Randy Brown, Bossier Press-Tribune
Bossier Parish voters went to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3, to decide several local races, along with statewide and federal contests. One of the most closely watched local races was the Bossier City marshal’s election, where Republican Jim Whitman defeated Republican Brian Hammons, receiving 62% of the vote to Hammons’ 38%.
According to unofficial results, voter turnout in the marshal’s race was 39.3%. Whitman’s victory keeps him in the marshal’s office, where he has served as city marshal since 2015. Hammons, who serves as Bossier City Council president and represents District 1, challenged Whitman for the position.
Other contested local races included two constable/justice of the peace district elections and a race for the Haughton Board of Aldermen
In Constable/Justice of the Peace District 4, Republican Ronald “Ron” Matlock defeated no-party candidate H.D. Ainsworth, receiving 65% of the vote to Ainsworth’s 35%. Unofficial turnout in the race was 49.4%. In District 5, Republican Andy “Peter” Modica defeated no-party candidate Stephen Donihoo, 81% to 19%. Unofficial turnout was 51%.
In the Town of Haughton’s alderman race, Republican Beth McAnn defeated fellow Republican Tarrah Dobbins, receiving 59% of the vote to Dobbins’ 41%. Unofficial turnout was 41.4%.
Bossier Parish voters also participated in several races involving multiple parishes and statewide constituencies
In the race to fill the District 5 seat on the Louisiana Public Service Commission, held by longtime commissioner Foster Campbell, Republican John Atkins defeated Democrat James Green, 59% to 41%. Unofficial turnout was 46.7%. In the race for Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District, Republican incumbent and current U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson defeated four other candidates, receiving 58% of the vote districtwide. Unofficial turnout in the congressional race was 47.8%. In the statewide race for one of Louisiana’s two U.S. Senate seats, Republican Julia Letlow defeated Democratic challenger Jamie Davis, receiving 53% of the vote to Davis’ 47%. Unofficial turnout was 49.3%.
Voters Decide 10 Louisiana Constitutional Amendments
Louisiana voters also considered 10 proposed constitutional amendments on the Nov. 3 ballot. Based on the unofficial results provided, seven amendments passed and three failed.
The amendments and their statewide results were:
Amendment 1 — Passed, 75% to 25%: Allows a one-time transfer of a property tax exemption for the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran.
Amendment 2 — Failed, 58% to 42%: Allows a taxing authority to continue a lower millage rate without losing the ability to adjust the maximum rate.
Amendment 3 — Passed, 68% to 32%: Prohibits defendants convicted of certain offenses against a child from being released on bail.
Amendment 4 — Passed, 56% to 44%: Sets a lifetime term limit on a person who has served as governor for more than one and one-half terms.
Amendment 5 — Failed, 62% to 38%: Authorizes retirement systems to apply funds to any unfunded accrued liability, rather than only the oldest liability.
Amendment 6 — Passed, 64% to 36%: Authorizes an additional property tax exemption for property owners who are 65 or older.
Amendment 7 — Passed, 65% to 35%: Authorizes the use of public funds to identify, inventory, remove or replace certain water lines.
Amendment 8 — Passed, 63% to 37%: Prohibits the expropriation of property by a foreign adversary or an agent of a foreign adversary.
Amendment 9 — Passed, 59% to 41%: Increases the income limit to qualify for the special assessment level for a homestead exemption.
Amendment 10 — Failed, 53% to 47%: Allows a property tax exemption for rehabilitated blighted property under conditions provided by law.
Shreveport Races Also Affect Bossier Parish Voters
Several Shreveport municipal races also involved voters living in portions of Bossier Parish that fall within the city limits of Shreveport.
Incumbent Republican Mayor Tom Arceneaux, who received 36% of the vote, will face Democrat Stormy Gage Watts, who received 23%, in a December runoff. Unofficial Bossier Parish turnout was 35.7% Democrat Tabitha Taylor was reelected to the Shreveport City Council District A seat, defeating Republican Hahn Williams, 85% to 15%.
Democrat Gary Brooks was reelected to the District B seat, defeating four other candidates and receiving 52% of the vote. Unofficial Bossier Parish turnout was 33.6%.
And, Republican Jim Taliaferro was reelected to the District C seat, defeating no-party candidate Mark Black, 66% to 34%. Unofficial Bossier Parish turnout was 31.9%.
There was also a property tax renewal for Shreveport’s Downtown Development District which is a tax of 9.04 Mills Cont. – CC – 25 years. The results were: Yes – 56% and No – 44%. Unofficial Bossier Parish Turnout was 32.7%.
The 25-year property tax continuation applies only to property located within the legally defined boundaries of Shreveport’s Downtown Development District. It does not apply to all Shreveport property owners or to Bossier Parish. The proceeds from this tax are designated for the benefit of the Downtown Development District and are administered by the Downtown Development Authority. The continuation runs from 2028 through 2052.
Photo Cutline: Bossier Press-Tribune — Bossier City Marshal Jim Whitman and his wife, Vicky, attend Whitman’s campaign watch party Tuesday, Nov. 3, at Lucky Palace at Louisiana Downs in Bossier City. Whitman was reelected as city marshal, defeating challenger Brian Hammons.
