Here's an idea. Instead of anonymous sniping in the comments section of the blog, why don't you write an endorsement for your candidate?
Write it up explaining why you think your candidate for judge is the best choice. Of course, you have to include your name.
Email it to mybossier@gmail.com and I will publish it as a blog post.
Speak out folks!
This is an important office and an important election and I think it would be interesting to have the opinions of ordinary citizens out there along with the elected officials and newspapers who endorse.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Saturday, November 10, 2012
Anybody get one of these?
The "church" of convicted child molester Tony Alamo is passing out flyers in Shreveport and Bossier. This morning they were in North Bossier leaving them on cars.
Remember Alamo was convicted of child sexual abuse and is in prison.
Remember Alamo was convicted of child sexual abuse and is in prison.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Runoff
The general election has passed, the nation has chosen to keep Barack Obama in the White House, and in Bossier/Webster we have a runoff for Judge.
Mike Nerren garnered the most votes, but not a majority. He will face Whit Graves in a runoff on December 8th.
Judge John Slattery ran a good race and had the most votes in his home parish of Webster. Congratulations on a race well run, Judge Slattery.
Of course the presidential election brought out a lot of voters. Turnout in the runoff will be a fraction of what we saw Tuesday. The big question, of course, is which candidates will the Slattery voters favor and which candidate can turn out their supporters one more time?
I'll have a lot more on this soon, in the meantime give it some thought.
Mike Nerren garnered the most votes, but not a majority. He will face Whit Graves in a runoff on December 8th.
Judge John Slattery ran a good race and had the most votes in his home parish of Webster. Congratulations on a race well run, Judge Slattery.
Of course the presidential election brought out a lot of voters. Turnout in the runoff will be a fraction of what we saw Tuesday. The big question, of course, is which candidates will the Slattery voters favor and which candidate can turn out their supporters one more time?
I'll have a lot more on this soon, in the meantime give it some thought.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Bossier Crime Stoppers has vacancies on Board
Bossier Crime Stoppers is seeking individuals in Bossier who are interested in making a difference in their community by becoming part of their crime fighting team. Bossier Crime Stoppers is currently accepting applications to fill vacancies on their board.
Applicants must be employed or reside in Bossier Parish, at least 21 years of age and have no criminal history. Persons submitting applications are subject to a background check and, if selected, will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement
Applications can be made by submitting a letter of introduction along with a resume and at least three references to the following address: Crime Stoppers of Bossier, PO Box 5714, Bossier City, LA 71171. All applications must be submitted by December 1, 2012.
Bossier Crime Stoppers board members serve on a voluntary basis. The board currently meets the third Tuesday of every month with additional meetings scheduled as necessary.
Crime Stoppers is a non-profit organization that supports community involvement in trying to prevent and solve crimes in communities and schools across the nation.
Applicants in need of further information can call (318) 741-8648.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Election Day 2012
Just some random thoughts on election day.
‘This is the most important election of our lifetime’. That’s what everyone is saying, and it may be true. I have heard that in every election of my adult life, from the Nixon-Humphrey election in 1968 forward. As I said, it may be true and may have been true during all of those election cycles, for better or worse.
The very first memory I have of a presidential election was in 1952, when I was 5 years old. I remember the adults talking about it, and then electing Dwight D. Eisenhower.
In 1960 I was 13 years old and remember the Kennedy-Nixon election. I was actually interested in politics at that age. It was an exciting time.
As the years progressed, I realized that no one person or party has all the answers. Every individual has to follow his own lights when voting on important issues.
My granddaughter Mary Celeste is ready for election day, wearing her respectable Republican dress. I’m sure her dad loves it.
It is also important to keep in mind that we are not voting for the president today, we are voting for the people who will elect the president. The concept of the Electoral College is very confusing to a lot of people. My Facebook friend Lance Ward posted this video that offers a good explanation of the reasons for it. The commentator is a Romney supporter, but he leaves the partisan side of it out of this video and offers a really good explanation of why we have an Electoral College. It is worth watching.
