The Louisiana Weekly’s 2020 Election recommendations
19th October 2020 · 0 Comments
Early voting began in Louisiana on Friday, October 16, and if ever there was an election where the electorate should run to the polls as fast as possible, it is today — and everyday until early voting ends on October 27. Even if one waits until November 3 to cast a ballot, there should be no excuse for EVERY PERSON to vote this year.
Innocents die in the streets. The nation screams in uproar. “Black Lives Matter” rings out from countless protests, yet the same contemptuous response from 1600 Pennsylvania Ave., which dismissed COVID-19 as little more dangerous than the “flu,” ridicules the calls for racial justice with munificent contempt. Yet the country has grown as morally sick as Donald Trump pretended that he was not physically (as recently as a week ago), and the incumbent passes his time at rallies infecting more with his germs — and his ideas. The presidential illness must be expunged from the White House, and the body politic forever.
For four years, America has suffered from a virus of division and hate that has eaten away at our institutions — and the very trust of our citizenry in the future. Voters need to expeditiously go to the polls to launch America onto a new path. A renewal of our basic offices of state must constitute our marching orders. Not only must “We the People” act now to remove and replace our national leadership, it is incumbent upon U.S. to elect thoughtful judges, magistrates, constables, justices of the peace, commissioners, and school board members in Orleans and Jefferson.
We need voices of reason and fresh ideas to assume office next year, and they need your vote to get there. For those reasons, here are the recommendations of the
The Louisiana Weekly to aide you in your sacred democratic task.
FEDERAL AND STATE ELECTIONS
Presidential Electors:
Joseph R. Biden & Kamala Harris
The Republic stands at a crossroads. If elected, the former vice president will face the formidable task of re-mending the American Social Fabric—torn asunder by the polarizations of the last four years, and perhaps even longer. If the election of Barack Obama to the Presidency twelve years ago sought to heal an ancient national wound, the elevation of his Vice President to the Oval Office aims to repair the damage inflicted upon our nation in more recent memory.
In the history of our nation, few leaders have stood more capably endowed to bridge our chasmous national divide than Joe Biden. His nearly five decades in public life have highlighted a singular ability to bring together disparate factions in order to legislate social advancement. We dub the Affordable Care Act, Obamacare, yet the person who brought together moderates and liberals to forge the first-ever pathway to universal coverage was by the former President’s reckoning — Joe Biden.
The vice president managed to win 60 votes in the U.S. Senate for a package that expanded coverage drastically, while still maintaining a private-based health care system. It proved a near-impossible task to keep all of the factions on board, and answer GOP complaints at the same time. Joe Biden did it. He accomplished the ACA with his usual Irish charm and diplomatic comportment, and now he runs to improve his signature health care achievement by lowering the Medicare eligibility age by five years, and by adding a voluntary ability to buy into the senior health system, should one’s private insurance premiums cost too much.
We need a coalition-builder in the White House, though, for more than just health care policy. We need Joe Biden to bring together everyone, and let them believe in the common welcoming spirit of America once more. He has already provided the image of hope by asking Senator Kamala Harris to become the first female African-American vice president, and together they shall reach out to create a new national consensus in our fractured political state.
U.S. Senator: Adrian Perkins
In any normal year, the candidacy of the first serious African-American nominee with a chance of winning a U.S. Senate seat from Louisiana would dominate the headlines. That Shreveport Mayor Adrian Perkins has not received the coverage which he deserves constitutes one of the tragedies of this year’s political chaos.
The third Black Mayor of the state’s third largest city, Perkins is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and a former artillery officer who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Upon his election to office, his policies saw crime in Shreveport fall to its lowest level since 1975, while his focus on technology and the health care corridor saw the city’s economy grow faster during the Perkins Administration than under the last few of his predecessors.
Now the Shreveport Mayor seeks to win election as the first Black U.S. Senator from Louisiana, at a time when the events of the last few weeks demonstrate that a partisan change in the Upper House is more than warranted. Perkins has focused his campaign on Senator Bill Cassidy’s failure to provide leadership on the coronavirus pandemic. As one of the Senate’s only doctors, Perkins notes that Cassidy should have been willing to criticize the president on the medical realities, and well as members of his own party. Adrian Perkins’ insights and reformist spirit deserves promotion to the U.S. Senate.
U. S. Representative 1st Congressional District: Lee Ann Dugas
On her website, the Democratic candidate against House Minority Whip Steve Scalise asks four questions of the Republican Party. “1. Where are the job bills you promised? 2. Where are the incentives to improve the economy that you promised? 3. Where is the Republican version of Obamacare you promised? 4. Tell us at least one thing you have done to help the middle class, Senior, or VETERANS!”
