Predictions Anyone?

Tuesday is election day, and while there are very few people who are undecided at this point, the candidates are pulling out all of the stops in order to get their message out until the very last moment.
I'm neither an expert nor a prophet (unless my predictions turn out to be true and then I'll claim both titles). This is how I see several of the elections, just based on what I've observed and on discussions I have had with a number of people. Please post your opinions and predictions in the comments section.
School Board
Three seats are in play. 
District 3: Incumbent Tammy Armer Smith was redistricted out of her District 4 seat and is running against incumbent Frank Kelly for the District 3 seat. It's an unusual situation, but I believe that Tammy has the edge.
Winner: Tammy Armer Smith
District 4: The seat being vacated by Tammy is being contested by three people, Richard Phipps II, Elizabeth Foster and Bill Lott. It appears that all are good candidates, but I don't have enough input or intuition to make a call in this one.
District 9: Incumbent Eddy Ray Presley is being challenged by Eric Newman. This one had possibilities, Presley offended a lot of people last year with his remarks about 'the morons in South Bossier'. With lawsuits and a lot of talk about bullying in South Bossier schools, this could have given Newman a platform to work with. From what I can tell, he hasn't taken advantage of it and appears to be a 'me too' candidate.
Winner: Eddy Presley
Bossier City Marshal
Will the Fox get into the Henhouse? Carl Wayne Richard is making another run for the office, this time against Marshal's Captain Jim Whitman. In the beginning, I would have given Richard the edge simply because of name recognition. Whitman, who was not that well known, has introduced himself and presented himself well to the public. Considering that he has some powerful backing, and that Richard has some baggage, I think Whitman has caught up.
Winner: Jim Whitman
District Attorney
This is a fascinating campaign. When Whit Graves first announced, he knew it was an uphill battle. At that time I would have predicted that incumbent Schuyler Marvin would carry 60% of the vote, but there are a couple of things that factor into the race. First, this is a two-parish Judicial District, consisting of Bossier and Webster Parishes. Webster Parish, where Schuyler is from, comprises about 20% of the District. Bossier, where Graves lives, is 80%. As one person who is very familiar with the system and with both of the candidates observed, at some point the tail will stop wagging the dog. It is an interesting dynamic and one that might come into play. Second, Graves has run an aggressive campaign, and from the people I've talked to, has drawn points with his attacks on the DA's Investigator, who was convicted of a misdemeanor in the past. (I apologize for originally calling this a felony, it wasn't). 
This same investigator was a close friend of confessed killer and convicted robber Larry Thompson. This has caused concern to a number of people that I have heard from and sent that race into topsy-turvy mode.
Winner: Too close to call
Shreveport Mayor's Race
A small part of Shreveport is in Bossier Parish, certainly not enough to make a difference in this election. I am only posting this because at this point I'm glad that I don't live in Shreveport and glad that I don't have to deal with it.
This race has taken a very ugly turn, with accusations of mental disabilities and a 50 year old domestic abuse/murder case coming into play. 
I look forward to election night and seeing what the results are. As I said in the beginning of this post, I would love to see how you all see things. Please comment.

Unfortunate Incident with SPD Upsets Household

I'm linking to the full account of this so you can get it from the original source. Suffice it to say that the people involved are upstanding, law abiding citizens (a teacher and a retired BCPD Lieutenant) who were doing nothing but sitting in their living room watching the World Series.
Here's the story:

Shreveport Police Storm the Wrong House and Draw Down on Innocent Citizen

Bossier election 2014 - Where's the Money?