Monday, November 5, 2012
Pre-election roundup
By tomorrow night we will know some things that we don't know now.
For instance, whether Barack Obama get four more years or will Mitt Romney be the new president-elect.
We'll know who is in a runoff for 26th JDC Judge (and I'm assuming there will be a runoff).
In case you've been hiding under a rock for the last couple of months, the candidates are Judge John Slattery of Springhill, ADA Mike Nerren and Whit Graves.
John Slattery has been practicing law for 29 years, serving the last 12 as City Judge and Ward 2 Judge in Springhill. He has served temporary terms as District Judge and as Bossier City Judge, by appointment of the Louisiana Supreme Court. He also served 15 years as an assistant District Attorney for Bossier/Webster.
Mike Nerren is a graduate of Haughton High School and LSU Law School. He has a private practice and is an assistant DA. Nerren has the endorsement of DA Schuyler Marvin.
Whit Graves has been involved in the legal system for 35 years. He was a Louisiana State Trooper for 12 years before completing law school. He has worked on both sides, serving as a prosecutor and as a defense attorney. Graves has spent a lot of time in the courtroom, completing more than 100 successful jury trials. Graves believes that while it is not illegal, that it is unethical for the District Attorney to endorse in a judicial race. Nerren counters that endorsements from public officials is a widely accepted practice. You have to be the judge on this one.
The Town of Benton has a couple of interesting races going on. The Mayor's race is a rerun between current Mayor Wayne Cathcart and Ken Shiflett. Cathcart was appointed when Mayor Doughty passed away, and was elected over Shiflett in the special election for that office. Cathcart should have no problem with this election.
The race for chief of police is between current chief Charles Pilkinton and former assistant chief Gene Hillen. Hillen currently serves as Constable.
This race is interesting because Hillen was terminated and charged with misdemeanor theft and with public payroll fraud.
Hillen was offered a plea arrangement which would basically have been a slap on the wrist, but turned it down. He told me that he is innocent and that people who are innocent don't plead guilty.
The case went to trial and all evidence was heard. It was then recessed until November 12th (6 days after the election).
Chances are that Pilkinton will be re-elected, but if Hillen is found not guilty there will probably be some repercussions.
For instance, whether Barack Obama get four more years or will Mitt Romney be the new president-elect.
We'll know who is in a runoff for 26th JDC Judge (and I'm assuming there will be a runoff).
In case you've been hiding under a rock for the last couple of months, the candidates are Judge John Slattery of Springhill, ADA Mike Nerren and Whit Graves.
John Slattery has been practicing law for 29 years, serving the last 12 as City Judge and Ward 2 Judge in Springhill. He has served temporary terms as District Judge and as Bossier City Judge, by appointment of the Louisiana Supreme Court. He also served 15 years as an assistant District Attorney for Bossier/Webster.
Mike Nerren is a graduate of Haughton High School and LSU Law School. He has a private practice and is an assistant DA. Nerren has the endorsement of DA Schuyler Marvin.
Whit Graves has been involved in the legal system for 35 years. He was a Louisiana State Trooper for 12 years before completing law school. He has worked on both sides, serving as a prosecutor and as a defense attorney. Graves has spent a lot of time in the courtroom, completing more than 100 successful jury trials. Graves believes that while it is not illegal, that it is unethical for the District Attorney to endorse in a judicial race. Nerren counters that endorsements from public officials is a widely accepted practice. You have to be the judge on this one.
The Town of Benton has a couple of interesting races going on. The Mayor's race is a rerun between current Mayor Wayne Cathcart and Ken Shiflett. Cathcart was appointed when Mayor Doughty passed away, and was elected over Shiflett in the special election for that office. Cathcart should have no problem with this election.
The race for chief of police is between current chief Charles Pilkinton and former assistant chief Gene Hillen. Hillen currently serves as Constable.
This race is interesting because Hillen was terminated and charged with misdemeanor theft and with public payroll fraud.
Hillen was offered a plea arrangement which would basically have been a slap on the wrist, but turned it down. He told me that he is innocent and that people who are innocent don't plead guilty.
