Bossier City Charter Amendments Deferred as Controversy and Legal Challenges Emerge

Bossier City Charter Amendments Postponed Amid Controversy

Bossier City, Louisiana, has found itself at the center of a political whirlwind as proposed amendments to the city’s charter, including term limits for elected officials, will not appear on the ballot for the upcoming special election on December 7th. This decision was made during a state bond commission meeting on Monday, where State Treasurer John Fleming, who chairs the commission, recommended deferring the city’s request. He believes that the controversy surrounding the proposed changes should be resolved by Bossier City residents first. “I just think this controversy needs to be resolved by the people that affects it most, and that’s the people of Bossier City,” Fleming stated. “When they’re finished battling this out and coming to a resolution, that they present that back to us. There’s no emergency. This doesn’t have to be done in December. It can be done next year if necessary.”

A Legal Challenge on the Horizon

The situation has become even more tangled as local resident Ruth Ann Johnston has filed a petition in Bossier District Court. Her petition seeks a temporary restraining order and a permanent injunction to halt the city from calling a special election, claiming that the city has not adhered to specific deadlines and requirements. Johnston insists that the city council fell short of a 60-day notice period necessary to call an election and failed to provide adequate public notice for the proposed charter revisions. “These violations could result in a costly and legally flawed election,” Johnston remarked. Currently, Johnston’s restraining order is awaiting a judge’s signature and a scheduled hearing date. Interestingly, Fleming acknowledged Johnston’s petition as a contributing factor in the commission’s decision to defer the election.

Community Voices Weigh In

During the same bond commission meeting, members of the Bossier Term Limits Coalition, such as David Crockett and Michael Duke Lowrie, voiced their concerns. They requested that the commission either defer or outright deny the city’s request for an election, feeling that the proposed amendments should not merely reflect the city council’s desires but truly represent the will of the people. The coalition has been an advocate for retroactive term limits that would disallow current officeholders who have served three or more terms from running again. While the charter commission’s proposal includes term limits for the mayor and council members, their plan does not impose retroactive limits, which has led to disappointment among some residents.

Contentions Among Council Members

Crockett expressed concerns about the council’s process in advancing the amendments, describing it as “rushed and improper.” Lowrie added that the city failed to meet crucial deadlines, reiterating Johnston’s point regarding the 60-day notification requirement. He stated, “It’s clear, 60 days. They have not met that standard and they still have not publicized it to the public.” In contrast, Assistant City Attorney Richard Ray defended the council’s actions, asserting that everything has been conducted properly by a duly impaneled Charter Review Commission.

Stirrings of Confusion

Disagreement continues among council members regarding their stance on term limits. Ray indicated that different council members hold opposing views on the issue, emphasizing that the voters indeed initiated this dialogue by supporting candidates who campaigned on term limits and related topics. From his perspective, delaying the bond commission’s vote could create even more complications down the line.

What Lies Ahead?

With ongoing litigation and discussions surrounding these charter amendments, it seems that Bossier City is in for a tumultuous period. Many residents are eager to see how this situation unfolds, as it may decisively impact their city’s governance in the future.

In the heart of these deliberations, Bossier City citizens are encouraged to stay informed, discuss these issues among themselves, and most importantly, remember that the power lies in their hands to shape the future of their community. As politicians, activists, and everyday citizens continue to engage in this debate, it’s crucial for everyone involved to feel heard and valued.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as Bossier City navigates its way through these significant changes!