever he did whether it be academics or sports. Mike was the consummate teammate. In College he was selected outstanding student of his graduating class and in Law School he excelled. He has spent his career helping others from his many years as a Little League And Youth Baseball coach, to his years working with troubled youth. He has practiced and excelled in all phases of Law, Criminal, Civil, Prosecutor, and Defense. He lives in Benton but his roots go deep into the red clay of Webster Parrish Two Great Grand Fathers a Grand Father and their wives are buried there and relatives to numerous to count live and work there . To me the choice is simple, when you can put a man on the bench you know you can trust why hesitate go to the Polls on Dec 8th and elect Mike Nerren.
- Roger Baten

Make your endorsement for District Judge. Email it to mybossier@gmail.com

Jennifer Barringer endorses Mike Nerren

I would like to share why Mike Nerren is my choice for district judge. In my opinion Mike Nerren makes decisions based on what is right and not based on outsiders influences. He does things because its the right thing to do without having to be recognized and let everyone know "he did this" to make himself look good. When my mother was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer she was Mike's secretary. She was unable to continue her full duties in his office due to the side effects of her cancer treatment. Instead of laying her off or cutting her pay he gave her his support throughout this difficult time. He allowed her to ultimately make the decision to quit working due to her illness instead of telling her he wouldn't be able to use her in his office.
My son was rushed to Arkansas Children's hospital when he was 9 days old to undergo emergency heart surgery. The hospital sent their jet to pickup my baby and told us they were only allowed to take one of us with them. They also told me that my baby would get worse before he got better so be prepared for him to go straight into surgery as soon as we landed. This situation would be devistating to any mother or father to know that only one of us would be able to be there with our newborn during this surgery because the other would have to make the drive from Shreveport to Arkansas while it is taking place. When Mike Nerren heard about the situation he made arrangements for my husband to fly to Arkansas and be there when we got there with my son. He did this because it was the right thing to do not because he had to or wanted recognition for it.
These are the reasons I am voting for Mike Nerren. In my opinion it doesn't matter who is else is backing him because I'm not voting for his supporters. I am not a huge fan of Schuyler Marvin which is why he didn't receive my vote in the race for district attorney. I am a huge fan of voting for who will be fair and honest and that is Mike Nerren. He has established this reputation throughout his career and I feel sure it will continue to proceed him as District Judge.
- Jennifer Barringer

Make your endorsement for District Judge. Email it to mybossier@gmail.com

Darlene Poole endorses Mike Nerren

Ok here it goes!!!!
I personally know them both. I was Whit's secretary during the time of his suspension, so (I guess you would call me the incompent staff). Come on whit take responsibility for your own actions. If you people would go to the link on the Supreme Court website and read the facts for yourself you will see it was not the fact that he didn't file the brief in a timely manner nor the fact that his so called incompetent staff didn't tell him time and time again about the deadlines that he ignored over and over but the bald face lie he told in open court that he had the documents and was going to file them with the clerk as soon as the hearing was over!
You know this is not the first time whit has blamed his incompent staff ( ME) for this, but I took it the first time because yes he was my boss/friend but NOT NOW ! With friends like that who needs enemies.
As far as Mike Nerren I was his secretary also he never missed a date on filing a brief. He NEVER put the blame on anyone for anything no matter what.
As far as Whit helping the Martins with their child getting into the Shriners, that's what he is supposed to do. HE'S A SHRINER. I know personally the little boy that had to have heart surgery at 9 days old that Mike helped get his father to ACH because the hospital would only fly baby and mother, which mother still recovering from surgery because that was my grandson and thanks to him we were able to be there for his surgery.
I would not expect anything different from either one of them. Go and read for yourself the link then you will know who the one with honesty and integrity.
MIKE NERREN has mine and my family's VOTE!
Everyone makes mistakes - take responsibility for them.
-Darlene Poole

Make your endorsement for District Judge. Email it to mybossier@gmail.com

Dewey Burchett III endorses Whit Graves

I appreciate the opportunity to say a few words about Whit Graves and why I am supporting him.  As some of your readers may or may not know, my father was a District Judge in Bossier and Webster Parish for 20 years.  It turned out that I knew Whit Graves long before he knew me.  My father and I would eat steaks every Wednesday night together in Benton at my parent’s home.  Most of the time we spent on the porch talking about politics, his court cases, golfing,  (which was an aggravation to both of us), and whatever else came up.  I recall many occasions where my father would recount a case Whit had been involved in and relating how smart and effective he was in the court room.  He explained how Whit was always extremely prepared, and it was obvious to me he appreciated and respected that, not just of Whit, but any attorney for that matter.  Unfortunately, this is the exception rather than the rule.

Knowing my father was a man of great integrity, it meant a great deal to me when Whit sacrificed countless hours (actually both Whit and his wife Robin) to his campaign.  In fact, he spent more time than I did, and I kept myself working very hard as well.  So why is this important and what does it say about Whit Graves?  It says to me Whit Graves stands up for what is good, for lack of a better word.  It is one thing to donate $100 to a campaign, and quite another to participate in every door to door walk, every football game, etc.  Whit did all that and more.