The case went to trial and all evidence was heard. It was then recessed until November 12th (6 days after the election).
Chances are that Pilkinton will be re-elected, but if Hillen is found not guilty there will probably be some repercussions.
Monday, October 29, 2012
Information for November 6 election
I've had some requests for a sample ballot and for information on the Constitutional amendments. Here is a generic sample ballot for Bossier Parish. Note that some precincts will have local elections, such as Mayor of Benton and Police Chief.
Presidential Electors (Select 1)
Barack Obama, Joe Biden Democratic Democrat
Jill Stein, Cheri Honkala Green Green
Gary Johnson, James P. Gray Libertarian Libertarian
Mitt Romney, Paul Ryan Republican Republican
Virgil Goode, James Clymer Constitution Other
Ross Anderson, Luis Rodriguez Justice Other
Jack Fellure, Toby Davis Prohibition Other
Peta Lindsay, Yari Osorio Socialism and Liberation Other
Jerry White, Phyllis Scherrer Socialist Equality Other
James Harris, Alyson Kennedy Socialist Workers Other
Sheila Tittle, Matthew Turner We The People Other
U. S. Representative 4th Congressional District (Select 1)
John Fleming #16 Republican
Randall Lord #17 Libertarian
District Judge 26th Judicial District Court, Division E (Select 1)
"Whit" Graves #51 Republican
"Mike" Nerren #52 Republican
John B. Slattery, Jr. #53 Republican
CA NO. 1 (Act 873 - SB 82) Medicaid Trust Fund for the Elderly (Select 1)
YES
NO
CA NO. 2 (Act 874 - SB 303) Right of each Citizen to keep and bear arms (Select 1)
YES
NO
CA NO. 3 (Act 872 - SB 21) Prefiling DL/for retirement/public employee (Select 1)
YES
NO
CA NO. 4 (Act 875 - SB 337) Surv. Spouse/Deceased Veteran/Homestead Exemp. (Select 1)
YES
NO
CA NO. 5 (Act 868 - HB 9) Forfeiture Retirement Benefit Pub.Off./Conv.Felon (Select 1)
YES
NO
CA NO. 6 (Act 869 - HB 497) Gov.Auth. of New Iberia - prop.annexed by the City (Select 1)
YES
NO
CA NO. 7 (Act 870 - HB 524) Provides filling appts/Vac. on Bds./Comm. (Select 1)
YES
NO
CA NO. 8 (Act 871 - HB 674) State Bd. of Comm./Industry-Tax Exemp. contracts (Select 1)
YES
NO
CA NO. 9 (Act 876 - SB 410) Security District/Parcel Fee w/in District (Select 1)
YES
NO
PW School District Local Option - Term Limits (Select 1)
YES
NO
Here is the summary of Constitutional amendments from the Secretary of State:
STATEMENT OF PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
November 6, 2012
In compliance with R.S. 18:431, R.S. 18:552, R.S. 18:553 and R.S. 18:1306, a
statement of the Proposed Constitutional Amendments in the order in which they will appear on the ballot for the November 6, 2012 election is provided as follows:
1. Act 873 (2012 Regular Session) adds Article VII, Section 10(F)(4)(g).
Present Constitution authorizes the legislature to establish a procedure to determine if
there will be a projected deficit and an adequate method for adjusting appropriations to eliminate the projected deficit.
Present Constitution exempts the following from such adjustments: (a) The Bond Security and Redemption Fund or any bonds secured thereby, or any other funds pledged as security for bonds or other evidences of indebtedness; (b) Severance tax and royalty allocations to parishes; (c) State and statewide retirement system contributions; (d) The Louisiana Education Quality Trust Fund; (e) The Millennium Trust, except appropriations from the trust; and (f) Monies not required to be deposited in the state treasury.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment retains present constitution and further
provides that the Medicaid Trust Fund for the Elderly is also exempted from such adjustments.