Our editors are just as curious as Lee Ann Dugas for those answers. So far Steve Scalise has not replied. They are reasonable questions, and Ms. Dugas deserves your vote until — if ever—ANY member of the GOP Congressional delegation replies.
U. S. Representative 2nd Congressional District: Cedric L. Richmond
The co-chair of the Biden for President campaign, Rep. Richmond has come far. The former Black Caucus Chairman has become one of the most influential Democrats in the country, and should Joe Biden win, will be able to carry the case of Louisiana to the inner most sanctums of the White House. That alone would justify Cedric Richmond’s re-election.
Yet, the Congressman has earned another term by every other metric. He is a tireless advocate for his constituents, and a brilliant legislative leader for the nation. He is the rising star for our state, and if he does not accept a position in a Biden White House, Richmond could easily become the first African-American U.S. House Speaker one day. Vote for Richmond.
Associate Justice Supreme Court, 7th Supreme Court District: Terri Love
The contest for the African-American majority seat on the State Supreme Court had several excellent contenders. Our editors, though, chose for this multi parish seat Appellate Court Judge and Gretna resident Terri Love.
Judge Love impressed our editors secondarily with her commitment to Rule 10, that the court should always give clear pronouncements on the law, not always a strength of the Supreme Court. She wishes to create a task force to investigate judicial delay. However, her desire for judges to rule expeditiously in clear and constitutional language, usually a primary reason to endorse, paled in comparison to her commitment to judicial transparency.
The Supreme Court has created a judicial ethics system where complaints against judges are never released to the public unless the Judge in question receives a serious reprimand. Such a censure rarely happens, so the ethics rules that apply to other elected officials effectively do not apply to judges. Love wants to change this.
PSC District 1: Eric Skrmetta
The incumbent Public Service Commissioner for much of the Greater New Orleans Region has proven a rarity— his work on protecting vital electric infrastructure has become required reading amongst his fellow regulators throughout the nation. His efforts are making Louisiana set the national standard on utility security, not a common compliment prior to Skrmetta’s ascension to the PSC.
The Commissioner also has a plan to task electric polls near major roadways as the towers for the next generation 5G Cellular transmitters. This move promises to expand high speed internet to rural communities current lacking efficient speeds, and to lower the cost of internet in urban areas, lessening the digital divide.
ORLEANS PARISH ELECTIONS
District Attorney, Criminal District Court: Arthur Hunter
In the competitive race to succeed Leon Cannizzaro, our editors came to the unanimous opinion that 23-year veteran Criminal Court Judge Arthur Hunter far outshone his opponents. His work to create the state’s first re-entry court, along with Laurie White, allowing non-violent offenders to leave prison early if they successfully complete a rehabilitation program has both reduced recidivism rates and save countless thousands of dollars.
While Arthur Hunter does seek to divert low level marijuana cases into pre-diversion programs and treatment, he does not seek to be soft on crime as the Chief Prosecutor. His work on Domestic Violence cases demonstrates this almost as much as the fact that he was a serving police officer for years before joining the Bar. He believes in a balance between heavily prosecuting violent crime, aiming resources to that purpose, while protecting victim’s rights, and yet not waste time filing the jails with non-violent offenders — who need education mandates rather than solitary confinement.
Judge Hunter’s advocacy of Veterans Courts and Mental Health Courts could revolutionize effective prosecutionary results in Orleans Parish.
Judge Civil District Court, Division E: Dianne Alexander
This former Assistant City Attorney became one New Orleans’ legal experts on housing, a key civil responsibility on her potential docket. Dianne Alexander served as a staff attorney on the Appellate and Supreme Court levels. She is a walking encyclopedia of the law, and would be ready to start work from day one on the Civil District Court. Alexander also knows her community, having a long record of civil engagement that will prove necessary in the domestic cases—in particular—that she will encounter if she wins election. And she should.
Judge Civil District Court, Division F: “Chris” Bruno
Judge Bruno has consistently proven one the hardest working members of the local judiciary, consistently advancing his docket while paying close attention to the elements of his cases. He was one of the first CDC judges to adopt the federal judicial calendar in his court rooms, and lawyers know that they had better be prepared. Bruno will not allow cases to linger for years.
Judge Civil District Court, Division G: Robin Giarrusso
Judge Giarrusso is often called the “soul” of the CDC. Her intrinsic knowledge along with 39-year commitment to the Civil District Court constitutes an invaluable resource to dangerous to lose. She rivals Bruno in the efficiency of moving her docket, and does so with a fair-minded resolve that has won praise, even from her critics.
