By Stacey Tinsley, Bossier Press-Tribune
Bossier Parish District Court Judge Parker Self has issued a ruling that could reshape the future of Bossier City’s political leadership for years to come. On Monday, Sept. 9, 2024, Judge Self ordered the Bossier City Council to place a term limits proposition on an upcoming election ballot. Thus, voters inside of the Bossier City city limits will soon be able to decide whether term limits should be imposed upon their city related elected officials.
The ruling comes after more than a year of debate on the issue, which has drawn significant attention in and around Bossier Parish and beyond.
Shortly after the ruling, the group “Bossier Term Limits” posted a statement on Facebook, expressing satisfaction with the outcome.
“Judge Parker Self has ruled and ORDERED the City of Bossier City and the City Council to ‘perform its non-discretionary/mandatory duty of calling an election to submit to the voters the proposed propositions which would serve to amend the Bossier City City Charter as proposed in this petition.’ We would like to thank Dannie P. Garrett III for his excellent work,” the group wrote.
In response to the ruling, Bossier City Mayor Tommy Chandler released a statement clarifying his position on the matter.
“I did not bring the suit. I appreciate Judge Self’s timely response to the case, and I am proud that the citizens of Bossier will have an opportunity for their voices to be heard on the issue of term limits,” Chandler said.
Voters will now have the chance to determine whether term limits should be established for City of Bossier City elected officials, marking a significant step in the ongoing discussion about the future of the political landscape in Bossier City.