2. Act 874 (2012 Regular Session) amends Article I, Section 11.
Present Constitution provides that the right of each citizen to keep and bear arms shall not be abridged and this provision shall not prevent the passage of laws to prohibit carrying a concealed weapon.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment provides that the right of each citizen to keep and bear arms is fundamental and shall not be infringed. Further provides that any restriction on this right shall be subject to strict scrutiny.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment deletes the provision relating to the passage of laws to prohibit carrying a concealed weapon.
3. Act 872 (2012 Regular Session) amends Article III, Section 2(A)(2), Article X, Section 29(C) and Article XIII, Section 1(A).
Present Constitution provides that any bill to be introduced in either house shall be prefiled no later than 5:00 p.m. of the tenth calendar day prior to the first day of a regular session; thereafter no member of the legislature may introduce more than five bills, except as provided in the joint rules of the legislature.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment provides that: (a) No member of the legislature may introduce more than five bills that were not prefiled, except as provided in the joint rules of the legislature; (b) Except for any bill effecting any change in laws relating to any retirement system for public employees, any bill that is to be prefiled for introduction in either house shall be prefiled no later than 5:00 p.m. of the tenth calendar day prior to the first day of a regular session; and (c) Any bill to effect any change in laws relating to
any retirement system for public employees that is to be prefiled for introduction in either house shall be prefiled no later than 5:00 p.m. of the forty-fifth calendar day prior to the first day of a regular session.
Present Constitution provides that no proposal to effect any change in existing laws or constitutional provisions relating to any retirement system for public employees shall be introduced in the legislature unless notice of intention to introduce the proposal has been published, without cost to the state, in the official state journal on two separate
days with the last day of publication to be at least thirty days before introduction of the bill.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment retains present constitution, except changes the last day of publication in the official state journal to be at least sixty days before introduction of the bill.
Present Constitution provides that an amendment to this constitution may be
proposed by joint resolution at any regular session of the legislature and requires the resolution to be prefiled at least ten days before the beginning of the session in accordance with the rules of the house in which introduced.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment requires any joint resolution proposed at a regular session of the legislature which effects any change in constitutional provisions relating to any retirement system for public employees to be prefiled no later than 5:00 p.m. of the forty-fifth calendar day prior to the first day of the session.
4. Act 875 (2012 Regular Session) amends Article VII, Section 21(K)(1).
Present Constitution provides an additional homestead exemption on property which is owned and occupied by a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 100% by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Further provides that the surviving spouse shall be eligible for this exemption if the exemption was in effect on the property prior to the death of the veteran and the surviving spouse remains the owner of the property.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment provides that the surviving spouse shall be eligible for this exemption if the surviving spouse occupies and remains the owner of the property, whether or not the exemption was in effect on the property prior to the death of the veteran.
5. Act 868 (2012 Regular Session) adds Article X, Section 29(G).
Proposed Constitutional Amendment authorizes the legislature to provide for the forfeiture of all or part of the benefits from a public retirement system, plan, or fund in this state by any public servant who is convicted of a felony associated with and committed during his public service or employment. Further provides that the legislature may provide for the application of all or part of any forfeited retirement benefits to the unfunded accrued liability of the system, plan or fund.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment provides that the forfeiture of public retirement benefits shall apply only to persons employed, re-employed, or elected on or after January 1, 2013 and only to retirement benefits earned on or after January 1, 2013.
6. Act 869 (2012 Regular Session) adds Article VII, Section 21(L).
Proposed Constitutional Amendment authorizes the governing authority of New Iberia to enter into contracts to provide for the exemption from ad valorem taxes on property annexed by the city after January 1, 2013, which contracts are effective only if approved by a 2/3 vote of the members of the governing authority of the city. Further provides that a contract shall grant the property owner the exemption for up to five calendar years and the contract may be renewed for up to five additional years if the renewal is approved by a 2/3 vote of the members of the governing authority.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment requires all property exempted pursuant to a contract to be listed on the assessment rolls and submitted to the Louisiana Tax Commission or its successor and that no taxes shall be collected during the period of the exemption; however, the exemption authorized shall in no way affect or impair the security of any bonds payable from the proceeds of the tax. Authorizes the legislature
to provide by law for implementation of these provisions.
