Bossier City Council Challenges Court Order on Term Limits
Bossier City, La. — In a recent City Council meeting that had residents buzzing, the council members found themselves in a tug-of-war with the law. On Tuesday, three councilmen decided to walk a different path, effectively defying a court order to consider calling for an election regarding term limits. The drama unfolded just one day after District Judge Parker Self instructed the council to comply with the law and address the matter of term limits.
The Details of the Meeting
So, here’s how things went down: the topic of the term limits was not included on the council’s regular agenda. City Attorney Charles Jacobs stepped in, requesting an amendment to add it. However, to pass this amendment, the entire council needed to vote unanimously, which didn’t happen.
Council members Jeffery Darby, David Montgomery, and Vince Maggio voted against adding the amendment, effectively putting the brakes on any consideration of the election. Their votes stood in stark contrast to fellow council members Don Williams, Chris Smith, and Brian Hammons, who expressed support for the motion.
A Divided Council and Community
The meeting wasn’t just a gathering of the council; it also became a platform for community members to express their views. Three citizens spoke up, emphasizing the importance of following the judge’s ruling. Among them was Cassie Rogers, a passionate advocate from the Bossier City Term Limits Coalition, who spearheaded the petition for term limits.
“We are divided. Let’s come back together,” Rogers implored the council. Unfortunately, her call for unity seemed to fall on deaf ears, as the council voted down the amendment.
Frustration from the Public
After the council’s decision, community member David Crockett couldn’t hold back his frustration. “This is clearly just a way that some of the City Council are delaying because they want to hold power,” he asserted. Crockett raised concerns that some councilmen might even be eyeing a run for mayor, questioning, “Who would let you run when you’re fighting the will of the people?”
It was evident that emotions were running high; the sentiment in the room was one of discontent and disillusionment with the council’s actions. Rogers returned to the microphone, calling the council’s behavior “fraud, waste, and abuse,” while highlighting that the judge’s ruling was a clear win for the citizens.
Legal Battles and Public Dissent
In the backdrop of this situation, it’s crucial to note that the five council members who opposed considering term limits—Darby, Montgomery, Maggio, Williams, and Jeff Free—have filed an appeal against the judge’s ruling. This indicates that the fight over term limits is far from over.
As Rogers emphasized, this isn’t just about legalities; it’s about the citizens’ right to have their voice heard. “It was deemed in a court of law the arguments rendered by the five council members who are fighting us tooth and nail that there was no reason for the fight,” she pointed out. “The judge awarded the citizens the power to put something on the ballot because you refuse to, even though the charter tells you, you must.”
Looking Forward
As the dust settles from this council meeting, many in Bossier City are left wondering what comes next. The ongoing battle over term limits reflects larger issues of governance and representation within the city. Will the council ultimately heed the call for an election, or will this saga continue to unfold in the courts?
This situation not only highlights the divisions within the council but also shows the passionate engagement of Bossier City’s residents. The outcome of the term limits election could significantly impact the political landscape moving forward, and it’s clear that many citizens are ready and willing to stand up for their rights.
Stay tuned, Bossier City. This is a story that’s is still in the making.