Candidates have filed the reports that are required 30 days before election by the Louisiana Ethics Board disclosing contributions and disbursements.
I checked out the ones affecting Bossier's two big races, for DA and for City Marshal.
As expected, incumbent Schuyler Marvin has a huge financial advantage over Whit Graves. Schuyler went into the election with a hefty war chest of $282,396.87. He has received contributions of $166,665.27 and has spent $189,397.60, leaving $250,837.70 on hand.
During the reporting period Whit has $28,454.63 in contributions, has loaned himself $15,000, and has disbursements of $16,152.77, leaving $24,747.23 on hand.
In the race for City Marshal, Jim Whitman has collected $107,105.97 in contributions plus a $6,950 loan to himself. His disbursements are $77,654.95 leaving $25,710.05 on hand.
Since the incumbent, Lynn Austin, is not running, Whitman is the de-facto incumbent. He works for the Marshal and has his endorsement. During the special election to replace Johnny Wyatt, at this point in the race Austin had $90,800 in contributions compared to Whitman's $107,105.97. Equally interesting is the fact that Carl Wayne Richard, in that election at the 30 day out point, had only $7,700. This time around at the same point he has contributions of $36,431.79 along with a $23,000 loan. He has disbursements of $41,686.40, leaving him with a total of $18,173.51.
In the 2011 election, Lynn Austin won outright with 54% of the vote. Carl Richard had 30% and Sam Wyatt 16%. Lynn Austin is a former police chief and city CAO. Jim Whitman is an employee of the Marshal's office and doesn't have the high profile that Austin enjoyed. This race is also much more financially balanced between the two candidates.
I won't make a prediction, but I do believe that it is a squeaker.

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.

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.

Ex-Sheriff Indicted

Former Bossier Sheriff Larry Deen, along with Clinton Blakey & Clifton Blakey, have been indicted by a Federal Grand Jury.
The charges against each are Federal Program Theft and conspiracy to commit Federal Program Theft. The Blakeys are also charged with a tax violation in failing to file an IRS Tax Form 8300 on the transaction.
The Times has the best account of the scheme, you can read it here.

Please Help

In a tragic accident Saturday at Brownlee Road and Benton Road the life of a six year old was taken.
Serderrio Thomas, Jr. was a Kindergarten student at Benton Elementary. A website has been set up to help the family with funeral expenses. 
LINK
If possible, please do something to help and keep everyone involved in your prayers.

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.

They're Here! Candidates qualify for local offices

Candidates for the November 4th election qualified this week. Of course we have a Senate race between Mary Landrieu and Bill Cassidy. Along with several other filers, Rob Maness is getting some attention, but it doesn't look like enough to make a big difference. I wouldn't take bets on this one either way.
4th District Representative John Fleming has two opponents, Libertarian Randall Lord of Shreveport and Democrat Justin Ansley of Bossier City. I couldn't find much information on Ansley, but did find a Google+ page. From the content of this page, I'd be pretty certain that this is our guy. Randall Lord's website is here.
Fleming shouldn't break a sweat on this one.
Foster Campbell is running for re-election with one challenger. He should not have a problem getting re-elected, he is very popular in the rural parishes.

The two races that most people are focused on are for Bossier City Marshal, where Carl Wayne Richard (website) is challenging establishment candidate Jim Whitman (website). Richard ran a strong race against Lynn Austin in the special election to fill the spot that was vacated with the unfortunate death of Johnny Wyatt.

Probably the hottest race is for District Attorney, where Whit Graves (website) (Facebook) is challenging incumbent Schuyler Marvin (Facebook). This one is guaranteed to get nasty before it’s over.

Judges Craig, Cox, Nerren and Self are unopposed.  Two judges are retiring; Charles Jacobs will replace Judge John Robinson and Jeff Thompson will replace Judge Ford Stinson.

Tommy Wilson, the incumbent Bossier City Judge, is unopposed.

In Plain Dealing, incumbent Mayor Wiley Joe Robinson is being challenged by Donna Canales, while incumbent Marshal Ronnie Murray has two opponents, Tim Cannon and Chuck Spraggins.

I don’t even pretend to understand the Justice of the Peace districts. They number 1, 3, 4, 5 & 6. A couple of the districts have two judges.

In District 1, longtime incumbent Tom Carleton is stepping down. Bill Shelton has filed for the position. Linda Carter, Cliff Cannon and Homer Sullivan have all filed for District 3. Julia Budwah and Lorraine Ragsdale, the incumbents in Districts 4 & 5 respectively, are unopposed. In District 6 Ron Eastridge, Charles Gray, David Cook and James M Keith have all qualified.