7. Act 870 (2012 Regular Session) amends Article VIII, Sections 5(B)(1), 6(B)(1), and
7(B)(1) and Article X, Sections 3(A) and 43(A) and adds Article VIII, Section 8(D).
Present Constitution provides that the Board of Regents, Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System, Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Board of Supervisors of Southern University shall each be composed of two members from each congressional district, which prior to congressional reapportionment after the 2010 census consisted of seven congressional districts, and one member from the state at large appointed by the governor with the consent of the senate.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment retains the same number of members for eachboard at fifteen members, of which two shall be appointed from each congressional district which after congressional reapportionment is now six congressional districts and the remaining member or members shall be appointed from the state at large.
Present Constitution provides that the Board of Supervisors of Community and
Technical Colleges shall be composed of fifteen members appointed by the governor and two members shall be appointed from each congressional district, which prior to congressional reapportionment after the 2010 census consisted of seven congressional districts, and the remaining member or members shall be appointed from the state at large.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment provides with respect to the Board of Regents, Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System, Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University, Board of Supervisors of Southern University and Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges, beginning on January 3, 2013 and beginning every ten years thereafter, on the day the members of congress from the newly reapportioned congressional districts take office, any vacancy occurring on the board from a congressional district from which there are two or more board members shall be filled by appointment of an individual from a congressional district from which
there are less than two members. Further provides that after the membership of the board includes two members from each congressional district, the next vacancy shall be filled by an appointment from the state at large.
Present Constitution provides that the State Civil Service Commission and the State Police Commission shall each be composed of seven members with no more than one appointed member from each congressional district.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment retains the same number of members for each commission at seven members, of which at least one appointed member shall be from each congressional district.
8. Act 871 (2012 Regular Session) adds Article VII, Section 21(L).
Proposed Constitutional Amendment authorizes the Board of Commerce and
Industry to enter into a contract granting an exemption from ad valorem property taxesfor property owned or leased by, and used by, a targeted non-manufacturing business in the operation of its facility. Further provides that the exemption is available only to a business which has at least 50% of its total annual sales from its Louisiana site or sites to out-of-state customers or buyers, or to in-state customers or buyers for resale to an out-of-state customer or buyer for ultimate use, or to the federal government or any
combination thereof.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment provides that the first $10,000,000 or 10% of fair market value, whichever is greater, of the facility property, the land underlying the facility and other property pertaining to the facility on which ad valorem taxes have previously been paid, inventories, consumables and property eligible for the manufacturing exemption shall not be exempt. Further provides that the contracts shall only be available in parishes which have agreed to participate in the program, in the manner provided by the legislature by law.
9. Act 876 (2012 Regular Session) amends Article III, Section 13.
Present Constitution provides that no local or special law shall be enacted unless notice of the intent to introduce a bill to enact such a law has been published on two separate days, without cost to the state, in the official journal of the locality where the matter to be affected is situated. Further provides that the last day of publication shall be thirty days prior to introduction of the bill, requires the notice to state the substance of the contemplated law, and requires every bill to recite that the notice has been given. Proposed Constitutional Amendment retains present constitution and provides that no local or special law to create a security district shall be enacted unless notice of the intent to introduce the bill has been published on three separate days, without cost to the state, in the official journal of the locality where the district is to be situated.
Requires the last day of publication of the notice to be at least thirty days prior to
introduction of the bill. Further requires the notice to state the substance of the contemplated law, to disclose whether the governing authority of the district would be authorized by the contemplated law to impose and collect a parcel fee within the district, whether the parcel fee will be imposed or may be increased without an election, and the maximum amount of the parcel fee if a maximum amount is set forth in the contemplated law. Further requires every bill to recite that the required notice has been given.