Judge Civil District Court, Division I: Lori Jupiter
Few first-time judicial candidates are as multi-qualified as Lori Jupiter. Her domestic legal work, matched with her civil litigation experience, create a singularly qualified candidate. Even 22 years ago, friends and co-workers remarked on her judicious manner, and predicted a future for Jupiter on the bench.
With two decades practicing law, Jupiter has become one of the experts on the texts. She served as Research Attorney for La. Justice Bernette Johnson as well as numerous other judges. Her courtroom experience outshines her opponent, and her scholarship, nearly everyone else. Lori Jupiter deserves election to the Civil District Court.
Judge Civil District Court, Domestic Section 1: Bernadette D’Souza
Judge D’Souza was one of the main players literally responsible for the creation of the Domestic Sections of Civil District Court. Throughout her tenure, she has set the gold standard for Family Court jurisprudence.
Judge Criminal District Court, Section A: Laurie A. White
Judge White is the parent of judicial diversion programs in Orleans. She envisioned the potential that could be unleashed if a court provided means for non-violent offenders to make amends without going to prison. She unleashed a revolution that led to the state’s recent criminal justice reform. She stands as a judicial legend, and must be re-elected.
Judge Criminal District Court, Section D: Kimya Holmes
The first words that this candidate told our editors was of her ambition to establish a Drug Court and Mental Health Court in Division D. Kimya Holmes earned our undivided attention, and very quickly our support. She has had a career based on fairness and justice, working both sides of the bar as prosecutor and defense attorney. She seeks to strengthen re-entry court, and reform docket management in the section. She should have the chance to do so.
Judge Criminal District Court, Section E: Rhonda Goode-Douglas
A 20-year veteran of the criminal justice system, she tried over 100 jury trial, and served as an ADA for nearly 15 years. A strong supporter of victim’s rights, Rhonda Goode-Douglas wishes to seek resources to drastically expand pre-diversion and post-diversion programs in Section E. An advocate of judicial transparency, she wants to modernize the Criminal District Court on to a level that leads the state. She should have the chance.
Judge Criminal District Court, Section G: Nandi F. Campbell
In her words, she seeks the following, “Place the CONSTITUTION over CONVICTIONS– to protect citizens’ rights and ensure court decisions are done right—the first time. Establish FLEXCOURT — scheduling court appearances that work with parties, witnesses, and jurors who receive hourly wages to reduce the amount of time spent in court. Uphold TRANSPARENCY and EQUITY in the justice system – Reveal if mitigating and aggravating factors were used to determine a defendant’s sentence. Encourage SENTENCING REVIEW– on a case-by-case basis for incarcerated persons who can demonstrate strides toward becoming productive members of society upon release. Implement ALTERNATIVES to INCARCERATION for non-violent offenses. [And], Strive to organize ONE-STOP EXPUNGEMENT – a monthly public service in partnership with the Clerk, District Attorney and local lawyers.”
Judge Criminal District Court, Section K: Marcus DeLarge
This former teacher and high school athletic director was inspired to go to law school after Hurricane Katrina. He comes from a long line of public servants, and seeks to use his educational background to provide expanded re-entry and post-diversion programs to bring felons back into society.
Judge Criminal District Court, Section L: Franz Zibilich
Zibilich is sometimes known as “the genius of the court”. After a full career as an attorney, he ran for the Criminal District Court, and has been one of the leaders of the En Banc gatherings to develop policy for the entire bench. A respected jurist, he needs another term on the court.
Magistrate Magistrate Section, Criminal District Court:Juana Marine Lombard
This contest has centered on the issue of “ending money bail.” Truthfully, that would require a change in state law, as Ms. Lombard observed to our editors. Instead, she has developed over her decades as in the courts system, an innovative system of “pre-diversion” programs that would keep offenders from missing their court dates, and get them in treatment and employment immediately. “Pre-diversion can become post-diversion as well,” eliminating the need for convictions while keeping the offender on the path of rehabilitation and out of trouble. Her plans for these programs, and suspending money bail where she can, convinced our editors that Ms. Lombard should be elected Magistrate.
Judge Juvenile Court, Section A: Clinton “Clint” Smith
Clint Smith has practiced law for over 30 years. He encompasses the idea that a judicial office should come after an experience career. In point of fact, he has served as an ad hoc judge in both Juvenile Court and Traffic Court, the former bench he ascended in 1995. Hundreds of juveniles adjudicated before him taught Smith a lesson. “The trauma those children suffer needs to be considered.” He proposes that the Court orders a “full assessment” of offenders by a group of social workers and psychologists to assess the best form of intervention services — “not just for the child, but for the family.”
With proper counseling, he explained to our editors, “kids can avoid jail…We must get to the underlining root causes of why this child was changed.” Use of grant writing and public-private partnerships, Smith believes, could underwrite this effort. Matched with a true commitment to moving the moribund docket in Juvenile Court, Clint Smith convinced our editors that he was the best man for the job.