In the races for Constable, Scooter Rushing and Brandon Oswalt have filed in District 1. District 3 has five candidates qualified. They are Jerry Jenkins, Stephen Smith, John Craft, Rick Blalock & Eddie Chandler. Ron Matlock is the sole candidate in District 4 as is Charles Sholz in District 5. Jeffrey Weems, Wayne Berry & Kenneth Stephens have all qualified in District 6.

Last, but certainly not least, are the races for School Board.  There will be some changes in the makeup of the board.

District 1: Incumbent Jack Raley is stepping down and being replaced by Billie Brotherton, the only candidate to qualify. Mrs. Brotherton retired from the school system as a vice-principal and should bring some good experience and perspective to the job.

District 2: Brad Bockhaus is the incumbent and is unopposed.

District 3: Frank Kelly (website), who was elected last year, is being challenged by incumbent Tammy Armer Smith from District 4. I’m assuming this is due to a change in the district’s boundaries. Someone can correct me if I’m wrong.

District 4: Richard Phipps II, Elizabeth Foster and William Lott have all qualified for this seat to replace Tammy Smith.

District 5: Mike Monsour, the incumbent, is unchallenged.

District 6: Incumbent Glen Bullard not challenged.

District 7: Incumbent J. W. Slack not challenged.

District 8: Incumbent Kenneth Wiggins has no challengers.

District 9: Incumbent Eddy Ray Presley is being challenged by Eric Newman. Presley was caught up in controversy last year when he referred to the ‘morons in South Bossier’ in reference to a petition to fire Parkway Principal Nichole Bourgeois. We’ll get into more detail about this one in a later post.

District 10: Samm Darby is unopposed for re-election.

District 11: Shane Cheatham is the sole candidate and will be the new Board member.

District 12: Likewise for Dennis Bamburg who is the only candidate in the district.

We’ll try to keep up with Districts 3, 4 & 9 and update you on those.

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.

In Memory of Vol Dooley

I think everyone in Bossier Parish knew Vol Dooley. The Dooleys lived just down the street from us at the time that I graduated from Benton High School in 1965, just a stone's throw from where our current sheriff grew up. Good family, good people. 

I could write a lot here, but will just let the sheriff's press release give the information.

Former Bossier Parish Sheriff Vol S. Dooley, Jr., 87, who served as Sheriff from 1976 to 1988, passed away Monday evening in Bossier City following a lengthy illness.

Dooley began his law enforcement career with the Louisiana State Police in 1950 when he was 23 years old. He served four years as a trooper with Troop G and joined the Bossier Sheriff’s Office in 1954. Dooley served as chief deputy to Sheriff Willie Waggonner and was appointed to fill the remainder of Waggonner’s term when he died in 1976. Dooley then went on to win a special election for Sheriff later that year, and he served as the chief law enforcement officer for Bossier Parish for 12 years until 1988 after losing his re-election bid to Larry Deen.

Upon retirement from the Bossier Sheriff’s Office in 1988, Dooley continued service as the security director for Caddo/Bossier Port Commission until retirement.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth; daughter, Patsy Netherland; sons, Steve Dooley, Mike Dooley, Autry Brown, Dennis Brown and Ricky Brown. He was predeceased by his son, Bubba Dooley.

“Sheriff Dooley committed his life to law enforcement after starting his career as a trooper, then as a deputy and Sheriff and as security for the Port,” said Bossier Sheriff Julian Whittington. “I considered Vol a close friend, and my thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”

Visitation will be Aug. 14 from 5 – 7 p.m. at Cypress Baptist Church in Benton, and the funeral service will be held Aug. 15 at 11 a.m. at Cypress Baptist Church, followed by burial at Hillcrest Cemetery in Haughton. Bro. Billy Pierce, former pastor of Cypress Baptist Church, and Chad Mills, pastor of Airline Baptist Church, will officiate.