Presidential Electors (Select 1)
Barack Obama, Joe Biden Democratic Democrat
Jill Stein, Cheri Honkala Green Green
Gary Johnson, James P. Gray Libertarian Libertarian
Mitt Romney, Paul Ryan Republican Republican
Virgil Goode, James Clymer Constitution Other
Ross Anderson, Luis Rodriguez Justice Other
Jack Fellure, Toby Davis Prohibition Other
Peta Lindsay, Yari Osorio Socialism and Liberation Other
Jerry White, Phyllis Scherrer Socialist Equality Other
James Harris, Alyson Kennedy Socialist Workers Other
Sheila Tittle, Matthew Turner We The People Other
U. S. Representative 4th Congressional District (Select 1)
John Fleming #16 Republican
Randall Lord #17 Libertarian
District Judge 26th Judicial District Court, Division E (Select 1)
"Whit" Graves #51 Republican
"Mike" Nerren #52 Republican
John B. Slattery, Jr. #53 Republican
CA NO. 1 (Act 873 - SB 82) Medicaid Trust Fund for the Elderly (Select 1)
YES
NO
CA NO. 2 (Act 874 - SB 303) Right of each Citizen to keep and bear arms (Select 1)
YES
NO
CA NO. 3 (Act 872 - SB 21) Prefiling DL/for retirement/public employee (Select 1)
YES
NO
CA NO. 4 (Act 875 - SB 337) Surv. Spouse/Deceased Veteran/Homestead Exemp. (Select 1)
YES
NO
CA NO. 5 (Act 868 - HB 9) Forfeiture Retirement Benefit Pub.Off./Conv.Felon (Select 1)
YES
NO
CA NO. 6 (Act 869 - HB 497) Gov.Auth. of New Iberia - prop.annexed by the City (Select 1)
YES
NO
CA NO. 7 (Act 870 - HB 524) Provides filling appts/Vac. on Bds./Comm. (Select 1)
YES
NO
CA NO. 8 (Act 871 - HB 674) State Bd. of Comm./Industry-Tax Exemp. contracts (Select 1)
YES
NO
CA NO. 9 (Act 876 - SB 410) Security District/Parcel Fee w/in District (Select 1)
YES
NO
PW School District Local Option - Term Limits (Select 1)
YES
NO
STATEMENT OF PROPOSED CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS
November 6, 2012
In compliance with R.S. 18:431, R.S. 18:552, R.S. 18:553 and R.S. 18:1306, a
statement of the Proposed Constitutional Amendments in the order in which they will appear on the ballot for the November 6, 2012 election is provided as follows:
1. Act 873 (2012 Regular Session) adds Article VII, Section 10(F)(4)(g).
Present Constitution authorizes the legislature to establish a procedure to determine if
there will be a projected deficit and an adequate method for adjusting appropriations to eliminate the projected deficit.
Present Constitution exempts the following from such adjustments: (a) The Bond Security and Redemption Fund or any bonds secured thereby, or any other funds pledged as security for bonds or other evidences of indebtedness; (b) Severance tax and royalty allocations to parishes; (c) State and statewide retirement system contributions; (d) The Louisiana Education Quality Trust Fund; (e) The Millennium Trust, except appropriations from the trust; and (f) Monies not required to be deposited in the state treasury.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment retains present constitution and further
provides that the Medicaid Trust Fund for the Elderly is also exempted from such adjustments.
2. Act 874 (2012 Regular Session) amends Article I, Section 11.
Present Constitution provides that the right of each citizen to keep and bear arms shall not be abridged and this provision shall not prevent the passage of laws to prohibit carrying a concealed weapon.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment provides that the right of each citizen to keep and bear arms is fundamental and shall not be infringed. Further provides that any restriction on this right shall be subject to strict scrutiny.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment deletes the provision relating to the passage of laws to prohibit carrying a concealed weapon.
3. Act 872 (2012 Regular Session) amends Article III, Section 2(A)(2), Article X, Section 29(C) and Article XIII, Section 1(A).
