On the East Bank, four candidates, all Republicans,
are vying for the 24th JDC, Division D Judge seat vacated by Judge
Robert Murphy. The winner will serve the remaining year of Murphy’s former term
and be subject to re-election next year.
The four, all attorneys, are:
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Hilary Landry of Metairie. Landry has been a
private practice attorney and also the head of the Jefferson Parish Drug Court
Prosecutions from 2008 – 2012.She has been endorsed by The Alliance for Good
Government and the Jefferson Chamber PAC among others.
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Lorraine Perkins McInnis of Metairie. McInnis is
a private attorney and is the past President of Jefferson Bar Association.
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Scott Schlegel of Metairie. Schlegel was a
Felony Prosecutor in Jefferson Parish from 2009 – 2012 and was a Prosecutor in
the Jefferson Parish Family Violence Unit from 2007 – 2008. Prior to that he was
also a private practice attorney.
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John Sudderth of River Ridge. Sudderth began his
career as an Orleans Parish Prosecutor and has also been an Assistant Attorney
General for the state under then-AG Charles Foti. He has also worked as a
private practice and corporate attorney.
Voters also can cast early ballots for Mayors and City
Councilmen in Gretna and Westwego.
In Gretna, former Councilmen Belinda Constant (D) and
Vincent Cox (R) square off for Mayor. The Alliance for Good Government has endorsed
Constant.
In Gretna Council District 2, Democrat Carl Contranchis
faces Joseph Marino III and Sherman Rogers. Marino and Rogers are not
affiliated with any political party. The Alliance endorsed Marino.
In a lively race, four candidates are vying for Gretna
Council District 3 as Rodney Hinrichs (No Party), Elaine Molaison Johnson (R),
Mark Miller (R) and “Milos” Valenta (No Party), face off. Valenta was endorsed
by The Alliance For Good Government, which subsequently rescinded their
endorsement.
Shifting to Westwego, three candidates are seeking the
position of Mayor. Ted Munch (D), Johnny Shaddinger Jr. (D) and Lisa Valence
(R) meet. Shaddinger is the Incumbent while Munch is the former Councilman for
District 2. Voters are also familiar with Valance as she ran against Shaddinger
in 2009 and was also on the Westwego City Council.
The Jefferson Voters Federation (JVF) endorsed Munch while
the Alliance endorsed Shaddinger.Al Kaiser and Johnny Nobles Jr. are running for the District 2 Westwego Council seat. The JVF and Alliance endorsed Kaiser.
In Westwego District 3 Council race, Democrats Norman
Fonseca and current Councilman Ivy Rogers meet. Rogers was endorsed by the JVF
and the Alliance.
Westwego District 4 features three opponents: Harris
Camardelle (No Party), Democratic Incumbent Melvin Guidry and Republican
Garrison “Gary” Toups. Guidry received the support of the JVF and the Alliance.
And in District 5, Democrat John Poche’ and Courtney Watts
Reyes (No Party) face Republican Incumbent Larry Warino. Warino also received
the endorsement of both the JVF and Alliance.
At a forum Wednesday night, all of the Westwego candidates,
except for Reyes, signed a pledge stating that they would support an end to the
Crescent City Connection tolls.
Election day is April 6th. A runoff, if required,
will be held on May 4th, as will the revote of the Crescent City
Connection toll extension.