Judge Juvenile Court, Section F: Ranord J. Darensburg
Should he win, Ranord Darensburg will very well stand as the best qualified Juvenile Court Judge ever elected in Orleans Parish. He has been involved with the court for over two decades, serving in multiple capacities, most recently as Clerk of Juvenile Court. He is a trained social worker, as well as an attorney, and has a comprehensive focus on the parish’s troubled youth. He wrote the grant to keep Teen Court functioning, after all.
Now that 17 and 18 year olds will be tried exclusively in Juvenile Court, Darensburg has conceived of innovative ideas to handle the influx, and to gear diversion programs towards finishing a GED rather locking children up. He will take violent offenders to task, but knows that his primary job is to look after troubled kids that with a firm judicial hand, can be saved. By using restitution programs and evening reporting centers, this potential judge may have an impact well beyond the bench. Please vote Darensburg.
Judge Municipal and Traffic Court Division A: Meghan Garvey
Meg Garvey seeks to end the embarrassment which has become Municipal Court. A seasoned attorney, she strives to fix the problems in the court, and even work in the afternoons! She seeks to go through the terrible backlog of cases in Municipal Court, and write grants, seek funding, and get truly thoughtful on mental health issues — a responsibility of this court in New Orleans.
ORLEANS PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Member of School Board District 1: Patrice Sentino
Member of School Board District 2: Chanel M. Payne
Member of School Board District 3: Olin Parker
Member of School Board District 4: Leslie Ellison
Member of School Board District 5: Antoinette Williams
Member of School Board District 6: Carlos L. Zervigon
Member of School Board District 7: Kayonna Armstrong
JEFFERSON PARISH JUDICIAL RACES
District Judge 24th Judicial District Court, ES 2, Div. B: “Chris” Cox
He has worked for Jim Letten’s U.S. Attorney’s office, helping devise the “federal hook” for violent offenders after Hurricane Katrina, in cooperation with the Orleans DA’s office when the justice system was shattered by the floods. He’s served as an Assistant District Attorney in Jefferson as well, and spent several years as the Executive ADA of the office. During that time, he oversaw and drastically expanded the diversion program. He has stood as an advocate for victim’s rights in the courtroom and modernization of the 24th JDC.
District Judge 24th Judicial District Court, ES 2, Div. H: Donald “Chick” Foret
He began his career as an ADA in Harry Connick’s office, and has worked within the criminal system at all levels, including volunteering for years as magistrate for Harahan. He is also a seasoned civil attorney, representing hundreds of Louisianians in BP Oil Spill disaster.
Judge 2nd Parish Court, Division A: Sharlayne Jackson-Prevost
This powerful parish court currently does not reflect the minority-plurality community that it represents. It needs a seasoned ad hoc judge. Jackson-Prevost has served as both a City Attorney and has held court in the Bureau of Adjudication.
Justice of the Peace 1st Justice Court: Jerome Matthews Jr.
Not well known is that the 1st Justice Court has a unique power among the Jefferson JPs. A Justice of the Peace may set bonds in for non-hard labor felony cases, such as simple battery or drugs. This is a powerful criminal magistrate position, in other words, and it deserves someone who reflects the local community. Attorney Jerome Matthews wishes to reform the office, introducing many of the online resources that his fellow JP Mark Spears has pioneered. More importantly, he wants a serious review of the equal treatment of those arrested.
Justice of the Peace 2nd Justice Court: Mark Spears
The former Councilman has effectively modernized his JP Court since his elevation to the bench, using technology and outreach to inform the community about their rights, and their ability to file for redress up to $5000 before his court.
Justice of the Peace 7th Justice Court: Michele Peters Holmes
If the Avondale and Bridge City can boast of one person who is seen at all civic and public events, and whom every resident seems to count as a “close friend,” it is JP Michele Homes.
The long-time local activist help create this African-American majority Justice Court, and it has proven a refuge for small claims and property disputes in the area. Holmes, who also works as a teacher at the International High School in New Orleans, has an educator’s patience and a leader’s focus. She deserves another term.
Constable 2nd Justice Court: No Endorsement
Neither candidate sought the endorsement of The Louisiana Weekly in this race.
Constable 6th Justice Court: Jason Ural
This Kenner, Harahan, and River Ridge seat requires a keen mind and capable countenance to manage eviction notices, as well as the other responsibilities of the office. In his brief time in office, Jason Ural has upgraded the technology of his office, and negotiated understandings with property owners and their tenants that allowed the latter to leave their apartments with dignity, or occasionally manage to stay.
This article originally published in the October 19, 2020 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.