Present Constitution provides that any bill to be introduced in either house shall be prefiled no later than 5:00 p.m. of the tenth calendar day prior to the first day of a regular session; thereafter no member of the legislature may introduce more than five bills, except as provided in the joint rules of the legislature.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment provides that: (a) No member of the legislature may introduce more than five bills that were not prefiled, except as provided in the joint rules of the legislature; (b) Except for any bill effecting any change in laws relating to any retirement system for public employees, any bill that is to be prefiled for introduction in either house shall be prefiled no later than 5:00 p.m. of the tenth calendar day prior to the first day of a regular session; and (c) Any bill to effect any change in laws relating to
any retirement system for public employees that is to be prefiled for introduction in either house shall be prefiled no later than 5:00 p.m. of the forty-fifth calendar day prior to the first day of a regular session.
Present Constitution provides that no proposal to effect any change in existing laws or constitutional provisions relating to any retirement system for public employees shall be introduced in the legislature unless notice of intention to introduce the proposal has been published, without cost to the state, in the official state journal on two separate
days with the last day of publication to be at least thirty days before introduction of the bill.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment retains present constitution, except changes the last day of publication in the official state journal to be at least sixty days before introduction of the bill.
Present Constitution provides that an amendment to this constitution may be
proposed by joint resolution at any regular session of the legislature and requires the resolution to be prefiled at least ten days before the beginning of the session in accordance with the rules of the house in which introduced.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment requires any joint resolution proposed at a regular session of the legislature which effects any change in constitutional provisions relating to any retirement system for public employees to be prefiled no later than 5:00 p.m. of the forty-fifth calendar day prior to the first day of the session.
4. Act 875 (2012 Regular Session) amends Article VII, Section 21(K)(1).
Present Constitution provides an additional homestead exemption on property which is owned and occupied by a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 100% by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Further provides that the surviving spouse shall be eligible for this exemption if the exemption was in effect on the property prior to the death of the veteran and the surviving spouse remains the owner of the property.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment provides that the surviving spouse shall be eligible for this exemption if the surviving spouse occupies and remains the owner of the property, whether or not the exemption was in effect on the property prior to the death of the veteran.
5. Act 868 (2012 Regular Session) adds Article X, Section 29(G).
Proposed Constitutional Amendment authorizes the legislature to provide for the forfeiture of all or part of the benefits from a public retirement system, plan, or fund in this state by any public servant who is convicted of a felony associated with and committed during his public service or employment. Further provides that the legislature may provide for the application of all or part of any forfeited retirement benefits to the unfunded accrued liability of the system, plan or fund.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment provides that the forfeiture of public retirement benefits shall apply only to persons employed, re-employed, or elected on or after January 1, 2013 and only to retirement benefits earned on or after January 1, 2013.
6. Act 869 (2012 Regular Session) adds Article VII, Section 21(L).
Proposed Constitutional Amendment authorizes the governing authority of New Iberia to enter into contracts to provide for the exemption from ad valorem taxes on property annexed by the city after January 1, 2013, which contracts are effective only if approved by a 2/3 vote of the members of the governing authority of the city. Further provides that a contract shall grant the property owner the exemption for up to five calendar years and the contract may be renewed for up to five additional years if the renewal is approved by a 2/3 vote of the members of the governing authority.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment requires all property exempted pursuant to a contract to be listed on the assessment rolls and submitted to the Louisiana Tax Commission or its successor and that no taxes shall be collected during the period of the exemption; however, the exemption authorized shall in no way affect or impair the security of any bonds payable from the proceeds of the tax. Authorizes the legislature
to provide by law for implementation of these provisions.
7. Act 870 (2012 Regular Session) amends Article VIII, Sections 5(B)(1), 6(B)(1), and
7(B)(1) and Article X, Sections 3(A) and 43(A) and adds Article VIII, Section 8(D).
Present Constitution provides that the Board of Regents, Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System, Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Board of Supervisors of Southern University shall each be composed of two members from each congressional district, which prior to congressional reapportionment after the 2010 census consisted of seven congressional districts, and one member from the state at large appointed by the governor with the consent of the senate.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment retains the same number of members for eachboard at fifteen members, of which two shall be appointed from each congressional district which after congressional reapportionment is now six congressional districts and the remaining member or members shall be appointed from the state at large.