Over time I have gotten to know Whit better, and the more I know, the more I like, respect, and admire him.  Here is a guy that was a highly decorated Louisiana State Trooper for many years, and that saved up enough money to put himself through law school.  No student loans, no parents footing the bill.  If you really look at his history, I see a guy that is public-service oriented, but that realized he had a higher calling as an attorney.    And I believe now, with a lot of time under his belt as both a prosecutor and private attorney, he knows he can make even more a difference as a District Judge.

On one of our recent campaign walks I was teamed up with an old family friend of mine Dale Montgomery, who has worked for the DA’s office a number of years.  He related he has seen Whit pull police officers aside after a case was over to give them advice on making a good case in the future. This goes beyond good ethics and lends to a better judicial system, which is what we should all be shooting for in the coming election.

Whit has the intellect, common sense, temperament, integrity, and independence to be our next judge.  I believe this is a man where justice will be blind, in other words he will hear the small and the great alike.  There is much more to Whit and I wish I was better able to articulate it, but suffice to say I know my father would be a proud man to see him on the bench, as I would.

-Dewey E. Burchett III  

Make your endorsement for District Judge. Email it to mybossier@gmail.com

Candidate Forum: Troy Ogletree for Police Jury District 1

My name is Troy Ogletree
I was born and raised in Bossier Parish.
I live in Elm Grove and am a graduate of Airline High School.
I have been married for 33 years to Barbara Ogletree and we have 2 daughters
and 4 grandchildren.
I am currently employed in management with New World International and have been very successful there for the last twenty years. My management and team building skills will make me an outstanding contributor on the Jury.
I would appreciate the opportunity to represent the voters in District 1
And to make a positive impact on the Bossier Parish Police Jury.

If you have any questions, please EMAIL me. 
Here is a link for a map of the districts.

Candidate Forum: Mike McConnell for Sheriff Commercial

Candidate Forum: Martha Peace Reyenga for Police Jury District 3

Martha Peace REYENGA
District 3
Police Juror
Bossier Parish
“Hometown Girl wishes to serve her community as District 3 – Police Juror”
After much thought, I have decided to become a candidate for Bossier Parish Police Juror – District 3. I am dedicated to bringing change to this government body.
Raised in the country (Benton) and educated in Bossier Parish schools, my mother was the late Rona Clements Peace, lifelong resident of Benton. My husband was the late Ralph Windell Reyenga of Benton. I have three daughters who attended Benton schools (Mary Moore Wilks, Rona Moore Durbin, and Winde Reyenga Chambers) and a stepdaughter and stepson (Leslie Reyenga Matthews and Matt Reyenga). My grandchildren currently attend Bossier Parish Community College, Benton, and Legacy schools.
I was employed with the St. Louis Southwestern Railway Company prior to my employment with the United States Postal Service. My career with the USPS consisted of 31+ years, rising through the ranks to retire as Postmaster, Shreveport, in June 2010. I was responsible for over 350 employees--managing a 30+ million dollar operating budget. I graduated the Advanced Leadership Management Program, Potomac, Maryland.
My Postal career revolved around being a servant to the public. I want to continue that tradition by serving the residents of Bossier Parish as Police Juror. You deserve a determined individual, hard-worker, and a servant with strong values!
You will find that my strongest attributes include: an extensive leadership background, managing within budget constraints, maintaining a proper work ethics environment, and being honest.
I will support and work for the residents of District 3--bringing a much needed change to our government body!

Candidate Forum: Lucy Cooper for Police Jury District 3

LUCY COOPER
MY NAME IS LUCY COOPER; I AM A CANDIDATE FOR POLICE JURY DISTRICT 3. MY GREAT GRANDFATHER, JOHN D. GLEASON, MOVED TO PLAIN DEALING IN 1860 AND MY FAMILY HAS LIVED IN BOSSIER PARISH EVER SINCE.
I WAS BORN AND RAISED IN PLAIN DEALING AND HAVE SPENT 60 YEARS IN BOSSIER PARISH. IN 1995, AFTER 20 YEARS OF SERVICE, I RETIRED FROM A BOSSIER CITY BASED COMPANY THAT HAD OVER 200 MILLION IN SALES
ANNUALLY. I SERVED AS CONTROLLER AND EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT. FOR THE PAST 16 YEARS I HAVE BEEN PRESIDENT AND OWNER OF COOPER’S COUNTRY CORNER WITH OPERATIONS IN NORTH BOSSIER AND EAST
TEXAS.
AS POLICE JUROR YOU CAN DEPEND ON ME TO:

• BE COMMMITTED AND WORK HARD. MY FAMILY HAS BEEN IN BOSSIER PARISH FOR NEARLY 150 YEARS
• ADDRESS ZONING ISSUES. SPECIFICALLY I BELIEVE THAT SURROUNDING PROPERTY OWNERS SHOULD
• HAVE THE SAME APPEAL RIGHTS AS PROPERTY OWNERS REQUESTING ZONING CHANGES.
• MAKE DECISIONS THAT PROTECT THE VALUE OF OUR HOMES.
• RESPONSIBLY SPEND THE TAX DOLLARS OF THIS PARISH AND VOTE TO RETURN UNUSED TAX REVENUE TO IT’S CITIZENS.
• SUPPORT CHANGES IN POLICE JURY MEETING TIME. EVENING MEETINGS ARE MORE ACCESSIBLE FOR
• HOMEMAKERS AND BUSINESS PEOPLE.
• PARISH WIDE ZONING WILL BE CONSIDERED DURING THE NEXT FOUR YEARS. SPECIFICALLY THIS WILL
• PROHIBIT, AS CURRENTLY WRITTEN, THE SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS FROM OPERATING A BUSINESS FROM THEIR HOMES. I WILL VOTE TO PUT THIS ISSUE BFORE THE VOTERS.
• WORK DILIGENTLY TO FUND AND REPAIR THE OPEN SEWERAGE BEING DUMPED INTO THE FLAT RIVER CREEK OFF LINTON ROAD. THIS PROBLEM HAS EXISTED FOR OVER FOUR YEARS.
• BE AVAILABLE TO AND RESPONSIBLY AND COURTEOUSLY RESPOND TO THE CITIZENS.

BOSSIER PARISH AND SPECIFICALLY DISTRICT 3 ARE GROWING AT AN UNPRECEDENTED RATE AND IT IS VITAL
THAT WE BE REPRESENTED BY QUALIFIED AND EMOTIONALLY COMMITTED LEADERS.
CANDIDATE FOR POLICE JURY DISTRICT 3
SHOW US THE MONEY
TWO YEARS INTO THIS POLICY JURY TERM, 2009, WE WERE FACED WITH A 6.5 MILLION DOLLARS DEFICIT. DURING THIS TIME YOU WILL RECALL OUR HOMES WERE ALL “RE-ASSESSED” AND PROPERTY INCREASED AS A RESULT. THIS VOTER NOW PAYS 25% MORE. WHY? THE CURRENT POLICE JURY ELECTED TO INVEST $25 MILLION DOLLARS IN CYBER INNOVATION CENTER (CIC) TAXYPAYERS WERE TOLD THIS INVESTMENT WOULD BRING 10,000 FAMILIES TO OUR AREA, PROVIDE JOBS AND CREATE NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR US.
WHAT DID WE BUY? A BEAUTIFUL BUILDING AND 58 ACRES. TOTAL INVESTMENT BY STATE, BOSSIER CITY, AND YOU AND ME IS OVER $107,000,000. THAT’S 107 MILLION DOLLARS. SO FAR WE HAVE NOT ADDED
FAMILIES, NEW JOBS, OR OPPORTUNITIES AND THERE’S TALK OF INVESTING MORE MONEY IN THIS VENTURE. AS YOUR POLICE JUROR I WILL NOT VOTE TO SPEND MONEY AT THE RISK OR CREATING DEFICITS. I STRONGLY BELIEVE THAT WHILE THE GOVERNMENT IS NOT IN THE BUSINESS OF MAKING MONEY THEY MOST CERTAINLY SHOULD NOT BE MAKING DEFICITS.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SPEAK WITH ME : 318-426-1057 OR LCOOPER100@AOL.COM.
I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE YOU R VOTE FOR DISTRICT 3 POLICE JUROR.

Candidate Profile: Bobby Edmiston for Bossier Parish Tax Assessor

Bobby W. Edmiston is well known in Bossier Parish. He is a lifelong resident. He is a graduate of Airline High School and Louisiana Tech University, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He is married to Stephanie Delay Edmiston and they have two children, Ashley and Jesse. After graduating from College he worked in the banking industry for 14 years, finishing his career as a Vice-President with Bank One.
He has over 350 hours of education from the International Association of Assessing Officers and is a Certified Louisiana Assessor.
In 1998 he was elected Bossier Parish Assessor. He has implemented many valuable changes as Assessor. He opened a satellite office in Bossier City, to make it more convenient for citizens to use the Assessor’s office; created an interactive website for on-line use; created a GIS (Geographic Information
System) to assist in location and identification of Parish property, roads, waterways and other development features; has assembled a professional and courteous staff to provide services needed to meet Bossier Parish’s growing needs; has been a legislative leader working in conjunction with the
Assessor’s Association and our local delegation to ensure that the rights of our citizens are protected and preserved.
He has been active in our community. He serves on the Republican Parish Executive Committee, the Governor’s Interstate 49 task force, as a member and past President of the Bossier City Rotary Club,
As an Ex-Officio Director of the Bossier Chamber of Commerce. He and his family are members of Airline Baptist Church. He is also a member of VFW Post 4588. He is a member of the Louisiana National Guard and served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.