Present Constitution provides that the Board of Supervisors of Community and
Technical Colleges shall be composed of fifteen members appointed by the governor and two members shall be appointed from each congressional district, which prior to congressional reapportionment after the 2010 census consisted of seven congressional districts, and the remaining member or members shall be appointed from the state at large.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment provides with respect to the Board of Regents, Board of Supervisors for the University of Louisiana System, Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University, Board of Supervisors of Southern University and Board of Supervisors of Community and Technical Colleges, beginning on January 3, 2013 and beginning every ten years thereafter, on the day the members of congress from the newly reapportioned congressional districts take office, any vacancy occurring on the board from a congressional district from which there are two or more board members shall be filled by appointment of an individual from a congressional district from which
there are less than two members. Further provides that after the membership of the board includes two members from each congressional district, the next vacancy shall be filled by an appointment from the state at large.
Present Constitution provides that the State Civil Service Commission and the State Police Commission shall each be composed of seven members with no more than one appointed member from each congressional district.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment retains the same number of members for each commission at seven members, of which at least one appointed member shall be from each congressional district.
8. Act 871 (2012 Regular Session) adds Article VII, Section 21(L).
Proposed Constitutional Amendment authorizes the Board of Commerce and
Industry to enter into a contract granting an exemption from ad valorem property taxesfor property owned or leased by, and used by, a targeted non-manufacturing business in the operation of its facility. Further provides that the exemption is available only to a business which has at least 50% of its total annual sales from its Louisiana site or sites to out-of-state customers or buyers, or to in-state customers or buyers for resale to an out-of-state customer or buyer for ultimate use, or to the federal government or any
combination thereof.
Proposed Constitutional Amendment provides that the first $10,000,000 or 10% of fair market value, whichever is greater, of the facility property, the land underlying the facility and other property pertaining to the facility on which ad valorem taxes have previously been paid, inventories, consumables and property eligible for the manufacturing exemption shall not be exempt. Further provides that the contracts shall only be available in parishes which have agreed to participate in the program, in the manner provided by the legislature by law.
9. Act 876 (2012 Regular Session) amends Article III, Section 13.
Present Constitution provides that no local or special law shall be enacted unless notice of the intent to introduce a bill to enact such a law has been published on two separate days, without cost to the state, in the official journal of the locality where the matter to be affected is situated. Further provides that the last day of publication shall be thirty days prior to introduction of the bill, requires the notice to state the substance of the contemplated law, and requires every bill to recite that the notice has been given. Proposed Constitutional Amendment retains present constitution and provides that no local or special law to create a security district shall be enacted unless notice of the intent to introduce the bill has been published on three separate days, without cost to the state, in the official journal of the locality where the district is to be situated.
Requires the last day of publication of the notice to be at least thirty days prior to
introduction of the bill. Further requires the notice to state the substance of the contemplated law, to disclose whether the governing authority of the district would be authorized by the contemplated law to impose and collect a parcel fee within the district, whether the parcel fee will be imposed or may be increased without an election, and the maximum amount of the parcel fee if a maximum amount is set forth in the contemplated law. Further requires every bill to recite that the required notice has been given.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Judicial Candidates will be in South Bossier Monday
The three candidates for District Judge will be in attendance at the South Bossier Citizen’s Assembly meeting on Monday. Whit Graves, Mike Nerren and John Slattery will be there for a meet and greet at 5:30. The meeting is at 6 PM.
State Senator Barrow Peacock and Councilman Scott Irwin will also attend.
The meeting will be held at the Shady Grove Recreation Center at 3949 Wayne Avenue.
Monday, October 22, 2012
Candidate Contributions in 26th JDC Judge's Race
If anyone is interested in checking out the contributions to the candidates for judge, here are the links.
Michael J. (Mike) Nerren
Whitley R. (Whit) Graves
John B. Slattery, Jr.
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